About Michael Bettine/GONGTOPIA
O ut of silence is born sound. Out of nothingness the Gongs bring forth elemental energies that affect us in positive ways. These vibrating metal discs allow us to reset our time/space clocks, clearing out the old, and letting the new pour in. This is truly the music of the spheres.Michael Bettine creates dense layers of sound, a tapestry of vibrations that envelopes us in its shroud. For over 30 years now he has been working with Gongs, working with the alchemy of sound. He spent his formative years playing progressive rock and studying classical percussion. Later investigations into minimalism and Asian Gamelan helped form an original vision of solo percussion music that has no boundaries. Whether playing drum kit, surrounded bass drum, hand drums, percussion, or Gongs; his music is all about generating waves of energy. So ride the wave and come along for the journey.GONGTOPIA Ancient Sounds for Modern Times WHAT THE PRESS SAYS: NUVO (Indianapolis)Bettine transformed a beautiful sculptural backdrop of 28 gongs varying in texture and circumference into an ambient moodscape deep enough to score a tidal wave.CD - Stars Show The Way - The Improvisor, Richard Grooms
It's easily one of the best solo percussion records I've ever heard. Bettine is essential listening for percussionists and anyone interested in solo free-oriented music.CDs - Stars Show The Way/Labyrinth - Modern Drummer, Martin Patmos - RATING: 8 (of 10)
MICHAEL BETTINE is a percussionist specializing in metal ... Sinking into Bettine's sound world is fascinating and inspiring.CD - Stars Show The Way - Drum! magazine, Waldo the Squid, 12/2002
Don't expect to hear burning riffage... Bettine is an experimentalist who is less concerned with chops than creating colors and textures... Bettine has a unique vision that sets him apart from the hoards.CD - Stars Show The Way - World Percussion and Rhythm, Terry Reimer, Winter 2003
This solo CD is a 'percussion tour de force'... moving beyond rhythm to explore the realms of texture and color.jazznow.com
Mr. Bettine is a percussionist of flair and ability.WMSE radio, Hal Rammel
Beautifully played compositions....quite original and exciting percussion music. As a writer, Michael has been a regular contributor to MODERN DRUMMER magazine since 1982. In that time he has interviewed a Who's Who of creative drummers: Pierre Favre, Fredy Studer, Andrea Centazzo, Alex Cline, Steve Smith, Bill Bruford, Terry Bozzio, Gerry Hemingway, Paul Wertico, Paul Lytton, Fritz Hauser, René Creemers, Carl Palmer, Chad Wackerman, Daniel Humair, Bob Gatzen, Reinhard Flatischler, CarlAllen, Ian Mosely, Ernie Adams, Hamid Drake, Peter Erskine, Abbey Rader, and many, many more. Michael has also conributed pieces to DownBeat, Rhythm, Drums & Drumming, Avant, and many other music publications. His books include When In Doubt, Roll! (w/Bill Bruford). Percussion Profiles (w/Trevor Taylor), and contributions to various other books and anthologies. In addition, he has written recording liner notes for various musicians, including: Alex Cline, Pierre Favre, Fredy Studer, and Andrea Centazzo. Michael uses Gongs/Sounds/CymbalsMalletscustom made cases
For bookings, contact: gongtopia at aol.com
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