Carol of the Bells (array mbira)

[phantombadger]

I think found my new favorite instrument. now wheres Mbira Hero.

[GansoMen]

American Beauty?



[craftgirl33]

OMG THAT IS SO VARRY COOL!!!!!!!!!!. Do your fingers heart?

[didgeboy287]

Interesting, so it looks like you can play by either plucking downward like on the thumb piano, or plucking upward like I see you do with your thumb. When I get a spare grand, I may look this up again. :)

[HarmoniousKeys]

How much do these things usually cost?

[puppetpatti]

@HarmoniousKeys If you visit the makers site you can find their prices. From probably 1200 and up.??? I'm not sure these days. I've had mine a while...search Array Mbira

[HarmoniousKeys]

@puppetpatti Hmm... Sure sounds pretty expensive. =\ Is there anything any cheaper than that?

[puppetpatti]

@HarmoniousKeys You could visit my friend Mark Holdaway at Kalimba Magic for some smaller kalimbas that are beautiful!

[sobefobik]

This is really cool...where does this instrument originate from?

[puppetpatti]

@sobefobik If you search Array Mbira you will find the makers. They are out of California. But of course the mbira, kalimba are of African origin. This one is just VERY westernized.

[GeankDOORS]

"Would you like an apple pie with thaaaat??" haha very well played btw!!!

[farmsquidly]

carol of the mbiras!

[come0find0me]

Love this song, translates really well onto the array mbira! Very impressed :) x

[xXF1eeXx]

Wtf is this

[MsPygmalion]

lovely. I am using this video clip to teach my 3rd graders about African instruments. Thanks for posting.

[thegreyfaerie137]

While you were learning to play this, did it make your fingers sore?

[ckooten1]

amazing! I want one!

[djenorman]

What a ridiculously pretty sound o.o Really glad I stumbled onto this, it's beautiful.

[puppetpatti]

@djenorman thank you so much ;-)

[JamesMajdali]

@djenorman I would love to stumble onto an array mbira...

[Ralic100]

is this the instruments actual sound or did you add a bit reverb or something to it? sounds damn great. kind of dreamy.

[puppetpatti]

@Ralic100 actual sound. Just set it up in my dining room for the recording. And it is very dreamy. Love my AM

[BlackenedAlice]

Any music from a music mox would sound great in this!

[GxAxV]

DING fries are done =]

[guitarnerd19]

nice... but i would really like the NBC theme from that thing... lol

[Twiggy286]

So how much do these cost? And how much do they weigh? Are they portable? Thanks.

[puppetpatti]

@Twiggy286 You can visit the array mbira dot com to see what they have the their prices. Mine in it's case weight 45 lbs. The case weighs a lot more than the mbira though! yes it's portable. Just big. Mine is a 4 octave. the 5 octave is bigger.

[PoliceBoxGirl]

Hi!

I'm Gwyn, Nancy's kid and I found this by accident, then realized I KNEW you! Cool, right? Love this, sooo pretty!

[puppetpatti]

@PoliceBoxGirl Hi Gwynny! :0)

[cryoshell666]

so, how much would an mbira like this cost?

[100fakeman]

My favorite array mbira song by her is Mr. Bojangles.

[CLeHitez106]

Cool as hell!

[noctambula8]

This is BEAUTIFUL!! I listen to it several times everyday! I love it! you are great at playing the array mbira and this is my christmas song.

[wolfhomme]

I wonder if Phoenix's Musical Instrument Museum has one. Thanks for posting.

[aniraangel]

This is absolutely amazing. It makes such a lovely sound.

[XNeelixX]

I only have a small 7 key Mbira x3 but I am so saving up for one of these :D

[NORFIE123456]

why didnt Lionhead studios get you in to do some kind of music for Fable 3 i would of loved it...... :-( too late now though

[MountainQueen]

how loud can it be without a microphone? Would people be able to hear it being played outside?

[puppetpatti]

@MountainQueen It has two state of the art pick ups installed. It can also be used with a mic but you need a good sound guy that can get it sounding just right. When you are in the right spot, it sounds just perfect alone.

[puppetpatti]

@MountainQueen I play mine outside all the time. I guess just as you would listen to a guitar outside un amped

[030chacho]

veeeeeeeeeeeeeery nice!!!!!!!!!

[Fivetoone215]

Bravo on the ending!

