Daf

Daf is a kind of drum with Persian frame, played as a instrument of music, which can be played in classical and popular form of music. Hardwood is used to make the frame, and plenty of ringlets of metal are attached to it, with goatskin being used for making the membrane surface. This instrument is found mostly in the regions of Iran, Kurdistan, Middle East, Pakistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan. It is seen to be accompanying other instruments like Violin, tambura, saz, oud and few from the Middle East countries. In some kinds of dafs, there are small sized cymbals, which is similar to tambourine.

Origin of Daf

Daf was first seen during the days of Sassanid Iran. In the ancient language of Iran, Pahlavi, this instrument is known as dap. After being arabicised, it is known as daf. Some paintings have been seen depicting the daf, which are probably prior to Common Era. Due to the presence of dap in Iranian Behistun reliefs, it is considered and also proved that these instruments date before the existence of islam. Even before Sufism was practiced, these instruments were being played during religious occasions in iran, which was a part of the religious tool. During the rule of Kavusakan dynasty, when the Sassanian times were prevalent, the dafs were seen to play an important part in the Mazdean Iran. In the Behistun monuments, which were located about 25 kms away from the city of Kermanshah, there are some frames in square shapes of Taq-e-bostan stonecuttings, also situated 5 kms near to Kermanshah city, which are proofs of this instrument being used those days. It is beilieved that these instruments were being played by Kurdish women in Middle East during ancient times, as well as in Rome, Greece and went into Europe in the medieval era from Islamic culture.

Design

Also known as defi, and sometimes daire in few areas, this instrument has a large outer structure along with bangles made of metal. This instrument’s construction is like that of tambourine, along with a screw system which is made of metal, for tightening the head and tuning it. In many areas of Greece, this instrument is quite popular, mostly during the Klarino music. Defi is famous in the region of Epirus in the northwestern part of Greece, where they are till today made with hands. Their tone is quite low and beautiful while low pitched sound is from the bangles. A player who is virtuous in defi, can play songs in various exciting manners. Tef is a Turkish word, used to describe a traditional version of Turkish Tambourine. In Turkish language, the daf is also known as Bendir.

Playing Positions

Def can be either mounted over a stand or played by holding in hand. Playing can be done by shaking or stroking the jingles or striking with hand sharply or by stick and it can also be struck to the legs or hips to create music.

Daf rolls

To make a daf roll, a lot of ways are there. Most easily, it can be rotated rapidly by holding the daf in hand and moving it back and forth, with wrist being the pivot. Thumb roll

Thumb roll is the advanced way of playing daf. In this method, there is movement of the thumb or finger along the rim or skin of tambourine, by which there is a sound from the jingles while a fast roll in produced. There is requirement of experience and skill to master such a technique.

The middle finger or the thumb, which is not holding the daf is run over the instrument’s head, about one cm distance from the rim, where a little pressure is applied. If this technique is carried out rightly, then there is bouncing of the thumb rapidly along the head, which makes the roll. At the rolling end, the heal present in the hand or in that of another finger is articulated for the roll.

In present days, resin or wax is put at the drum head outer side, for the performance of the thumb roll.Due to the resin, there is more bounce of the thumb or the finger, in a forceful manner along the head when an even sound is produced. To create a continous sound there is the movement of the thumb in 8 figure pattern over the head.

Notable Players

Jim Morrison

James Douglas “Jim” Morrison, who lived from 8th December, 1943 to 3rd July, 1971, was a famous singer, poet and songwriter from America, who is well known as The Doors, lyricist and lead singer, which was a rock band from America. After the band rose to prominence in 1967, he developed alcoholism as well as dependence on drugs, which led to his death in paris at the age of 27. It is believed that he died of overdose of heroin, although there was no autopsy and hence his exact cause of death was not sure.

Jim Morrison was famous for this passages from poetry and spoken words, which he improvised, during the band’s playing live shows. He had a personality which was wild and performances similar, he was known among critics and fans as the most charismatic, iconic and pioneering personalities in history of rock music. He is positioned in 47 rank in the list of 100 greatest singer of all times by Rolling Stone and in the position 22nd in the 50 Greatest Singers in Rock list by Classic Rock Magazine.

Liam Gallagher

William John Paul “Liam” Gallagher was born on 21st September 1972 and is a well known musician from England, who also is known as a singer and songwriter. He was the former frontman of Oasis rock bank and is presently a part of Beady Eye rock band. His erratic nature, a style of singing which was quite distinct and attitude involving abrasive behavior was much discussed in the press. But he is still one of the most appreciated figures in the music circuit of modern day british.

Noel Gallagher, brother of Liam, who is elder to him wrote most of the songs of Oasis band, but those of the single songs, Songbird and I’m Outta Time were written by Liam himself, with a few other tracks and albums. After Noel went out of Oasis in 2009, Liam has said that he would be working with other members of Oasis band, such as Andy Bell, Gem Archer, Chris Sharrock, who was the drummer, and would continued recordings but in a different band name called Beady Eye.

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