Beidler Forest Swamp Stomp

The Francis Beidler Forest is a protected sanctuary of Four Holes Swamp in Harleyville, South Carolina. The 1,600 acres contains the world's largest remaining stand of virgin cypress and tupelo swamp. Some of its trees date as far back as 1,400 years. Its mysterious and yet romantic landscape has earned its fame with visitors and wonderers dating back to the revolutionary war. While working for the National Audubon Society I spent countless mornings and nights exploring the swamp. One afternoon, while slogging out to one of the largest and oldest trees on the property, I noticed the musical tones of the cypress knees when struck with a stick. As a drummer and percussionist, I always wanted to be part of the traveling musical show, Stomp. These knees provided the perfect stage to fulfill a longtime dream. I quickly wrote down a simple score for my coworkers to follow using various natural instruments found in the swamp. And thus, I bring you Swamp Stomp.

Instrumentalists from left to right:
Mark Musselman - cypress knee drummer
Lynette Thompson - deer antler clave
Rickey Covey - videographer and bass cypress tree
Barbara Covey - opossum skull shaker
Mac Stone - cypress knee drummer
Mike Dawson - host and cypress knee drummer

Видео Beidler Forest Swamp Stomp канала Mac Stone