Percussionist Marco Haber is as magnetic to hear as he is to watch. His seductive rhythms and unconventional technique make him one of the most gifted and refreshing musicians around. He truly must be seen to be appreciated.
Bio
I was born in New York City and had my first formal contact with drumming at the age of three, when my parents enrolled me in a rhythm class for young children. At thirteen, I travelled with my father to the Middle East. My musical experiences during that trip crystallized what has become a life-long passion for hand percussion.
Technique
Given the broad variety of music that informs my playing, it is perhaps not all that surprising that my interactions with the drum are hybridized. Over the years, I have developed an approach that marries finger techniques coming out of Eastern traditions with open-hand methods used in Afro-Latin percussion. The result is a style that delivers sounds and textures sometimes left unearthed by more conventional playing.
Instrumentation
My first drum was a ceramic doumbek from Morocco -- a gift given to me by my father when I was about four. Without question, the doumbek sits at the center of my fluency with percussion instruments. However, my reach has expanded over the years, and I now regularly play – albeit with a style that is in many ways my own – djembe, cajon, bongo, frame drums, and percussive accessories such as the shekere, bells, and clave. It is also not uncommon for me to (mis)appropriate household artifacts and other random items and use them as instruments.
Career Notes
My career as a professional percussionist began in college, where I landed a gig playing for a modern dance troupe. I have since worked with numerous artists and ensembles, playing music across the spectrum, from rumba to rock to reggae and beyond.
From 2004 through 2007, I was the percussionist for Mudfunk -- a funk/soul duo with Sean Rowe on vocals and guitar. Our collaboration enjoyed numerous successes, including a Travel Channel music contract, fully-sponsored UK tour, and the 'Live at the Grind' album release.
I've put on a number of shows and rhythm workshops with renowned percussionist and instrument designer, Felle Vega, and have performed alongside Federico Britos (Grammy-winning Violinist), as well as James Slater (Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter). I have also been on the bill with national acts such as Eric Anderson, Michael Glabicki (lead singer from Rusted Root), and Foghat.
