Magazine reviews:

MI Pro (UK Music Industry Trade Magazine)

......Djembe enthusiast and teacher Ianto Thornber is clearly on a mission to educate the nation's novice Djembe-ists.......
Leading the budding drummer through the basic techniques required for djembe strokes and some simple practice rhythms before introducing multi-part rhythms into the equation, The Djembe Guide is a perfectly paced introduction to the instrument.......
The endearingly home grown presentation and the use of black & white photography throughout means The Djembe Guide comes across as a labour of love on the author's part, rather than a slick corporate effort, and somehow suits Thornber's enthusiastic writing. He's clearly a teacher and a djembe devotee, rather than a professional music writer.........

Modern Drummer (US Drummer's Magazine)

Ianto Thornber has spent years studying the art of playing the West African djembe drum……….This book translates direct first hand experience with African drummers and craftsmen into a clear, well articulated delivery of all the essentials : the historical background, the proper playing technique, a wide range of basic exercises and rhythms…………Thornber’s passion for aquiring a solid foundation from his teachers results in a bonus for readers of this workbook; you will not only be introduced to basic strokes and multi-part rhythms, but you’ll come to understand the challenge and thrill of group drumming…….. With excellent photographs and a well produced instructional CD, this straightforward workbook is essential for students of Africa’s most popular drum.

Music Mart (UK General Music Magazine)

....such a welcome publication ........aimed at beginners and intermediate players alike ....... this 104 page book & CD package is a perfect introduction, assuming no prior knowledge, yet rammed to the gills with everything a percussionist could wish to know about this most versatile of drums and it's historical perspective........
Using plenty of photographs and easy to understand charts, Thornber guides the newcomer through the playing positions, basic strokes and rhythms, to easy multi-part rhythms for drum groups, and then on to (understanding) solo playing and improvisation.........
No music reading ability is required, and the author details 12 West African rhythms through a series of simple tablature, all with the added benefit of the CD's audio examples......
The chapter on choosing a djembe, tuning and maintenance is of prime help, particularly when the purchaser is confronted with the elaborate weaved rope tensioning system employed on the ethnic types.........
Concluding with appendices devoted to djembe spares and accessories, a list of recomended recordings and a resource guide, Thornbers splendid work should be considered a compulsory purchase alongside your first djembe...

Sacred Hoop (UK Shamanic Living Magazine)

......Very well laid out, with text that takes you step by step, hand in hand, with the excellent CD to gain confidence in your playing skills............Not just well written, the book is very visual, with photos of hand positions, playing techniques, as well as large photos of .....drums during construction and the other instruments that are traditionally played with the djembe.
The book also includes a buyer's guide, with tips on what to look out for in a good drum...........The CD is very clearly narrated and gives you the chance to hear the exercises and join in as you develop your playing.........

Panic (Leeds based Review Magazine)

....a definitive user friendly guide for lovers of the djembe drum........This is as comprehensive as it gets .... there's even a section on support instruments (shakers, djundjun etc) and don't worry, you DON'T have to read music.....You cannot improve upon this...... Highly recommended.........

Comments from users and teachers:

Alan Dworsky (Drum teacher and author of the award winning 'Conga Drumming')
..... I think you did a great job on the book: its obvious that you're a great teacher and that you really understand the beginner's mind.
Betsy (Sansby - his co-author) and I both thought your writing was excellent.....

Ian Wright (Director of Percussion Studies, Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, UK)
.. I have had a good look through your book and I think it is excellent. You have done a really fine job with it, and also with the Carabali CD. Can I order copies of both for the RNCM library .....

Jon Dudley (Percusion Tutor, Leeds College of Music, Leeds, UK)
.....I've been reading your book this week and wanted to say 'well done' - I think it is excellent...... I never realised it had such breadth..... it would take alot to surpass this as a beginner's book, and I reckon it's essential reading ...... I'll recommend it with conviction.....

Caryl Roese (School of Education, Universtity of Wales Institute, Cardiff, Wales)
...I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and listening to the CD...........
I liked the scholarly introduction - it was informative, easy to read, and flowing......
You make useful comments and suggestions which will be of enormous help to those wishing to learn how to play the djembe........ I shall certainly use some of your ideas in my lectures, and will also advise students to puchase the book/CD........

John Bowden (Music teacher and author)
.....The Djembe Guide ...is very well written and informative. An indication of the dedication of the author of any book is the depth of experience demonstrated, and the research into the subject matter - your book reflects these qualities to a high degree....
My friends who are into drumming think it is an excellent book, and recommend it to anyone wanting to know more about the djembe, its playing and its culture....

Comments from retailers:

Adaptatrap (Percussion shop - Brighton, UK)
..... Two thousand thanks ......the best book about djembe so far - recommended....
Bloody marvellous - send more !.....

Knock on Wood (Percussion shop - Leeds, UK)
The Djembe Guide is the book we recommend to most djembe buyers - particularly if they don't read music, and it's been very well received...……The Carabali performance CD is a good idea for people to hear the rhythms in performance, with solo & improv, too....... a best seller because there's just so much in it .....

Links to online drum community resources:

African Drumbeat
African Arts and Crafts
Drum Call
Drum Jam
Drumming for Business
Djembe African Drums
Djembe Mande
Djembe School
Knock On Wood
Littledrum
Music Worldwide
Waywood

Top