Author Biography
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. 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. Based in Victoria, BC, Nowick has toured with Kikeyambay, featuring Alseny Michel Diallo, and has performed 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.
