Nowick Gray is a writer, musician and teacher who has been drumming since 1990. His popular book Roots Jam: Collected Rhythms for Hand Drum and Percussion, instructional web pages and YouTube videos have helped beginning, intermediate and performing drummers understand and play traditional African-based rhythms since 1996. His 2002 book, Roots Jam 2: West African and Afro-Latin Drum Rhythms, broke new ground in the study and compilation of traditional rhythms for drummers of all levels. Roots Jam 3 draws from his experience studying with world drum masters and playing for dance classes, compiling 16 arrangements for West African Drum and Dance, along with original compositions and recordings.
Nowick has studied with a number of African drumming masters including Famoudou Konate, Mamady Keita, Babatunde Olatunji, Alpha Yaya Diallo, Nii Tettey Tetteh and Moussa Traore. He has composed, recorded, and helped to organize a variety of drumming events ranging from all-night jams and trance dances to a world drum fusion clinic.
Nowick toured with the Nelson, BC-based dance troupe Moving Company and with Victoria’s Kikeyambay, featuring Alseny Michel Diallo, and has played with the world percussion band Masala for over 10 years. He also enjoys jamming and recording with the improvisational fusion band Strange Moon. In winters Nowick prefers tropical venues, from beach jams and cafes to dance classes and kirtans.
see also by Nowick Gray:
Alternative Culture Magazine – drum lessons and links
Flutes Jam – tips and scale charts for improvisation
