Djembe and dundun rhythms for West African drumming and dance

Collected West African Drum Rhythms


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Drumming Blog

Fierce Light audio CD:

Fierce Light and other flute jams
by Strange Moon

Fierce Light (borrowing from the film of the same name) highlights selections from electric, electronic and live drum and percussion jams (Triamigos/Strange Moon). The emphasis here is on the atmospheric and rhythmic interplay of flute and forward energy, group creative force. ...more

Order Fierce Light from this site
(N. America | International)

African drum rhythmsRoots Jam 3

New Rhythm Arrangements - Drumming for Dancers

The latest Roots Jam rhythm collection book is now available, with 16 complete dance rhythm arrangements of traditional West African drum rhythms. Included are the most popular hand drum beats from Guinea, with unique easy-to-read djembe and dunun rhythm notation, and optional sound files (mp3 or audio CD).

Also included are 27 original compositions using traditional-style rhythms and drum elements, for dance, practice, or your listening enjoyment. Roots Jam 3 features a new notation guide, a 5-lesson drumming workshop, a new resource list, and additional features including tips and exercises for lead djembe solos and improvisation.

64 pages, 8.5 X 11, durable covers, ring-bound for easy opening.

16 traditional West African dance rhythms in Roots Jam 3:

Djole Kassa Mendiani Soli
Doundounba Kuku Sinte Sorsornet
Fula Fare Lafe Sofa Tiriba
Guinea Fare Makuru Soko Yankadi

 


more information | samples and excerpts | prices and ordering


 

Roots Jam 3:

Arrangements for West African Drum & Dance

This all-new collection of rhythms helps you 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 adds to the previous Roots Jam books in offering complete and cohesive ensemble arrangements for 16 popular dance rhythms.  Included are lessons and exercises to help you understand basic downbeat, upbeat and offbeat timing; choose from available bell and clave patterns; and learn both traditional and improvised lead djembe solos.  Practice listening to and playing parts with the optional audio CD.  Also featured is notation for 27 original compositions by Nowick Gray, with audio tracks on a second CD. Click here to view contents, sample pages, and index of rhythms.

Roots Jam 1:

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. Click here to view contents, sample pages, and index of rhythms.

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. Click here to view contents, sample pages, and index of rhythms.

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, BC and Maui, Hawaii. 

Click here for more info or to order.

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