[cometkatt]

I LOVE this - my fave carol & the instrament gives it a haunting quality -- awesome. would Love to learn how to do this!

[rhodab]

The music is beautiful, your hands are poetry! Must be seen to be fully appreciated.

[scooterkid021]

Nice, real nice, you're very talented.

[HonorableTester]

min tah gwin beautiful to hear a chrismas carol again very Amazing work.

[OishiiMochi]

I cried as I watched your fingers move.... I'm not sure why,.... thank you,.... it's beautiful.

[Brownie1592]

This is Beautiful ! I love this

[pollywarrior]

Ah, very pleasant sound. Well played.

[MrJason300]

Amazing. I've never seen this instument before

[slytherinveela13]

@MrJason300 Ever opened a music box? :P

[BrookieBabie88]

BEAUTIFUL!!!

[Blackguard9099]

DAMN! Kick-ass, man. I heard this thing all the time on the soundtrack for A:TLA, but I never knew its name until now. Very cool stuff. You've got mad skills on this.

[LeximusPrimus]

youre sick man

[wiiomatic]

just out of curiosity, are you left or right handed? I can't see a preference in your playing, which is very hard to overcome.

[puppetpatti]

I am a South Paw ;0)

[wiiomatic]

that makes sense, your left hand is flying on those tines. Awesome work!

[wiiomatic]

unbelievably great!

[mizifioTKD]

impressive!! =)

[kathyshakedown]

that was sick! that's such a kick ass instrument

[1506GANJAMAN]

Nuf respect man!

[kbrtiger22]

i'm amazed

[c00m8zy]

awsome mate welll done looks solid to play though keep it up

[sergej992]

Wow! I've never seen that instrument before! It looks quite intresting... I think u r a master, or something like that!! how much does an array mbira cost? and how many hours a day do u invest playing this? thanks a lot.

[Yaggsionhimen]

They run from about $750 to $2000 american dollars. I imagine it would take a while to get skilled at that.

[CodaVision]

Pure talent.

[HonorableTester]

this sounds amazing pretty your a great player no wait awsome

min-tah-gwin

[YnkeeDoodlFlppyDisk]

That sent shivers up my spine!!!

[littlegreenjason]

Great vids. You're an inspiration.

[thomasunfearth]

Where can I buy this instrument? I have been looking for a while.

[puppetpatti]

Hi,

If you google Array Mbira it should definately bring up their website. I'll pm you the actually site address. Can't do it here. Never works.

Takecare.

Patti

[newlite]

pretty.....

[Frozenfrog13]

you're certainly a master

[PortoAlta999]

that is such a cool instrument

[paintedbird]

This is such a beautiful instrument. I would love to have one. (maybe someday.) Is it very hard to learn? I've seen a few other people play it and it looks fairly easy but I could be wrong.

You play it beautifully, very well done.

[puppetpatti]

Thanks,

It can either be easy or complicated. I guess. Depending on what you want to play on it. I hope someday you have an opportunity to own one too! :0)

[gowron97]

After this one i had to subscribe five stars

[CooNProductioNs]

thats awesome!

[MothEquals]

Beautifully played, well done :) I hadn't heard this instrument prior to your video, and I'm glad such a great player has given me the opportunity to experience the warm and soft sound of the array mbira. Thank you :)

[mtsurov]

Astonishing. I think this should be one of youtubes featured videos. Very unique talent. So much precision and harmony. It kills me to see all the pseudo musicians that pollute tv channels, when real talents like this stay in the shade.

I'll email this to everybody I know. This can not stay unnoticed.

[puppetpatti]

OMgosh! thank you so much for your words. They mean so much to me. It's been a rough week. I needed some uplifts as this. You made my day :0)

Patti

[Gogocasey2]

Amazing. It was very relaxing. I love it.

[cowpooca]

Amazing! how long have you been playing? I play piano/guitar/harp, would my background help or hinder learning this instrument? the tines aren't in the same sequence.....

[puppetpatti]

Your background will help but yes, the tines are set in the circle of fifths. I'll get back with you later and explain better :0)

[dragonriderrosa]

O.o I didn't know these things existed. THAT WAS SO FREAKN' AWESOME!!You on my favorites now. ^_^

[zonata88]

What de hell!

[diarrhoeadude]

ace

[naiproductions]

Marvelous & beautiful!

