As a professional musician, I have always been fascinated with different musical cultures, and I have long believed that through music, one can reach across multi-cultural barriers to understand the traditions and cultures of people. This philosophy has also helped to make me a better musician. It is a tragic loss that so few Americans stress the importance and discipline of musical education in raising children. So many of us have no effective outlet of expression, and this can lead to negative behaviors as violence, abuse and indifference. I think we are missing a great opportunity, through musical education, to alleviate some of the fundamental problems of our American society. As one person, I understand that there is very little that I to impact an entire society. In my whole life I have never felt more positive about a means to help bring about change than Caribbean Rhythms.
Both Haiti and the Dominican Republic are located on the second largest Caribbean Island, Espanola (also spelled Hispanola), one of the most unique, multi-cultural places on earth. Haitians are mostly of African descent and speak French as their native language, while the Dominican people range variously from pure Spanish blood and very white complexion, to African descent and Spanish speaking. Yet, there is no natural barrier or division between the two countries which could explain such richly diverse cultural variation. Music encompasses the lives and heritage of all of Caribbean people. Everywhere in the Dominican Republic you hear the beat of the merengue, which incorporates two percussion instruments -- the "tambora" and the "guira". As a musician, it amazes me that even the smallest Dominican child of two or three will naturally pick up on the merengue, one of the most difficult rhythmic patterns in all of music. Merengue is very powerful dance music, and despite it's absence from the US charts, it is the fastest growing popular music in the world. Salsa is also very popular in Dominican culture, though it's origin is credited with being in Puerto Rico and Cuba. Although salsa is better known in the U.S. than merengue, Americans tend to hear a more "watered down" version of this music than exists in the Caribbean. We hope to be a link for the inspirational and stirring rhythms of merengue, salsa, and calypso to be learned and incorporated into American popular music. Our expressed goal, as a company, is to provide the musician with educational information and authentic instruments of all Caribbean cultures, so that these musical forms become a more vital part of American music. The late, great Dizzy Gillespie believed that over time, different musical influences would begin to come together, from Latin influences to Jazz, Country, Classical, Blues, rock 'n roll, and African. Since he made that prediction we have seen this trend develop, and it continues to evolve. This phenomenon of musical influences is exemplified in artists like Aaron Neville, whose unique, soulful version of "Country" music has made a leap from a much narrower form of 20 years ago. In the newer versions of his very popular songs, the listener can distinct strains of soul, blues and calypso. Despite the fact that most Haitians and Dominicans are reasonably well educated, the standard of living in these countries is well below the standard of living of even the poorest people in the US. Despite millions of dollars in US aide, half of the children in the Dominican Republic do not reach their seventh birthday, and the life expectancy for an adult is about 50 years of age. Through hard work and dedication to producing instruments of unparalleled quality, the artisans of Caribbean Rhythms have been able to substantially improve their standard of living. It has been a privilege for us to be a part of this process of economic development. Caribbean Rhythms may be the only hope in their lifetimes to make sure that the things we take for granted, like filling a child's stomach or living on a wood floor instead of a dirt one, are fulfilled for this generation and generations to come. The wonderful part is that it's not about charity, handouts or government welfare. It's just honest work for an honest price, and everyone profits in an enterprise to create exceptionally fine handmade musical instruments. Of course, the benefits are mutual. I have never felt such a positive commitment from a group of people in my life. We are dedicated to investment in factories and tools to improve the quality of their craft, and to make the manufacturing more safe and efficient.. From manufacturing to customer service, sales and warranty, we hope to share our success and personal satisfaction with you and your customers. Respectfully, Eric Litman President, Caribbean Rhythms (504) 822-8280 [Top] [Email] [Drums] [Claves & Guiras®] [Shakers] [Stringed Instruments] [Dealers] [Terms] |
Caribbean Rhythms manufactures most of its
instruments in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Puerto Rico. Many people know Puerto
Rico as a popular tourism spot, and the plight of Haiti has been well documented in the
media, especially with the relatively recent US intervention to restore democracy, but not
many people are familiar with the Dominican Republic.