Alex Weiss & Different Drum
Different Drum is a versatile Afro/Latin ensemble that plays world music, specializing in South African township, Andean melodies, Brazilian sambas, salsa, calypso and cumbia. Typically, Different Drum devotes equal time during their performances to jazz, eclectic music and original songs.
The band is led by Alex Weiss who developed a love for and understanding of world music during his travels across the U.S. and Mexico, through Europe and the Middle East, to North Africa and Central America. A composer, multi-instrumentalist and director for Different Drum, Alex plays the congas, alto recorder, coronet, flugelhorn and other instruments. He is accompanied on the congas by his Wife Li-Lan who also plays other percussion instruments. The duo often plays in festivals, libraries and cafes.
The group can be expanded to include addtional instruments as required: Bass, Tenor Saxophone, Drums, Alto Saxophone, and other instruments.
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Accolades
Alex Weiss & Different Drum’s unique sound of warm rhythms, airy melodies and tight arrangements retain the power of timeless communication. A journey of exceptional sound exploration and virtuosity...endlessly distinctive!- Bill Meeham of Songwriter, July 2008
A lush, invigorating romp of music and poetry. Percussion, flutes, voices, guitars, horns, ambient forest sounds, satire, seriousness, playfulness: “Songs of Hope and Protest” explodes with Alex’ sharp wit and musicality. Prepare to be soothed, agitated, and entertained.
- Bob Slentz-Kesler of Author, June 2008
Alex Weiss and Different Drum present their view of world music and jazz in a unique manner... On "May Dayze" the klezmer-like horns are supported by the congas truly mixes cultural boundaries. "The High Way West" gives off a Western-styled cowboy melody on a high-pitched harmonica yet once again the rhythms take you beyond the lonesome prairie of Hollywood movie scores.
- Cameron Blades of World Rhythm Webzine, April 2007, "Global Music and Culture"
On Alex Weiss's latest CD release "North of the Border" (July 2006, Silent Dayze Music, BMI): "North of the Border has an invitingly informal quality...The combination of brass, winds, guitar, and percussion creates a "large-small ensemble" feel to these compositions...the music also has an infectious warmth.
- Cliff Bellamy of The Herald Sun, July 2006
Constructed like a long meandering suite, the 14 cuts that comprise Beautiful Melody (May 2004, Silent Dayze Music, BMI) are strangely unified. A soft bed of percussion cushions the presentation without dominating it. Though Weiss and his mates are capable improvisers, gratuitous soloing is taboo. Instead brass, woodwinds, and softly plucked strings rise up, establish a mood and fade away anonymously into the ether.
- Joe Vanderford of Independent, May 2004, "Music Spotlight: Finding Alex Weiss"
Different Drum has become a regular in the town's (Carrboro, NC) "Entertainment Adventures" familiy series over the years. He's a favorite with us and the community. Alex is a multi-talented musician. He does a great family show!
- The Chapel Hill Herald, May 2003, "Multiculturalism helps Shape Musician"