Djembe and dundun rhythms for West African drumming and dance

Collected West African Drum Rhythms


African dance
djembe rhythms links search djembe rhythms djembe rhythms faq djembe rhythms newsletter rhythm lesson books djembe rhythms email

 

 

Roots Jam 3

Arrangements for West African Drum & Dance

Excerpts from the book . . .

Follow the links below to view or hear free sample content from Roots Jam 3.

Table of Contents

Why Roots Jam 3?

Rhythm Notation Guide
Instrument terms
Basic notation for djembe
Map of Notes on Drum Head
Dunun notation
Arrangement notation and terms

Drumming Workshop
Lesson 1: Stretching Time and Space
Lesson 2: Downbeats and Upbeats
Lesson 3: Offbeats
Lesson 4: Downbeats and Offbeats in 6/8 Time
Lesson 5: Handing and Timing for Basic 4/4 Djembe Parts

Features
Koreduga – A Time Puzzler
Bell and Clave Patterns Summary
West African Drum Chakras
Grow Your Own Drum and Dance Group

Lead Djembe Drumming and Soloing
Traditional Solos and Improvisation
Breaks, Intros and Endings
Arranging Solo Phrases
Notation for Rolls Practice
More Soloing Tips

West African Dance Rhythm Arrangements

Original Compositions

Resources
Books/CDs
Links to West African Drum and Dance Resources
Rhythm Culture
Alternative Culture Rhythm Section
DjembeRhythms.com

Audio CD Tracks
Traditional Rhythms
Original Compositions

Blank Grids for Rhythm Notation

 

Take the next step in playing West African drums for dancers, in a group, or just for fun. Learn basic accompaniment parts, selected bass drum (dunun) and bell patterns and variations, and traditional djembe solos.  Roots Jam 3 offers you complete and cohesive ensemble arrangements for 16 popular dance rhythms, plus lessons and exercises on rhythmic structure and timing. Learn tips for traditional or improvised lead djembe solos.  Choose your own bell or clave parts with a handy reference chart. Practice listening to and playing parts with the optional audio CD. A second, bonus CD features 27 original compositions, for which notation is also provided.

Order Roots Jam 3 now
- view prices and special combination offers -

contact by email

Roots Jam:

Collected Rhythms for Hand Drum and Percussion

This unique resource contains hundreds of rhythms from the African, Latin and rock traditions, along with inspired improvisations.  Easy notation, useful for all levels, from beginners to performers.  Includes lesson guide, arrangements, popular styles, practice exercises, and a list of other resources.  Fully indexed, 80 pages.

Roots Jam 2:

West African and Afro-Latin Drum Rhythms

An updated (2002) and expanded collection of over 125 traditional West African, Afro-Latin, and Middle Eastern rhythms, arranged for ready reference for individual learning or ensemble play.  Covers djembe and dunun/bell parts and variations, in box (grid) notation for clear display of timing. Includes unique exercises, generic patterns and in-depth study of polyrhythm. Optional full-length audio CD with 28 demo and practice tracks.

Nowick Gray has been a teacher and writer for over three decades, and a drummer since 1990.  He currently teaches and performs with a number of drum and percussion groups in Victoria, B.C. 

order Roots Jam now

contact by email