I gotta put my $0.02 in here... I've been playing with Zahira off-and-on for nearly 5 years now, and as much as my technique, speed, and timing has improved, every time I hear her play I wish I had what Zahira's got. Other people here have said stuff like "...it's like magic...", "...plays with an unmatched precision...", and she "...has what they call 'The Big Ear'...". As a musician (of debatable skill, I must admit) I have to agree 100% and then some.

Zahira has got a very unique sound and style that I wish I could imitate. Those of you out there who have drummed with Zahira know what I'm talking about. It's
that certain "something" (akin to the unique yummy flavor of a particular food dish made by a gourmet cook) that she's got. No matter how "fancy-pants" I
try to play, it's just not the same. It's sorta like I'm putting a lot of everything I've got in my spice cabinet into the stew and getting something that's extremely flavorful but, well, awful.... yeah, it's pretty much like
that. It seems like getting good "drum flavor" out of what you're playing takes more than just being a good technician (which is how I feel about my playing most of the time).

Anyway, I just wanted Zahira and everyone else to know what a great drummer and musician I think she is. Thanks for letting me get to know you Zahira!!

what can i say, not only does this lady totally rock my free world w her doumatek talent (and she is the best damned drummer i've ever had the pleasure to improv with - it's like magic, baby) she's also been cool enough to get behind some of my wilder 'lead lemming like' ideas and go over the creativity cliff with enthusiasm. now that takes balls. (in the figurative sense of course; in no way am i implying that zahira has actual balls.)
:-)
love ya, sweetie.

I met Zahira at folk tours camp a couple years ago. EVERYONE was like "have you seen that girl with the white drum.... she's AWESOME!"

She plays with a unmatched precision. Clean clear beautiful...

She's one of the few people who PLAYS the doumbek instead of HITTING the doumbek...

Zahira has what they call "The Big Ear". She's a melodic drummer with finess and a smile to boot. If you can't hear her playing then you are probably too loud...and missing some sweet drum work in the process. A fine drummer and a fine human bean. :D

Zahira redeemed my faith in drummers. She's not just a drummer, she's a musician, who listens as intently as she plays. Her taste, judgement, and skill are impeccable.

I feel like I am writing in your yearbook!

To my friend Zahira who I met a few years ago....stay the way you are and you'll go far. Good luck always.....

No, really, you are one of the most amazing drummers I have had the privilege of playing music with. You are totally a musician's drummer, which is VERY different from being a drum circle drummer. There is more to life than Beledi, to be sure! I also enjoy listening to you play drum alone as well as with other talented musicians.

You hung in there while I squawked thru Yeshilem at my first Winter Hafla. You are my *quarter-tone conscience* for when I am too lazy to bother playing things correctly. At Pennsic I can count on you to be at almost all the parties where thunder drumming is *not*, so we can play some quality tunes for the masses. You manage to find obscure sheet music and share it with me knowing I have a terrible time learning by ear.

I won't forget that you are playing the ney more and want to explore the melodic side of Middle Eastern music. But then, who will take your place as the percussive rock on which I can play all my songs?

Thanks for being my friend even when I am a thorn in your side! And thanks for giving me a lift to haflas, music camps, whatnot.

Zahira is the coolest drummer I know! She is so cool I want to be in her gang
Doomb ca tek! She goes to cool places like Turkey and brings back tassles!
She is also fun to go on long car rides with and play mad libs!