It was first recorded in print around 1800 and the lyrics were notably captured by the Welsh folklorist Robert Bryan (1858–1920). The song’s title simply means lullaby (suo = lull; cân = song).
Tag: music
Xaphoon by Zariah
Here is a wonderful painting created by a female artist in Maui, Hawaii, who goes by the name Zariah.
As far as I am aware, this piece is actually called “Riddle”, but what draws one’s attention is the unique instrument tucked under the boy’s arm.
Without doubt, a Xaphoon, since the artist herself is from the exact same region where Brian Wittman invented it back in 1972.
This picture is actually a cropping of a much larger work of art, featuring this loveable but mischievous boy, having a laugh amongst the gardens with his friends.
Strikingly, he reminds me of Peter Pan, yet more to the point, if the Pocket Sax had actually been invented during J.M. Barrie’s lifetime, would the Xaphoon have then been the actual flute of Peter Pan?
Looks fairly conclusive to me.
Djolomyga ~ Ukrainian Double Flute
Yet it would literally blow your mind to know that in the far reaches of all the Earth, there are in existence, uncountable different kinds of flutes, the sounds of which are beyond the imagination.
This Note section of my blog will as time progresses, be detailing many of these flutes. Indeed, in this blog I will make you believe a flute to be as powerful as thunder.
Ktak ~ Cajon By Kandu
Hand percussion is by far my favourite of all percussive styles, not least for its immensely expressive nature and all round versatility.
Ever since my first pair of Bongos I have been researching endless kinds of hand percussion.
Yet in truth, I have been searching this past decade for one particular kind of drum that would provide every characteristic I desired.
I was looking for a wooden box, yet also an Udu jug… I was looking for a snare yet also a thumping bass… I was looking for portability yet also presence… basically I was looking for the Ktak.
Kalimbawu ~ Chromatic Thumb Piano
Here is my invention, the Kalimbawu.
It gets its name by borrowing the term “Ba wu” from the Chinese flute of that name, meaning “him” and “her”.
Whilst not a reed instrument, the metal tongues of the Kalimba do resemble the shape of the Bawu flute’s reed. Also as I will explain, the Kalimbawu features two voices, one male and one female.
If that’s not an excuse, the word just works!
The Kalimba, also referred to as a “thumb piano”, is a modern variant of the African Mbira, developed by Hugh Tracey and which features a Westernised tuning system.
KEYTOI {Melodica/Pianica/Melodion}
Call it what you will, what I call the Keytoi is actually a divine messenger of God, born from the heart of a Child.
Once upon a time the Melodica was only found in toy stores, or fairly selective music shops. It was by no means seen to be a professional instrument, not in any way.
It was however embraced rapidly by the Reggae communities and in time became a hallmark of their music.
It was here and then whence stage pianists became interested in the possibility of a more academically encompassing Melodica, with a greater scope for novelty accompaniments and indeed teaching.
Once the guys at Hohner became aware of the interest, they set themselves a little side project, just to test the waters… of a performance grade Melodica.
Hohner released a couple of these “scouts” onto the market… they watched… and waited… looking for any sign of a cultural rustling.
And when it came… it came from the top.
Sax In My Pocket
Originally a lounge Pianist, yet forever intimidated by its inconvenience of size, expense and formality, I found myself in a passionate love affair with a new instrument.
Invented in 1972 by Brian Wittman, a Hawaiian musician, guru and gentleman, the Xaphoon®, more popularly known as The Pocket Sax, is a Trumpet sized Saxophone, that not only fits in your pocket, but whence the dedication and mutual embrace is spoken, will turn your mind inside out as it screams the blue soul of a real Saxophonist.
