This book contains the complete transcriptions of the CD:
»The Art of Jenbe Drumming: The Mali Tradition Vol. 1«
The CD was recorded 1995 in Bamako by Rainer Polak, first released with Bandaloop Records in 1996 and re-released with bibiafrica records in 2006 (www.bibiafrica-records.de)
The transcriptions
As has become usual since the 1960s in studies of West African percussion music, the notes are set in relation to a graphic raster that represents a linear metric system of elementary pulses (smallest time units except of rolls/flams) and beats (comprising either 3 or 4 pulses to larger units). Thus all rhythms transcribed refer to either a quaternary metric system of 16 pulse cycles (4 beats x 4 pulses) or to ternary 12 pulse cycles (4 beats x 3 pulses).
The following sound symbols are used in the transcriptions:
S jenbe slap
S closed or muffled jenbe slap
T jenbe tone
B jenbe bass
X closed or muted dunun stroke
O open dunun stroke
Without doubt, the transcription published here do not make an exception from the rule that a musical transcription can always be only an imprecise and incomplete approach to represent a sonic reality. Working with the book makes sense only if the reading of the music comes along with hearing the CD.
Hearing the CD, plus of course hearing other jenbe music, continuous practicing basic skills like sounds etc, and studying with a good teacher, are much more important than working with the book, and are preconditions to being able to successfully work with the book.
Bayreuth, spring 2006 Rainer Polak
