The mbira is an instrument with a uniquely beautiful tone, yet even today it is still rarely played outside of the traditional cultural context from which it originates. In his debut solo album titled 'METAL 1', percussionist Steven Skolnik attempts to expand the musical and compositional possibilities of this unusual instrument with a hauntingly beautiful collection of contemporary melodies, accompanied by a variety of metallic percussion instruments including vibraphone, glockenspiel, cymbals and bells.