nervous about their families in Baghdad, but
Through the journey into instrument-making I have
nonetheless they were generous and kind with me as I
always had the pleasure of collaborating with great
had to learn Kazim’s music. That moment made me a
craftsmen to aid in the instrument development.
true believer and grateful for the cosmic language of
Along with my limited skills as an artisan I have
music because we trusted our hearts and intentions.
worked alongside drum companies and master artists
That moment could have been deadly for me without
like William Kooienga, Frank Georgini, Walter
that universal understanding.
Heath, Cooperman Drums, Fortune Drums and
Crescent Cymbals, all of whom have worked at
developing numerous instruments that have been
marketed over the years. All of the instruments were
developed as a functional and sonic solution to some
personal musical needs.
You have a large collection of percussion
instruments (over five hundred) – and you have
also invented some new instruments of your own.
Can you tell us about some of the instruments you
have created, and how you use them in your
music?
Since 1998 you have been performing and touring
I am really a jazz drummer who jumped the fence.
with Paul Simon, as a part of his 12-piece band.
Early on in my career I would be performing original
How did you begin working with him, and how did
music from my crowd of players, and too often the
you find the process of collaborating with an artist
idea occurred to me that whatever I was doing as a
of his background?
drummer was not really as constructive to the music,
and that I needed other kinds of skills and
I began working with Paul after his Broadway
instruments. So I started thinking more like an
musical experience with a musical called “The Cape
orchestrator than a drummer. Being Arabic and
Man”. A father of one of my daughter’s playmates
experiencing another cultural field as a kid really help
happened to be Jim Corona who was a member of
me start to find my way with a world of possibilities.
Paul’s technical staff. In passing I had given Jim