Marla Leigh – Rhythms of Tof Miriam (Video)
“Marla Leigh invites us in a mystic atmosphere, full of spiritually physical sounds. Classic music intruments lead you through an ancient, epic era of women drummers. Accompanied by a special videoclip full of desert natural sceneries, “Rhythms of Tof Miriam” exceeded our expectations.”
-Nagamag.com
At its core, Rhythms of Tof Miriam is about staying positive through challenging times by using the universal language of rhythm to help us rediscover our genuine connections. Recorded with an all-star team of incredible musicians (Yiar Dalal (Oud Master), Miera Segal, Marla Leigh), it is sure to add an energizing layer to any music lover’s collection.
With bassy grooves from frame drums running throughout, the album has all the rich polyrhythms you could possibly desire!
Layer in fills of sublime, mystical, ancient ethnic instruments of oud, ney, dramatic breakdowns, blistering trills, and an exotic yet contemporary flavor… and you have the most dynamic collection of worldly sounds.
All in all, this world collection has an upbeat feel that makes you want to get up, dance, and settle into your own groove.
Marla Leigh is one of the few female professional frame drummers in the world today. She is a Grammy-nominated percussionist and flautist, and an internationally-recognized educator, performer and composer.
As a classically trained-musician, Marla began playing at the age of three and never stopped. With a BFA and MFA in Percussion from California Institute of Arts, she studied under the great percussion masters Glen Velez, John Bergamo, Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, Randy Gloss and Layne Redmond.
Marla is passionate about exploring rhythm from different cultures around the world. She loves bringing people together and sharing through the universal language of rhythm. Marla is CEO of Frame Drum Academy, a global community that currently hosts two signature programs, Frame Drum 101 (Beginner) and Frame Drum 202 (Intermediate) – and is enjoyed by frame drum students from around the world. She also created her own line of signature frame drums with the Cooperman Company.
Marla passionately believes in the power of music to help transform consciousness. As a composer, her music has been featured on Hala Khouri’s yoga DVD, “Yoga for Stress Release”, Janet Stone’s iphone Yoga application, the movie “Bold Native” and “The Cellist.”
Marla just released her debut album and music video in May 2020, Rhythms of Tof Miriam, that was recorded in Israel and brings together many exceptional artists, including acclaimed Israeli oudist Yair Dalal. Timeless but fresh, spicy but rich, mellow but uplifting, comforting but mysterious: That is the Tof Miriam experience!
Reviewed by Nagamag on December 29, 2020