6/28/2005

WALFREDO REYES JR. CLINICS IN CHINA - PART 2

After two clinics in south China, Walfredo moved on to Dalien, Tienjing and Beijing. On the way to Dalien, he was stopped at He-Nan Airport due to some bad weather in Dalien. While waiting in the airport from 4pm to 8pm Walfredo didn’t waste time just waiting around. He sampled the boarding alarm announcement from the airport which he combined with some resources on his computer. Four hours later he had composed a song call ”Dancing in the Airport.” Audiences in Tienjing were treated to be the first performance of “Dancing in the Airport.” His emotional melody and vivid rhythms were reflected on the faces of the audience as they shared in the experience Walfredo created.

The editor of Drum and Bass, the most important rhythm instrument magazine in China, came to Walfredo’s clinic. Walfredo was also interviewed and photographed by Modern Player, which is published in many South Asian countries and will be available in Taiwan starting this summer. Keep an eye out for Walfredo on the cover!

The most famous drummer in China is “Bei Bei.” He is also the drummer of Cuijian Band, the most famous rock band in China. They have been touring around the world for the past few years, but Bei Bei and his friend Liu-Yue were special guests at Walfredo’s clinic in Beijing. Before the clinic began, the two of them performed a song and Bei Bei displayed his technique and versatile style of grooving. After their song, Mapex International Artist Relations Coordinator Miles Chen announced that Bei Bei would be a Mapex endorser from now on. Everyone applauded enthusiastically, especially Walfredo.

As usual at his clinics, Walfredo clearly explained: how to practice the rudiments, some concept on how to be a good drummer and, of course, the most curious theme for everyone in the venue: ”How does he combine the Afro-Cuban, Latin Rhythm, and African Rhythm in the drum set."

Before the end of the clinic he invited Bei Bei to play with him. Professional players know how difficult it is for two drummers to play on the same stage, especially without monitors or headphones. However Walfredo and Bei Bei did it – they displayed their amazing technique and their skill at playing and improvising with another musician.

Walfredo said the reason he keeps playing music is so he can play with musicians around the world and communicate with them through music. He suggested that all politicians should learn how to play instruments so they could learn how to hear the voice of others and respect their partners. At the end, Walfredo thanked everyone who made his China tour happen, including the audiences, local dealers and the Mapex crew. He looks forward to seeing everyone in China again soon.