Human Maracas

Dan C the crazy drummer of Bristol based psychedelic country rockers The John E. Vistic Experience is thinking of recording a solo album and is currently experimenting with exotic forms of percussion. Along with the usual array of African and Brazilian percussive oddities the recording will include an even stranger one, the human maraca! Apparently this is an ancient Mongolia musical practice that involves bouncing 2 or 3 youngsters up and down on an adult’s knee whilst gently squeezing them in order to produce a rhythmic buzz (somewhat similar to a Buddhist “ohm”). Different sounds can be produced by regulating the pressure of the squeezing.
Whilst the practice has been criticized in some areas for being cruel, with calls for it to be criminalized, Mr. C assured us it was safe. Protesters claim that cases of “over-squeezing” result in youngsters passing wind or worse and that this may lead to bowel problems or psychological complication in later life. When questioned on this matter Dan kindly demonstrated the technique with his own children; Isla, Amelie and Maya Eve of Destruction. He did however emphasise that the technique should only be attempted by trained professionals.
Luckily our Bristol correspondent T.C (Top Cat) was on hand to capture the spectacle for posterity.