[Pseikokatze]

oh wonderful you are so great and i schleim very well!11

[bfletch23]

SWEEEEEEEEEEEET

[tawejea]

OMG you rock! I love mbira music. I collect them. This made my day.

[happydella96]

friggin yeah!!!!!

That was sooo cool and really good

Nice job!!!!!! Million thumbs up!!!!

[Barlowgirlfreak94]

friggin' awesome.

now i wanna give it a try.

[Barlowgirlfreak94]

wen i was looking to buy 1 it asked if i want 2,3,4,or 5 octaves. which one r u playing?

[puppetpatti]

Mine is 4 octave

[Dumpledork]

Very impressive... i wish I had one of these and knew how to play it. Very nice job with the dynamics by the way.

[eatthatmeatball]

You know, Imogen Heap's favorite instrument is the Mbira. =)

You should PLAY TOGETHER!

[daphluvsrickman]

Cool! That looks complicated to play, but it sounds wonderful!

[LoverOfVideoGames]

Absolutely beautiful!!!!

I've never heard of this instrument but now I wanna play it!!!

[Mordicchio85]

wonderful!! You are great!!!

[Jess001967]

very very very nice!

[KleptHoeManiac]

Amazing...

Any clue as to where I can purchase this instrument?

[puppetpatti]

Google The Array Mbira and it will bring up the website.

Thanks too.

Patti

[mayakina86]

beautiful music!

[jessnjax1]

GORGEOUS !!!!

[angelqueen9989]

Oh wow you're so talented!

How long have you been playing? I've never even heard of this instrument until I found your videos on youtube!!!

[puppetpatti]

thank you so much.

I've been playing the Array for almost 2 years now. I'm obsessed! Thanks for stopping by!

Takecare

Patti

[Cutsik]

do you play any other instruments like piano?

[puppetpatti]

Hi,

Yes, I play other instruments. I began piano around 3 and played seriously for many years. Wanted to be concert pianist for the longest time. I also play flute, smaller kalimbas, anything keyboardish,,bells, I recently started a tongue drum and kantele,,and lots of small harps. Someday a steel drum is on my list :0) Oh, I recently bought a ceramnic flute too, just beautiful in tone and gosh I wish I had more hours in my day!I hope to combine lots of these with the array soon!

Takecare!

Patti

[Cutsik]

thats amazing... Cool that you play harps :) So I was wondering how you can transpose so many classic pieces to play on the mbira! I started the guitar in highschool and then piano and violin, then several others like ukulele, drums this mini accordian I had and harmonica. Its difficult to fit practise you need into everythiing isn't it? When you say steel drum do you mean the "hang" drum? I want one of them really bad :(

[puppetpatti]

I love the hang and would love to have one someday but I'm talking about authenic steel drums. I've kinda fallen in love with the pankat,,,maybe by Feb I can afford one of those...

When it comes to playing this Array, I just pick things out by ear,,,and then go over them often to keep them in my memory bank.

The small harps are like the kantele, and lap harps. I just won a beautiful piece on ebay, a 12 string kantele, I just love all sorts of instrument and try to learn new ones every year.

[672jtv]

COOL! the sound is comforting and pleasant.

Have you tried playing "Greensleeves" on the instrument? That'll sound amazing!

[puppetpatti]

thank you,

oh yes, that would be a very nice piece on this array. Thanks for the suggestion!

Patti

[shirinbop]

thats insane

i love it

[IdaLefebvre]

beautiful

[Jangof3tt]

Man that thing looks like it would leave some serious blisters even more so though than stringed instruments. Ekkk without callouses that instrument would be a bitch to practice lol

[puppetpatti]

It took some time for fingers to adjust, just as with other instruments. But it's very well worth it in the end. It's just an amazing instrument with much to give. Keeping it oiled and it's not that bad on the fingers :0)

Thanks for stopping by.

Patti

[mytoyz4u]

I am just infatuated with this instrument and this song... Truly, you are just incomprehensibly talented...

I really really really want an array mbira!!!

I also saw your comment on your Macbook :D

I LOVE my new macbook! I have uploaded a video or two of my own of me playing the piano, but am too scared to load them onto here lol.

Thanks for inspiring me!

[puppetpatti]

Thank you and your welcome :0)

I'm loving this macbook pro too! Just taking some time to learn what it can do.

Be brave my new friend :0) Put your video up. You never know who you may inspire.....

