I think that many performers use tippers because of the increased volume and power they can provide. Even his choice of beats reflects a high level of awareness of the magic in music. Odd numbers were considered sacred to the gods and even numbers sacred to the goddesses. This album features women drummers, with melody lines provided by violin and trombone. Velez has always worked with women as well as men.
Frame drums have a long history of use by women.
His recordings reflect a global musical journey. Doctrine of Signatures is an amazing work that begins with a single tap of the finger launching the metronome and culminates with five frame drummers adding layers to that base. Two of the drummers on DOS, Eva Atsalis and Jan Hagiwara, continue to work with him in Handance. They weave sophisticated, innovative melodies from among the simplest of instruments, the sparest of arrangements. Here he plays steel drum, mbira, shakers, and sticks.