infolato is a free online encylopedia for the asalato, a West African shaker percussion instrument that has a prominent performing subculture in Japan.
The asalato consists of two gourds filled with seeds or pebbles, connected by a rope. It is played with one asalato (two gourds) in each hand.
There are many names for the asalato. These names include the kashaka, televi, cas cas, aslatua, kisseng kisseng, kosh kash, damlankosso, among others.
performance
This volume of infolato discusses aspects of performing the asalato.
preface
preface
Initial thoughts.
introduction
what is asalato?
An explanation of what asalato is.
types of asalato
The difference between the different types of asalato.
sizing
Selecting the size of the gourd and length of the rope.
grip
How to hold the asalato.
articulations
The different ways to move the gourds in order to produce sound, called articulations.
building blocks
technique
An index of individual techniques relating to the asalato.
rhythm
An index of notable rhythm and rhythmic patterns for the asalato.
fundamental concepts
sound quality
Fundamental concepts of sound quality.
rhythmic integrity
Fundamental concepts of rhythm.
groove
Fundamental concepts of groove.
musicality
Fundamental concepts of musicality.
visual expression
Fundamental concepts of visual expression.
developing consistency
Developing consistency with the fundamentals.
performing
freestyle
An overview of freestyle improvisation for the asalato.
ensemble
Playing the asalato with other musicians, both asalatists and non-asalatists.
creating
notation
Ways of writing asalato music down, in a written form.
transcription
Overview and explorations of playing music not originally written for the asalato, on the asalato.
composing
Information for non-asalato players composing for the asalato.
appendix
afterword
Final notes and thoughts.
acknowledgements
Thanks.
glossary
Terms and definitions related to asalato performance, which are used in infolato.
culture
This volume of infolato discusses aspects of asalato history and culture. It is currently a work-in-progress, and only includes a handful of pages.
history
An overview of asalato history by country and region.
people
An index of asalatists and people relating to asalato.
extras
Miscellaneous notes and articles.
sidenote
Sidenotes.