Djembe and dundun rhythms for West African drumming and dance
Roots Jam 3
Arrangements for West African Drum & Dance
Excerpts from the book . . .
Lead Djembe Drumming and Soloing
Traditional Solos and Improvisation
Contrary to popular belief, traditional drum soloing on the djembe is not simply free improvisation. Master djembe players such as Mamady Keita and Famoudou Konate play and teach a style of soloing based on “traditional solos,” a series of rhythmic variations each corresponding to a particular dance move. Besides being tailored to the movements of the dance, these solo phrases will reflect the underlying melody of the dununs (particularly the sangban) and the accompaniment djembes. A gifted soloist will also depart from the prearranged solo phrases to improvise with free creativity . . . always with the structure and feel of the traditional rhythms and dance in mind.
In comparing the traditional solos of different teachers, villages, or regions of West Africa, one realizes that the tradition is not fixed, nor is there a commonly agreed upon arrangement of solos (or other parts) for any given rhythm. Dance moves likewise will vary, even among “traditional” teachers from the same area. So there is some freedom for the lead djembe player or arranger to pick and choose from traditional solo parts, as well as to create and play new variations. The “djembe 1” parts in the arrangements that follow could be considered as the basic starting point for the lead djembe, with the “solos” as additional options.
To summarize: the grounding for the soloist begins with traditional parts and phrases, and when improvising, (s)he plays around the foundation melody of the supporting instruments (whatever the choice of parts may be for a given rhythm). Deep knowledge of all the parts is a definitely recommended as preparation for such a role. Then the key is to listen, and to play around that melody in various ways to reinforce, to embellish, and to accentuate the pulse and the spaces of the music. All of this happens with the ears and hands, while the eyes focus on the dance moves, to play with those. It all comes back to the dance.
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Breaks, Intros and Endings ...
Arranging Djembe Solo Phrases ...
Exercises (with notation) for Rolls Practice ...
More Soloing Tips ...
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.
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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.
