I was allowed to observe a practice ahead of a performance later that night in Kalamazoo, Mich. with musicians Seth Bernard and May Erlewine. Also at the practice was percussionist Mike Shimmin and bassist Andrew Kratzat. During the practice, I recorded video and audio focusing attention on Bernard and Erlewine, a duo in a committed personal and creative relationship. Following the practice, we sat down for an interview.
Mike Shimmin has been invited to sit in during drumming sessions in Africa, Europe and among other regions with unique drumming traditions. He suggests that immersion is critical to translating music and exploring the language of percussion from around the world.
Exploring Conversations is a platform for examining the language of music. It was created as a graduate thesis project by Steven Davy
