5/5 This video will help you become a truly excellent drummer
  by Steven Derosa (Sacramento,CA)
Karim Nagi has created the perfect follow-on to his first video here with Rhythms of the Arab World, Volume 2. By that I mean that it builds on Volume 1 but isn't more of the same, but by the same token doesn't suddenly leave us behind by going too advanced suddenly. This DVD is a generous offering in 4 parts: advanced techniques, rhythms, switching between rhythms, and drumming for a dancer (this last part alone sets it far apart from any other drumming video I've seen).

The techniques he presents are as usual laid out very logically, and they are illustrated alone and in the context of the Ayoub and Belledi (Masmudi Seghir) rhythms. From left-hand rolls to fills such as triplets, quadruplets, and sextuplets (and oh what a beautiful sextuplet he lays down! I'm still trying to master it months later), and then to the "Sak with both hands," more widely known as a "pop," demonstrating several versions of this important accent.

From there we're treated to a wonderful array of advanced rhythms including the Masmudi Kabir, Samai, York Samai, Maghrebi, Karatchi, Adani, and a few others. Karim lays down each rhythm very clearly and slowly at first so it's easy to get the feel of them, then plays at a couple speeds, moderate and then overdrive, to demonstrate several ways to fill or ornament each rhythm, always ending with a flourish.

Karim then demonstrates how to switch back and forth seemlessly between two complementary rhythms, a section which I found extremely helpful and fun, as it's too easy as a drummer to play a single rhythm ad nauseum. This will definitely add spice and interest to your playing.

Finally, the excellent section on drumming for a dancer is essential for those drumming for bellydancers. Karim demonstrates how a drummer can both express his creativity while still staying "grounded" in the rhythm, so as to keep the dancer in the groove.

All in all, a very professional, very important video for those who really want to reach the next step in the amazing world of Arabic drumming. Definitely worth getting if you love the drumming and the rhythms.

5/5 Great Teacher, Great Video
  by Mark Burdon (Portland, OR)
This is the second of Karim Nagi's instructional videos on learning the doumbek. It builds on Vol 1 which introduces fundamental techniques for playing the drum. Even if you are an experienced player, and especially if you are a beginner I suggest starting with Vol 1.

I'm a professional drummer, percussionist, teacher who had some familiarity with middle eastern rhythms but was having difficulty finding good instructional material or good teachers for the doumbek. Not only can Karim play the drum but he is a true musician. He presents the material in a way that builds on previous lessons, emphasizes getting a good sound and offers suggestions to play more musically. It is also filmed in a way that the student can watch and hear simultaneously. I highly recommend this. I hope to take some lessons from him the next time we're in the same city!!