How to Play Djembe, by Alan Dworski & Betsy Sansby

This book is made for any one interested in learning authentic African rhythms for djembe.  The rhythms can also be applied to other instruments, such as congas or ashikos.

This book offers a vocabulary of authentic Africans rhythms.  It is a complete teaching on playing djembe: from technique, to sounds, to rhythms.  It is a compete course for beginners and is good for any player who wants to extend his or her rhythmic vocabulary.  

In a simple and enjoyable manner Dworsky & Sansby clearly teach some of the most popular West African rhythms: Kuku, Djole, Kassa, Madan, Suku, Sunguru Bani, and Tiriba.  The authors even indicate the interlocking parts for the rhythms - outstanding!

While you learn the patterns, you'll also learn how to make each of the basic strokes—bass, tone, and slap—with proper playing technique. The authors use life-like illustrations to show how each stroke looks from the outside and give clear descriptions to explain how each stroke feels from the inside.  For those of you familiar with DancingsHands.com popular Conga Drumming book, How to Play Djembe shares all its best features, including easy-to-read box charts and a friendly writing style that creates the feel of private lessons.

Includes: CD - How to Play Djembe comes with a African djembe drumming CD!  You can hear first hand how each rhythm should sound! Plus, the rhythms are played by Joh Camara, a master-drummer from Bamako, Mali. 

Each rhythm that Joh plays lasts at least five minutes, & Joh solos on the final three minuets of each track, so you'll have plenty of time to play along and experience the rhythms!

Total: $24.95 (includes shipping in the U.S)

LP Djembe