Syzygy explores a vast array of traditional rhythms from Africa and the Diaspora, utilizing hand-made drums and percussion instruments of African origin. Syzygy is composed of five percussionists who fuse together rhythmically to produce a harmonious unity. We create danceable tapestries of percussion, bamboo flute and voice that convey our enthusiasm for our music and satisfy whoever listens. The members of Syzygy are: Joe Platz is a drum-maker, teacher, and performer living in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. He has studied percussion for thirty years. During that time he has traveled to Africa three times and twice to Cuba to study his craft. He has been fortunate to study with many notable master drummers including (Cuba) Mario Jauregui of the Conjunto Folklorico, Guillermo Lopez, Candido Zayas ( singing ), and ( New York ) Richard "Pablo" Landrum and Fellipe Garcia Villamil. Joe accompanies dance and lectures at the five-college system locally. He formed two bands during this time performing Afro-Latin Jazz. In addition, he maintains a drum-making workshop producing hand drums of all types. Joe also teaches daily in his studio adjacent to the workshop. For almost twenty-five years he has conducted percussion classes and workshops. He is currently working with and teaching his son the entire craft. He enjoys teaching the folklore of the drum immensely and has recently formed the group Syzygy. Andrew Kaknes has been studying percussion with Joe Platz for 12 years and the saxophone for 7 years. He has an Environmental Science degree from Umass and lives and works in Western Massachusetts. David V. Meausky, Joshua Knethel & Jason Mcmahon have been studying Afro-Cuban drumming with Joe Platz since 2001. They work and live in Western Massachusetts. This album is available as a digital download at: http://www.apple.com/itunes/store/ http://www.etherstream.com/ http://www.emusic.com/promo/home.html http://music.msn.com/ http://www.musicnet.com/ and more!!!!!!!!