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Mbira Tab Vol 1
$20
ORDER
via OMRadio.com
MbiraTab is a new series of mbira transcriptions in tablature notation by B. Michael Williams. Each volume in the series explores four classic mbira tunes in the style of presentation first used in Michael’s 2001 book, Learning Mbira: A Beginning… In essence, this new series picks up where Learning Mbira left off, introducing four completely new tunes in each set in a downloadable format including a PDF text document and MP3 audio examples for each variation. Volume 1 includes Baya Wabaya (eight variations), Kariga Mombe yeKare (“the older version of Kariga Mombe” – four variations), Nyamamusango (seven variations, including a kutsinhira part), and Shumba (five variations, including a kutsinhira part). Background information is provided for each tune, including source material on recordings from various artists. Proceeds go to Erica Azim’s non-profit organization, MBIRA, supporting Zimbabwean musicians and instrument makers.
REVIEW
Volumes I and II of Mbira Tab serve as a sequel to Williams’ first book, Learning Mbira: A Beginning. Although it is not necessary to have the first book in order to learn this new material, I recommend having the first book as an additional resource for study. The transcriptions contained in each volume of MbiraTab greatly expand the repertoire available to those interested in learning the art of mbira, especially in the absence of a primary source teacher. These collections present the standard version of each tune in Western notation, similar to the concept of the “head” of a jazz tune, followed by tablature notation for the standard version and additional variations of each piece.
Each volume, available as electronic downloads only, includes over 30 pages of text with background information and tablature of four previously unreleased transcriptions. Volume I consists of “Baya Wabaya,” “Kariga Mombe Yekare,” “Nyamamusango,” and “Shumba,” while Volume II presents “Hangaiwa,” “Shumba yaNgwasha,” “Chipindura,” and “Bukatiende.” In addition to tablature transcriptions, cultural background information is given for each tune, along with mp3 recordings of all transcriptions, as well as suggested listening for further study of each song. The mp3 recordings feature an instrument pitched in Erica Azim’s “workshop tuning,” and information on how to get an instrument like this is available at www.mbira.org.
Mbira Tab is appropriate for any experience level, ranging from the absolute beginner to the most advanced player. The collections are unique, serving as essential tools for those wanting to either begin or expand their repertoire and knowledge of the mbira. The tablature examples are easy to understand and allow for those with or without a musical background to learn the songs in each collection. I look forward to using Volumes I and II of MbiraTab to expand my personal repertoire on the mbira. I recommend these collections to anyone wanting to begin or further their study of traditional Shona songs on the mbira.
Reviewed by: Rob Parks, Percussive Notes
Review
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