Frame drummer
Velez's fourth recording for CMP features two extended compositions. The title track, a 45-minute piece written for the tar, a North African frame drum, is scored for five drummers, and the drumming style is a composite of Arabic, Azerbijani, and original drumming techniques. The second piece, "White-Throated Sparrow," is scored for two tar drums and the bansuri bamboo flute (played by
Steve Gorn).
Velez has been a member of
Steve Reich and Musicians since 1972, and has been the percussionist with
The Paul Winter Consort since 1983; he is internationally recognized as one of the world's most accomplished hand drummers.