Recital Suite for Djembe  
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A suite in three movements, for solo djembe, based on traditional African rhythms Djole, Yankadi, and Lenjengo,utilizing a variety of techniques - could be played on conga or other hand drum as well.
Percussive Notes Review:
Recital Suite for Djembe
Intermediate
B. Michael Williams
HoneyRock

As hand drumming becomes more and more popular, this three-movement suite provides the hand drummer with the opportunity to showcase his or her technique as a soloist. Williams' suite is patterned after the Baroque dance suite with each movement based on different West African rhythms reflecting contrasting tempi and style. The movements are titled: "I. Allegro--in the style of Djole," "II. Moderato--in the style of Yankadi" and "III. Vivace--in the style of Lenjengo." Additionally, each movement is dedicated one of Williams' teachers from the Jembe Institute in Greensboro, N.C. (Mohamed Da Costa, "Papa" Ladji Camara and Djimo Kouyate). Williams provides a clear and concise notational key. I, along with several of my students, have performed this work for various concerts and degree recitals. Each time, the audience has been amazed, and we all wish there were more pieces like this one to perform.

Reviewed by: Lisa Rogers
Review originally published: December 2001