Mastering Finger Cymbals CD
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Two disk CD set by Mary Ellen Donald (1977; re-mastered 1999; disc released 2005).
After giving a brief lecture on rhythm and cymbal technique, Mary
Ellen presents instructions for combining simple cymbal patterns with
simple dance steps while providing a drum accompaniment throughout. An
introduction to popular belly dance rhythms is included. This CD is
useful for individual and group practice sessions.
Companion to the Mastering Finger Cymbals book sold separately.
Mary Ellen Donald has been involved in Middle Eastern music as a dance
student and a musician since the late 1960's. She is known by many as
the "Guru of finger cymbal playing." Mary Ellen studied dance with
Jamila Salimpour, drum and tambourine with Vince Delgado, Tony Lammam,
and various Arab drummers. She has written, produced and published
several books and tapes on Middle Eastern music. Since the 1970's she
has performed in numerous concerts, on albums including Magda Helmy,
Gallal Kutub, Yusel Mostafa, and Light Rain, and on the soundtrack
ABC-TV series, the Young Indiana Jones. Mary Ellen continues to be in
high demand as a musician, teacher, and organizer of events. Her
youthful vitality and highly developed sensitivity to music may be
partially attributed to her being legally blind. Excerpt from The
Caravan, Vol. 13, #6, May/June 1997
