Readers of the legacy Alternative Culture Magazine will remember the Rhythm of the Week section, with lessons and patterns for African-style hand drumming. Out of that material the first Roots Jam book was born: Collected Rhythms for Hand Drum and Percussion (1996).
Two more volumes followed (2002 and 2007), updating and expanding the breadth and depth of rhythm studies; then twelve years passed, full of more learning, practice, and performance, in styles and traditions ranging through Afro-Cuban and Brazilian ensembles, to West African traditional and electric band sets, to Garafuna drumming of Belize and Indian kirtan drumming on tabla. The fruits of these explorations are offered in the latest release, Roots Jam 4: World Beats – Rhythms Wild!
Roots Jam 4 extends the popular series of collected hand drum and percussion rhythms and lessons to a wider reach and deeper dive into world music. Simple notation is compiled and arranged for djembe, dunun, conga, tabla and batucada parts for solo and group practice. Learn from traditions and variations from Guinea and Mali, Cuba, Brazil, and Belize. Adapt beats for hip hop and DJ mixes, samba bands, kirtan, dance classes, or drum circles. Explore topics including archetypal music patterns, polyrhythm, improvisation, performance, and drum culture. Link to wider resources of notation, quality drums, top performers, and free online audio tracks and videos.
