LP Artists Ludin & Garcia At Rhythm Fest
the Pulse of Bavaria

Few places on earth boast the cultural richness of Bavaria, the southern German province that boasts extremes in topography, fascinating architecture and unparalleled diversity in music festivals. Indeed, the latter range from sacred/choral gatherings to Alpine folkloric meetings and even a Jews Harp workshop. All are celebrations, some many decades running and populated by attendees hailing from the four corners of the earth. One of the newer but no less prestigious festivals to capture the popular imagination, and that of drummers the world over, is called simply Rhythm. Held each summer since 1992 at the Bayerische Music Academy in Marktoberdorf, Bavaria, Rhythm is described by renown drummer, Steve Smith as “the most important international seminar for drums and percussion”.

At the helm of Rhythm is a German legend, Hakim Ludin, a virtuoso percussionist whose self-characterized “outside approach” to the music of various cultures has earned him a special seat in significant avant-garde, jazz and world ensembles. Hakim somehow manages to balance extraordinary sensitivity to a multitude of genres with frightening speed, dexterity and dynamics, thus endearing him to the European music press and public. Ludin’s command of all percussion instruments, something especially evident in his solo spots, is universally acknowledged as staggering. Hakim, an LP artist and clinician, will bring his electrifying prowess and musicality to this side of the pond in October at the Montreal Drum Fest.

Hakim Ludin has been director of the Rhythm Festival since its inception and has played host to percussive luminaries such as Jeff Hamilton, Thomas Lang, Terry Bozzio, Steve Smith, Chad Wackerman, Dave Weckl, Johnny Rabb, and Ed Thigpen. The festival unfolds in a renovated castle, which features state-of-the-art staging, audio, lecture facilities and even accommodations for participants. Rhythm began when there was a poverty of such events in Europe. In sixteen years it has set a benchmark for all European drum gatherings. Aside from intensive personal instruction, students can audit other classes and can witness faculty burning on stage at evening concerts. In addition, an adjacent music fare enables attendees to behold the latest in gear from international participants such as LP, as well as percussive wares from local boutique crafters.

This year, LP artist Richie “Gajate” Garcia was a popular participant, whose master classes and stage appearances reaffirmed him as a leading edge force in drumming. Garcia, a world esteemed percussionist, has recorded and/or performed with Sting and Phil Collins, as well as worked on film scores for Jennifer Lopez’ film “Maid in Manhattan” and Eddie Murphy’s “I-Spy,” as well as “The Mummy Returns”. LP is proud to play a role in the success of the German Rhythm festival and urges would be travelers to investigate Bavarian food, beer, castles, Alps and rhythm!