Improv Udu Solo: 'In Memory of Frank Giorgini' played by Jacob Cole on an original Giorgini Udu Drum

**Best with headphones to hear the low Udu bass tones**
I just heard the sad news today that the master Udu maker Frank Giorgini has passed away : ( I'm glad I got to meet him / learn how to make an udu drum and got a chance to buy one of his beautiful original clay Udu drums. This improv solo is performed on my Giorgini UDU R2 #14 DVD 4/6/2008

Frank Giorgini (1947-2022) was an artist and educator specializing in ceramic techniques, including tile and percussion instruments. He studied the traditional ceramic techniques of Nigeria. In collaboration with (my teacher at Berklee) percussionist Jamey Haddad developed a modern Udu drum. Some of Frank's hand-made drums are in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

The word udu means "pot" in the language of the Ibo tribe of Nigeria.
The drums are made using traditional Nigerian pottery techniques (coil) that Frank learned from Abbas Ahuwan, a potter of the Kaje tribe and a professor at Ahmadu Bello University, in Zaria, Nigeria. They met while he was visiting Nigeria in 1985.

The drums can take a month to form, dry and fire. They are played by placing the palm of one hand on a hole on the side while opening and closing a hole on top with the other hand. They can be struck with the fingers, slapped or struck with a soft mallet. "Sliding" rhythms are also possible. Some look a bit like bowling balls. Others resemble dumbbells and vases. They produce a variety of sounds like dripping water or rhythmic heartbeats.

[christianschmidt]

As a graduate student in 2003, I contacted Frank. He invited me into his home and studio. I met his family. He gave me in-depth insight into his process and clay bodies. I didn't realize how fortunate I was at the time. I did realize how warm, welcoming, and willing Mr. Giorgini is to help anyone that shares an interest in these magical instruments. What a nice man I met. Thank you Frank and family. Rest in Rhythm

[davidbrickman]

Thank you, Jacob, for a marvelous showcase of the Udu's unique beauty and range.
Frank was a dear friend and a world-class artist, and he will be greatly missed. RIP.

[jillrinehart]

Hi Jacob, this is the first time I’ve heard you play the Udu at length. I love listening to you play the handpan. Now I know how very talented you are, on multiple instruments. Thank you for sharing with us!! Beautiful way to honor Frank Giorgini.

[gg]

Jacob, thank you for the beautiful tribute for my Uncle Frank

[joeljacq]

Thanks Jacob, for sharing your playing and the artisan that created this instrument. Hope that these traditional arts continue to live on for future generations to enjoy. 🙏
PS. I liked that jazzy rhythm at the start.

[michaelsorrentino]

Well done- A Frank Giorgini udu drum in good hands! Wonderful sounds and rhythm dude

[rebeccakameroski]

This is a beautiful tribute to Frank. He was such an incredible artist and man. He made this world better. Thank you. ❤️

[fiatlux]

Thank you Jacob, it was so wonderful to listen to you. I immediately fell into something like a dream state and listened to your story, which tells me of a time on earth when everything was in harmony. Animals, plants, people lived in natural cycles with each other. The sky was blue, the water clear, so that you could see the fish playing with each other in great depth. The sun shone on people's smiling faces. I wish us all to have the strength to take back exactly this earth. Together we are strong and when we feel connected again to the source of all being, no one can dominate us any more, then peace will finally reign. Let your light shine, people.

[rosannabonnet]

I am sure Frank loved it!!! Thank you so much! Really beautiful. 🥰

[Patchwork_Panner]

Who made your instrument? It's very cool

[kayelle]

Hi Jacob, I work on a handpan. I m beginner in handpan. Medium/advanced in african percussion. And I ve difficulty to with the flexibility of my fingers to do rhythm. Do you have exercices to work that ? Or any web link ? Thanks a lot.