Takecare

Patti

[8096446]

A beautiful version of this song and a superb performance,I must find out more about this instrument.Tony

[puppetpatti]

Thank you Tony :0)

[w0lfw1ng]

love it

just wish i wasnt lazy so i can learn an instrument

[rangzsaroso]

simply beautiful... love the sound...

[RandomTask3000]

I think it would be fun is you made a video that focuses purely on the mechanics of the instrument. Although I love listening to the clips, my curiosity is driving me insane. I guess what would be nice to know is things like how the notes are laid out, and technique.

Thanks much :)

[puppetpatti]

I will work on that. Hopefully soon I can clear up any questions on the Array..I'm just starting to figure out how to upload video to my new Macbook...It's been so frustrating, but I'm getting there. Thanks for asking.

takecare.

Patti

[DarkEyesXIII]

This such a great instrument... and you're a great player.

I'll buy a Kalimba first.. An Array Mbira is a little too expensive for me ;)

[puppetpatti]

Thanks,

You might enjoy visiting my friend Mark H. at the KalimbaMagic shop.Just search kalimbamagic and it should bring up his website. He has a great selection to look at.

Peace,

Patti

[Klangtraeume]

What a beautyful sound - it's amazing!

[meatwadathf03]

The Most beautiful thing Ive heard on youtube. I love the sound and I am so relaxed when I hear you play. Can anyone learn easily. Great job.

[puppetpatti]

Thank you so much :0)

Patti

[leandrobarzabal]

this is one of the most amazing sounds i found lately. it has a rough quality that amazes me. thank you for posting this.

[puppetpatti]

You are welcome....Glad you enjoyed...

[roten910]

That was simple beautiful. Amazing playing skills. Such a wonderful instrument, and a great song choice. 5 starred, and favorited.

[puppetpatti]

thank you so much for you kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed this beautiful instrument. I adore it :0)

[tenorsaxsoulo]

My favourite "Christmas" carol (Schedryk, hehe). Though I've watched most of your videos, and love this instrument, but I have yet to figure out the note layout. It seems octaves are in columns, if I'm right? But how are the rows set up?

[puppetpatti]

yes the columns are in octaves. the layout is in 5ths. there are some great clips on the array site if you'd like to see it closer. takecare!

[tenorsaxsoulo]

Awesome, thanks. :-)

[kawaiisang]

omg, this is awesome

i want one now :]

it has greatt sound

[YuiTeub49]

Wow, I've never before seen this instrument...

[puppetpatti]

Hi YuiTeub49. It's call an Array Mbira

[xxxyyyzzzar]

Hi Puppetpatti,

all ur videos wer really beautiful.

I have a not so good Mbira and Im looking for something close to what you have.

Not as many keys as this one...about 24 keys-2octaves chromatic wud be great.

I aim to use Mbira for Indian music, so if I don't have a straight chromatic scale, I'll need to tune to different raga scales frequently.

Do you think I can make something like that on my own?

thanks

Varun

[ambargavilano]

increíble!!!! es fantástica gracias!!! mola a saco! ;-)

[puppetpatti]

Thsnk you ambargavilano.... :0)

[cyberspace17]

It seems to me that you are playing several diffrent version of carol of the bells. If this is true how many versions sare you playing and what are their names?

[puppetpatti]

It's just the arrangement I put together...Stuff in my head...

Patti

[cyberspace17]

It's just that I have several versions of this song no my computer and i thought i recognized some of them while you were playing, but I guess they all would sound simmilar wouldn't they. ;-)

[puppetpatti]

probably so :0)

You play wonderfully...I listened to some of you stuff

[CarolSueKirkpatrick]

Returning for more! Gosh, this is so pretty! The instrument rather fasinates me as I hadn't seen before. Do you have callisus on your fingertips from playing this? Really lovely music, thank you for sharing! :)

[pb4life175]

just Sick thats cool !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kuramafan300]

Oh wow! Words cannot describe how amazing the performance was. <3

The Array mbira looks pretty tough to play.

[puppetpatti]

Thank you kuramafan300,

It's challenging at times, but I love that about it :0)

Patti

[jftthatsme]

that is very good and a really cool instrument. can u get the at ur local music shop?

[puppetpatti]

Google Array Mbira for the place it is available. Thanks :0)

[RaptureMe2]

Simply amazing!

What is the origin of this instrument?

