Guinean Drumming and Singing
Famoudou Konate - Book + CD
Language: French

A rich content in a small-sized book / CD set, Guinean "Djembefola" (drum master) Famoudou Konate's method is a brilliant pedagogical aid for those who intend to play some of the essential patterns of traditional mandinka drumming: Lolo, Kuku, Baga giné, etc.
Aimed at teachers, traditional African music enthusiasts or Djembe players, this work presents not only transcriptions of songs and rhythms, but also a large number of remarkable, illustrative pictures and useful clarifying notes.

Making the most of Famoudou Konate's knowledge, co-author Thomas Ott (Music teacher at Koln University, Germany) also usefully brings his academic musical background to enrich the Master's approach. In short, this work is brimming with precious information on history, playing techniques, basic notions on Malinke drum making etc.

The overall structure of the work is quite clear and flexible. The CD includes well-recorded audio material and "self-sufficient" compositions, in that they are worth listening to, just as any other African music CD.
An efficient method that will give its user food for thought...