Hi, Everyone,
Here's a plug for a VERY valuable drumming resource:
The Rhythm Reference Project
The Project is a huge library of all djembe and dun parts for 50 traditional West African rhythms. Each rhythm is played one part at a time by master drummer Fara Tolno of Guinea (former lead drummer for Merveilles de Guinea).
You download the library in digital format .. and keep it handy on your computer, iPod, MP3 player, etc.
Complete Jembe and Dun Parts
With over 400 tracks, you just call up any rhythm by name and listen instantly to whatever part you want. And, for the more visual, you get the complete ASCII notation.
FOR A LIMITED TIME:
Pay what you want... Freewill Donation!
From The Rhythm Reference Project:
PRESERVING THE TRADITION
One of our goals with this project is to support the artist Fara Tolno in his efforts to share the music here in the US, and more importantly to give the children of Guinea the opportunity to grow up with great musicians.
The trend in recent years has produced a "brain drain" of the best musicians, moving to the US and European countries where they can make the most money to support their families back home. This is what happens when we focus on popularizing the music without preserving the tradition.
We intend to create a school here and in Guinea that will keep the tradition alive by paying the musicians sufficiently, allowing them to remain home and develop their skills and offer to future generations. The funds from this project will be supporting these projects, so we are happy to have your help in getting the word out.
MP3 Library of 50 West African Rhythms
Imagine carrying hundreds of parts with you to listen anytime you want. Just dial up a rhythm by name on your iPod and listen to find the part you need to remember for dance class, practice at home, or teaching students.
All parts are played by a master drummer from Guinea, former lead drummer for 9 years for the famed national touring performance troupe, Merveilles de Guinea.
Recorded at Immersive Studios using 5 mics for each drum and professionally engineered to make learning easy, these are some of the best quality recordings of djembe and duns ever produced. All tracks include a shekere to indicate the correct pulse. Each part is introduced with the traditional break for that rhythm. Over 400 parts when you buy all three collections. A pdf file is included with complete detailed notations and cultural context for each rhythm.
Three collections are available as digital downloads, covering the 50 most popular West African rhythms.
1 -- Djembe Collection
2 -- Dun Collection
3 -- Dun Advanced Ballet
http://www.RhythmReference.com