Middle-Eastern
drumming sensation Raquy and the
Cavemen are a duo of virtuoso drummers / multi-instrumentalists
who bring hard rock energy to the mystical rhythms of the Middle East.
Raquy Danziger and Liron Peled, a former couple, started the band when
they were married - Raquy is a world renowned virtuoso on the dumbek (Middle-Eastern hand
drum), expressing her love of Middle Eastern music with the inspiration
she absorbed in her travels.
Liron has had a rich background as an incredible, world-touring hard
rock drummer. Together they've created a fresh new sound, bringing out
the best of both genres.
Raquy and the Cavemen switch between energetic drumming compositions
and intoxicating melodic pieces. Utilizing a variety of unusual
instruments including the Kemenche (an ancestor of the violin), Dumset
(Middle Eastern drumset) and Mongolian Throat singing (see full
instrument descriptions below), Raquy and the Cavemen's huge sound and
mind-blowing show leaves listeners transported, uplifted and full of
joy.
Raquy and the Cavemen have released Six CD’s(See discography below).
They have performed at Central Park SummerStage, LollaPalooza and
PASIC, and have collaborated with some of the biggest names in
Middle-Eastern music, including Omar Faruk Tekbilek and Saiid El-Artist. They have also shared the stage with Mickey Hart.
Their music has received radio airplay (reaching the top 20 in the CMJ
Radio Airplay chart) and has been licensed in movie soundtracks and
dance performances worldwide.
Their show features several exotic instruments:
Dumbek
Raquy specializes in the dumbek, the Middle Eastern goblet drum.
She has shared the stage with some of the greatest drummers in the
Middle East. Her style combines techniques that she learned in
various countries, but especially features the amazing new Turkish
Split Hand Technique that she has been studying in
Istanbul. In Raquy’s original drumming compositions, the
dumbek, usually used as accompaniment in ensemble pieces, becomes a
shining solo instrument. Audiences are amazed by the speed,
dexterity and finesse of Raquy’s playing.
Kemenche
Tarhu
Raquy's other instrument, the Kemenche Tarhu, is a haunting 12 stringed
spiked fiddle designed after the Persian kemenche
(spikefiddle.com). Raquy plays original compositions on the
Kemenche, based on the Middle Eastern tonal modes, as well as a
selection of favorite traditional tunes.
Dumset
Liron combined his hard rock drum set background with Middle Eastern
traditional drums by inventing the Dum Set. The Dum Set consists
of Liron's "Baboombeck" (big copper dumbek), a bass dumbek played with
one foot, a Riq (tambourine) played with the other foot, and cymbals
played with his hands.
11 String
Guitar
Liron took a beautiful 12-String guitar, and restrung it with 11 thin
strings to sound like a cross between a guitar, a sitar and a saz,
bringing the instrument a new exotic character.
Throat
Singing
Liron learned how to throat sing from his friend Nezih, who figured out
how to do it himself while he was on mushrooms. Now Liron uses this
incredible sound to entrance listeners and add a synth
bass-like sound to Raquy and the Cavemen.
"Raquy and the Cavemen's music is a remarkable demonstration of what
Page and Plant have always wanted to do but have never succeeded at."
- David Dacks, Exclaim Magazine
Raquy and the Cavemen also give workshops and master classes in
Middle-Eastern drumming.
"Raquy
and the Caveman are one of the best new world fusion acts I have seen
over the last years...They were definitely one of the most talked about
new acts at Earthdance 2010. I highly recommend them as a great
festival act." - Chris Deckker, Producer, Earthdance Northcal. Festival
"...There
is never a dull moment when [R&CM] hit the stage; pounding rhythms,
haunting melodies, exotic dance and a sensual aura that defies
boundaries. The perfect addition to any Festival program."
- Kris Hodges/Producer ~ FloydFest
"Raquy and the
Cavemen's powerful sound...and unreal ability to leave their audience
in awe"
- MSN Music
“the group . .
. forms a collective sound that makes the drumming portion of a
Grateful Dead show seem like an opportune time to get a fresh beer and
buy some souvenirs.”
- Indie-Music.com
"This odd but interesting world music CD
is Terrific!"
- Dan Aquilante, NY Post