[puppetpatti]

Thank you RaptureMe2

The mbira is an African instrument, from well over a 1000 years ago. This Mbira is an "extension" I guess you would say,,,It is an Array Mbira. If you google the name, their site will come up and you can learn all about it, plus about other amazing instruments the Array people produce. Thanks for stopping by :0)

Patti

[kerokyrako]

Wow... I love this! Really nice!

[psymouss]

Far better than i tought! During the listening i was afraid if you make any mistake, but you really have talent!! It was a pleasure to listen to this beutiful song!

Mary Christmas to you and your belovings.

[losingit777]

wow!

[OokamiMel]

That was wonderful! The Array mbira is such a pretty sounding instrument. How did it take you to learn how to play it?

[puppetpatti]

Thank you very much OokamiMel :0)

I spend about 2-3 months on a song, putting the arrangment together. I'm still adding to this one. I have a more embelished Carol of the Bells I really need to get taped. Hopefully soon.

[puppetpatti]

Oh, I have a new Christmas song, Oh Holy Night. Will be up this next week. Be sure to stop back by. I'd love to share it with you.

Patti

[puppetpatti]

Thank you again JonathansGurl

It is a wonderful instrument! I just love it!

[JonathansGurl91]

oh my goodness ^_^ the Array is a beautiful instrument and this song sounds so great on this I enjoyed it

[guitmartiman]

Ok, Pattie, where did the last two notes come from? I didn't see you play them???

[puppetpatti]

(Laughing!) That was my computer!!!! Someone had logged onto messenger or something! (Still laughing) I tried to edit it out, just couldn't quite get it. I have a new Carol of the Bells, better then this one. Trying to find the time to get it taped...

[guitmartiman]

I thought so! LOL! It almost seemed intentional!

[FlaymeGoddess21]

WOW i like it. youre good

[pepsiandmax]

I love your version, the sound is wonderful, so pure. I've never come across this instrument before and you play it so beautifully. All the practising has definitely been worth it, you sound great!

[puppetpatti]

thank you :0)

[sethwmax]

sweet sound there!!! one of my favorite pieces too! sounds like a xylaphone (sp?) with a percussive mallet quality added. i guess those are arranged in octaves...i have no idea...it just sounds cool! thanks!!!

[TimmyPage06]

This instrument has an amazing sound. I just learned of it today when I heard some people from Zimbabwe playing at my university. (I'm a music major). It sounds great.

[pandajackexpress]

Wow! This is so pretty! How long did it take you to learn how to play that thing?? Jeez, and I thought the violin was hard.. O_____o

[puppetpatti]

Thank you pandajack,

You website with all the pandas is soooooooo cool!

I've had my Array mbira for a whole year now. I go a bit overboard on the practicing. I'd stay on it for 6 hours at a time if I could! It's challenging but worth it. Oh, I've been learning violin for 3years now. THATS HARD! Thanks for stopping by!

[HarpAngel999]

THAT'S SO COOL! the instrument has such a unique sound! at times it's hard to her the original tune, but over all it's REALLY cool!

[jbluckyducky]

this is an absolututely fantastic peice ofmusic and you just blew me away with it! how are you able to remember how to play it!?!?!

[puppetpatti]

Thank you very much for you comment. I love that you have enjoyed it. :0)

I remember the song kinda like a tap dance. I remember the "combinations" or the "steps" of the tines (the metal pieces). I just love intricate stuff. This instrument is that. And beautiful. I again thank you for listening. Love that you loved it!

[danozzuz]

i think is music does well to heart

what instruments is this?

[puppetpatti]

Thank you so much. This is an Array Mbira. Isnt it beautiful!

[puppetpatti]

Somebody named treyweeeeed stopped by and left a comment I accidently erased or hit the wrong button. I'm am so sorry. Their comment was so nice. I hope they come back. I am so sorry for hitting the wrong button! Come back trey! And I would LOVE to made a cd one day!

[tarnagalos]

my god! what kind of instrumen is that! anyway i think is the most beautifull thing i have ever seen in my LIFE! FIVE STARS*****

[puppetpatti]

Hi tarnagalos,

This is an Array Mbira. It is beautiful isn't it. I adore playing it. It absolutely fills my soul. Thanks for stopping by.

[FitanyCereal]

beautiful!

[mb10784]

Did you buy this mbira from Bill Wesley?