Down to the Wire, by composer and concert cimbalist Richard Grimes, continues the 19th-century tradition of the Hungarian cimbalom methods Cimbalom-Iskola and Cymbalschule and brings the cimbalom into the 21st century. Richard uses Western classical percussion techniques, in addition to traditional Hungarian cimbalom technique, to address issues of consistency and articulation. The result is a beautiful, full tone with less technical effort.
Down to the Wire is both a collection of 24 cimbalom etudes and a technical method addressing tuning, body position, hammer grip, articulation of tone, body of sound, soundboard coverage, and extended techniques. This comprehensive book covers everything in regards to technique that one needs to play cimbalom. As the repertoire for and necessitating cimbalom continues to expand, Richard's book Down to the Wire is a necessary and revolutionary addition to the world of the contemporary cimbalom.
$40 - # 0683 - Morales-Matos, Rolando: Techniques and Basic Patterns for Congas, Timbales, and Bongos (includes book and audio mp3’s)
"Killer book!" - Glen Caruba, Pearl Percussion Product Manager
"Techniques and Basic Patterns for Congas Timbales, and Bongos" is exactly what I had been waiting for all these years: a comprehensive approach for those coming into the study of Latin percussion from someone who "gets it". No one better in the world to put out this book than this superb artist who understands how the mind of a classically-trained percussionist really works in relation to these instruments! Congratulations and THANK YOU for this fabulous pedagogical tool!
- Fernando Meza, University of Minnesota
Written by the Hand Drummer and Assistant Conductor for Broadway's THE LION KING. Includes a free download of audio mp3 sound examples and instruction by Rolando himself. Equal to a full year's course and private lessons on each world instrument, this book will help you prepare for the world of Latin Percussion and how it relates to Latin Music. Once you master the techniques of playing the instruments and the basic rhythm patterns, you will be able to learn more advanced patterns and create your own. The possibilities are endless. Have fun practicing the exercises and rhythm patterns. Remember that even though they are exercises, they are the key to making real music.
Sample 1 (Intro) (Click Arrow to Play)
Sample 2 (Congas, tumbao) (Click Arrow to Play)
Sample 3 (Timbales, mambo) (Click Arrow to Play)
Sample 4 (Bongos, a caballo) (Click Arrow to Play)
Sample 5 (Bongos, marcha/improv) (Click Arrow to Play)
Sample 6 (Congas/Bongos/Timbales, mambo) (Click Arrow to Play)
Sample 7 (Congas/Bongos/Timbales, merengue) (Click Arrow to Play)
$35 - # 0840 - Sheronick, Yousif: Riq Instructional Book and DVD: Basics of the Middle Eastern Tambourine
Yousif Sheronick guides you from the basics of holding the Riq all the way through playing and embellishing traditional Middle Eastern Rhythms in both Cabaret and Soft positions. Included are technique exercises to develop your tones and build your strength, as well as two spectacular solos played by Sheronick on this amazingly versatile instrument. The accompanying book includes a comprehensive collection of over 50 Middle Eastern Rhythms (many with multiple embellishments) and a scene layout of the DVD.
Since the publication of my book, Learning Mbira: A Beginning... (HoneyRock Publications, 2001), I have had many requests for a second volume of mbira transcriptions. After having collected many new songs in tablature notation, I decided perhaps the most efficient way to meet this demand is to make them available online in several “mini-volumes” of four tunes in each volume. The series may eventually include as many as six (possibly more) volumes of completely new material not included in the Learning Mbira book. I may revisit some familiar pieces from that book, but if so, it will be an entirely different version from the one originally published.
Volume 1 includes four previously unreleased transcriptions: Baya Wabaya, Kariga Mombe Yekare, Nyamamusango, and Shumba.
Since the publication of my book, Learning Mbira: A Beginning... (HoneyRock Publications, 2001), I have had many requests for a second volume of mbira transcriptions. After having collected many new songs in tablature notation, I decided perhaps the most efficient way to meet this demand is to make them available online in several “mini-volumes” of four tunes in each volume. The series may eventually include as many as six (possibly more) volumes of completely new material not included in the Learning Mbira book. I may revisit some familiar pieces from that book, but if so, it will be an entirely different version from the one originally published.
Volume 2 includes four previously unreleased transcriptions: Hangaiwa, Shumba yaNgwasha, Chipindura, and Bukatiende.
Since the publication of my book, Learning Mbira: A Beginning... (HoneyRock Publications, 2001), I have had many requests for a second volume of mbira transcriptions. After having collected many new songs in tablature notation, I decided perhaps the most efficient way to meet this demand is to make them available online in several “mini-volumes” of four tunes in each volume. The series may eventually include as many as six (possibly more) volumes of completely new material not included in the Learning Mbira book. I may revisit some familiar pieces from that book, but if so, it will be an entirely different version from the one originally published.
Volume 3 includes four previously unreleased transcriptions: Chakwi I, Nyuchi, Chakwi II, and Dangurangu.
Since the publication of my book, Learning Mbira: A Beginning... (HoneyRock Publications, 2001), I have had many requests for a second volume of mbira transcriptions. After having collected many new songs in tablature notation, I decided perhaps the most efficient way to meet this demand is to make them available online in several “mini-volumes” of four tunes in each volume. The series may eventually include as many as six (possibly more) volumes of completely new material not included in the Learning Mbira book. I may revisit some familiar pieces from that book, but if so, it will be an entirely different version from the one originally published.
Volume 4 includes four previously unreleased transcriptions in gandanga/mavembe tuning: Marenje, Dangurangu, Mbavarira, and Vasina Katura.
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