"When Scott Kettner looks at a map, he sees a direct line that connects the rivers of Northeast Brazil to the parishes of New Orleans and the streets of NYC. A master percussionist, bandleader, producer, and songwriter, Kettner is the guiding force behind Nation Beat, a band whose teeming, vibrant rhythms find common ground in the primal maracatu rhythm of Brazil's northeastern region, the Big Easy's funky, hypnotic Second Line and strolling Mardi Gras Indians, and the unfettered freedom of big-city downtown jazz. As a sideman, Scott has performed and/or recorded with Willie Nelson, Cyro Baptista, Stanton Moore and Galactic, Frank London, The Klezmatics, Stephane Wrembel, Cascabulho, Vieux Farka Toure´, Maracatu Nac, a o Estrela Brilhante, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Cha Wa and many more. His latest book, ""The Essential Pandeiro Method"", is an introduction to the rhythmic possibilities of the frame drum that animates a variety of Brazilian styles. The book can set beginners on their way, but can also lead experienced musicians to expand their abilities. His earlier book, ""Maracatu for Drumset and Percussion"" published by Hal Leonard was the first English language guide to this Brazilian genre with photos, history, and recordings."