releases May 15, 2020

Marla Leigh: Percussion (all songs but Track 8), Flute (Tracks 2, 6)
|Yair Dalal: Oud (Tracks 1, 7)
Meira Segal: Ney (Tracks 1, 4, 7)
Shahar Kaufman: Mandol (Track 3)
Ori Werner: Kimenche (Track 3)
Gavriel Fiske: Frame Drum + Riq (Tracks 3, 7)
Leat Sabbah: Cello (Track 8)
Oren Tsor: Violin + Viola (Track 8)

One of the few female frame drummers on the world stage today, Grammy-nominated musician Marla Leigh celebrates the inseparable nature of spirituality and music with her DEBUT album and music video: Rhythms of Tof Miriam.

Inspired by musical traditions from various ancient cultures, this album project was recorded in Israel. At its core, Rhythms of Tof Miriam is about staying positive through challenging times by using the universal language of rhythm to help us rediscover our genuine connections. Marla reflects, “The Tof Miriam experience is timeless but fresh, spicy and rich, comforting yet mysterious. I want to encourage listeners to reorient themselves - internally and externally - with the therapeutic effects of music.”

The album pays homage to the prophetess Miriam who played the frame drum in Biblical times, and to the ancient lineage of women frame drummers.

Marla notes, “In the grief-stricken times of COVID-19, we are reminded daily of how precious life is. I hope that this music helps you to savor the preciousness of life, and connect with your loved ones.”


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ABOUT THE FEATURED TRACKS:

RHYTHMS OF TOF MIRIAM (featured track with music video):
"Rhythms of Tof Miriam" is a homage to the prophetess Miriam, who led the Israelites on their journey to freedom during the parting of the Red Sea. The title track is broken into two sections: The Pilgrimage and Freedom. To reflect the long voyage, The Pilgrimage is composed of rhythms in a very long time-cycle (26-beat). It also features a “call-and-response” dialogue between the drums, interwoven with heartwarming melodies of the ney and oud, signaling hopeful communication.

The second section, Freedom, represents the pivotal moment when the Sea of Reeds parted, the Israelites were freed and Miriam played her frame drum (referred to then as the timbrel). Listeners are invited to revel in the present moment, celebrating life and purpose.


DAWN OF TRUTH (Flute Savasana):
With lush, layered flute harmonies and meditative, ambient drones, "Dawn of Truth" inspires a quiet moment of reflection. This track is best experienced lying down or in a still, resting pose (i.e. yoga savasana). Listeners are encouraged to close their eyes, relax their bodies and let the ethereal sounds take them on a healing odyssey.


DESERT PROPHECY:
With bassy grooves from frame drums running throughout, mixed with intricate tempos and polyrhythms you could possibly desire, "Desert Prophecy" reflects the messages, melodies, and moods of the desert - a setting associated with sacred visions, solace and peace.

This track features deep drones enriched with mesmerizing long time-cycles on the frame drums, accompanied by the haunting, mystical sounds of the ney flute - bringing an exotic yet contemporary flavor...

All in, this song has an upbeat feel that makes you want to get up, dance, and settle into your own groove - much needed in the times we’re living in.


LONGING:
Longing to be connected to the source, to love, to life.
Longing is a feeling that you already know, but your soul misses it!
The question is.. what are YOU longing for?
Take a listen ..and the answers will come.

Musically, this track features a beautiful "Taqsim" (solo) with the Iranian Kamancheh, accompanied by heart-warming melodies from the Afgan Mandol (a guitar-like instrument) and frame drums playing the ancient Arabic rhythm, called Zarafat (13- Beats.)


AHAVA ABBA (bonus track):
The album’s bonus track, "Ahava Abba" (which means ‘love father’ in Hebrew), is dedicated to Marla’s late father. She composed this tune on piano at his side during his final days. Ultimately she envisioned it as a string arrangement recorded in a special 432Hz tuning pitch reference, which is known as healing vibrational frequencies. She ultimately envisioned it as a sting arrangement recorded a special 432Hz pitch frequency, which is considered to have healing vibrational qualities.


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CREDITS:

*“Longing”, composed by Shahar Kaufman
*All other songs composed, arranged + produced by Marla Leigh
* Engineered, mixed + co-produced by Shahar Kaufman, OnyxStudios, Israel
* Mastered by Chris Athens at Chris Athens Masters in Austin, TX, US
* Dedicated to the memory of my parents (Eileen Reba Schulman, Sanford Goldstein) and frame drum greats, Layne Redmond, and my first drum mentor, John Bergamo.

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THANK YOU'S:

* This project was funded by a crowdfunding campaign.
THANK YOU SO MUCH to all the supporters who helped make this 20+ dream come true.
* THANK YOU to everyone who participated in this project, my amazing dream team, you are the best!
*Special thanks to my engineer, Shahar Kaufman @ Onyxstudios, for the incredible sound and mixing, truly masterful!


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LISTENING TIPS:

Frame drums have an ethereal, meditative sound like no other...
This music is best enjoyed with HEADPHONES or GOOD SPEAKERS.

Light a candle, say a prayer, may this music take you on a healing journey! I hope you enjoy this music of my heart!

Stay safe. Stay home and enjoy the healing frequencies of Rhythms of Tof Miriam