AN INTRODUCTION TO HAND DRUMMING - PART 1

As the name would recommend, this book contains everything you need to get started with Hand Drumming, including how to choose a good drum, explanation of the 3 primary and 3 advanced drum tones, and rhythmic exercises to get you counting and making your drum sound its best. There are many notated examples of both rhythms for one drum and ensemble rhythms. Some of the latter include: Bomba, (Puerto Rico), Shiko (Nigeria), Kpanlogo (Ghana), Son-Montuno (Cuba) and Kuku (Guinea). It contains two CDs, one with examples of all the rhythms in slow, medium and fast tempos, as well as an ensemble disc suitable for play-along practice.

To Hear a Sample from the example disc, click here

To see a sample page from the book, click here

AN INTRODUCTION TO HAND DRUMMING - PART 2

This book is the next step in your hand drumming education, detailing important concepts such as triple time (6/8 time), pick-up notes and swung rhythms. It is laid out in a very similar way to the first book, including notated examples for solo playing and drum ensemble. Some of the latter include: Yankadi, (Guinea), Dansa (Mali), Zebolah (Congo), Fanga (Liberia) and Nañigo (Cuba). Like the first volume, it contains two CDs, one with examples of all the rhythms in slow, medium and fast tempos, as well as an ensemble disc suitable for play-along practice.

To Hear a Sample from the example disc, click here

To see a sample page from the book, click here

AN INTRODUCTION TO HAND DRUMMING - PART 3
DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 2008

This book is the last in the series, introducing the reader to some less common aspects of hand drumming, including playing with a stick, odd time rhythms, and off beat rhythms, and soloing. It is laid out in a very similar way to the first two books, including notated examples for one player and drum ensemble. Some of the latter include: Lando, (Peru), Yanvalou (Haiti), Korduga (Mali), Dounungbe (Guinea) and Kassagbe (Guinea). Like the first two volumes, it contains two CDs, one with examples of all the rhythms in slow, medium and fast tempos, as well as an ensemble disc suitable for play-along practice.

A RHYTHMIC ALPHABET
DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE 2008

This book is designed as a resource for students or casual drumming groups to have a ready source of repertoire to play together. These are all traditional music or rhythms that have been arranged by Leo Brooks for 6 players using a wide variety of percussion instruments from hand drums to dunduns to bells, shakers, and guiros. From Aconcon to Zepaule and everything in between. This book comes with two CDs which outline each ensemble and provide opportunities to hear every part highlighted within it’s ensemble roll.

Check back soon for a listing of all 26 rhythms to be included!

AN INTRODUCTION TO BALAFON
TO BE COMPLETED SOMETIME IN 2008

This book is a resource for all those out there with Malinké style diatonic or traditionally tuned instruments who have no idea how to play them. These instruments typically have 21 keys and are tuned in a “do-re-mi” kind of scale. The book outlines the basics of conventional music notation, orienting yourself on your instrument, and proper technique. Many examples for solo balafon and balafon ensemble are presented, including Yankadi, Kébendo, Soli, Konkoba, and Lamba.

Leo knows full well that a market exists for this book and will endeavor to have it completed as soon as possible.