Book reviews by Dawoud Kringle
Title: Getting Started on Djembe
Author: Michaael Wimberly
Format: book & DVD
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corp
Genre: music education
Getting Started on Djembe / Getting Started on Cajon are new book instruction releases by master drummer/percussionist Michael Wimberly‘.
After greeting the viewer, Wimberly begins the video with an historic overview of the djembe, and it’s roots in 13th century Mali. A brief but comprehensive overview of the physical and mechanical characteristics of the djembe are discussed, along with some tips on maintenance.
Wimberly goes into considerable detail about the proper position for holding and playing the instrument. The variety of basic techniques are explained in comprehensive and clear detail without becoming boring or superfluous.
After a foundation is presented, Wimberly demonstrates some examples of the practical application of the basics. This is presented with an accompanying historical and cultural perspective. As the video progresses, Wimberly adds some more advanced exercises and patterns, such as the Lamban, Sunu, and Mandiani, etc. (again, keeping them in their historical and cultural perspective). The student is gently guided, and constantly challenged at the same time. The applications of the techniques, and other techniques, are demonstrated in contemporary and non-traditional music.
Title: Getting Started on Cajon
Author: Michaael Wimberly
Format: book & DVD
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corp
Genre: music education
Getting Started on Cajon is similarly formatted. Wimberly begins with a historical overview, and demonstrates how the instrument evolved from its humble beginnings from an instrument improvised from materials available during slavery, to the advanced instrument it is now. Basic techniques, exercises, and practical musical application are all explained and demonstrated clearly.
Wimberly proves himself to be a good teacher; and presents the djembe and cajon, and their basic playing techniques in a way that is easy for the movie to understand, and paves the way for the student to be receptive later for more advanced techniques.
For my own part, despite me being a musician, my forte is string instruments; I am unskilled (and I dare say incompetent) with percussion instruments. After viewing Wimberly’s instruction videos, I find I’ve been exposed to a deep and sublime level of knowledge in a way easily accessible to my mindset. Those who are serious about learning these percussion instruments, and the traditions they evolved from, will find Wimberly’s videos a valuable and enjoyable foundation.
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