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West African Drum Set Suite (Solo Drum Set)
Genre: Solo Drum Set with Optional Singing
# of Players:
Level: Medium Difficult | Duration: 7:00
Publisher: C. Alan Publications | Copyright: 2020
Download mp3 | Click on images to left for score sample
Rating:
Price:
$20.00
Item #:
27070
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Notes & Instrumentation
The West African Drum Set Suite is an exciting piece that adapts three traditional djembe and dunun rhythms from West Africa to the conventional Western drum set. It also incorporates two optional songs to be sung at various points in the composition. Percussionists looking for new and interesting ways to expand their drum set vocabulary while exploring a rich drumming tradition will find both in this work.
Genre: Solo Drum Set with Optional Singing | # of Players:
Level: Medium Difficult | Duration: 7:00
Instrumentation
Hi-Hat + attached seed pod or rattles
Kick Bass
Floor Tom
High Tom
Snare Drum (snares off)
Cowbell or Iron Bell
Program Notes
The West African Drum Set Suite is a product of the desire to incorporate traditional Mande djembe ensemble rhythms into a “single player” model on the modern drum set. Though the instruments of the drum set are different from those in the traditional djembe ensemble, similar timbres can be found between the two. Furthermore, some of the essential polyrhythmic relationships of the ensemble can be represented through a composite approach on the drum set by one player. The intent is not to replace the ensemble. It is, rather, to enhance the capabilities of the drum set player to find new musical and rhythmic possibilities that are unique to djembe music. -
Video
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West African Drum Set Suite
Sheet Music now available from C Alan Publications: hard copy - http://c-alanpublications.com/west-african-suite/ digital download - http://c-alanpublications.com/west-african-suite-digital/ Arranged and Performed by Adam Snow DMA recital #3 - University of North Carolina at Greensboro 11/22/15 Program Note: The West African Drum Set Suite is a product of the desire to incorporate traditional Djembe ensemble polyrhythms into a “single player” model on the modern drum set. Though the instruments of the drum set are different from those in the traditional Djembe ensemble, similar timbres can be found between the two. Further, some of the essential polyrhythmic relationships of the ensemble can be represented through a composite approach on the drum set by one player. The intent is not to replace the ensemble. It is, rather, to enhance the capabilities of the drum set player to find new musical and rhythmic possibilities that are unique to Djembe music. *Djole is a rhythm from the Temine people of Sierra Leone. It was originally played on square frame drums called Siko. Now the rhythm is a very popular rhythm for Djembe and is widely known across West Africa. *Sorsornet is a mask dance of the Baga people of the Boke region of West Guinea. The mask is said to bring good luck and to provide protection for a village. This is also a popular rhythm now that is played widely. *Kuku is a very popular rhythm from the Manian people of Forest Guinea and Ivory Coast. It was originally played for women in the village as they returned from fishing. Now it is one of the most popular pieces played all over West Africa. - Adam Snow
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Product Reviews
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Percussive Notes New Literature Review
This work for solo drum set and optional voice lasts approximately 5 to 7 minutes, depending on whether or not the performer chooses to include the optional singing. The material is developed from West African rhythms and melodies, which are then adapted for drum set. It can be played on a four-piece kit plus a cowbell with options to add a shaker to the hi-hat along with a second cowbell on a pedal next to the hi-hat.
There is an incredible amount of educational value behind this solo. The main form is split into three sections that represent specific West African styles: Djole, Sorsornet, and Kuku. Not only will this force the player to be in a different frame of mind behind the kit, I can only assume that composer Adam Snow hopes that anyone who plays this piece will also listen to and research the styles of music he is portraying. Snow obviously has a clear love and appreciation for the genre. In fact, if I were to play this piece, I would listen to his representative audio recording many times in an effort to go beyond reading the usual drum set notation and emulate the styles for which it is written.
Interspersed among the three main sections are the optional songs. I strongly suggest that the songs be a part of any performance. Not only does it help portray the music and culture of this style, but it’s really going to push you or your students if you have not played kit and sung at the same time. This can be a very valuable skill in the professional world... This piece of music is a great addition for this instrument, and I am excited to introduce it to my students.
Ben Cantrell
Percussive Notes
Vol. 59, No. 6, December 2021 Ben Cantrell on Jul 6th 2022
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