Customer Reviews

Hip Grooves for Hand Drums: How to Play Funk, Rock & World-Beat Patterns on Any Drum

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Hip Grooves" is a good beginning to intermediate book for developing drumming rhythms and timing. Although there are some instructions and illustrations for how-to obtain basic sounds for large handdrums, this book is not recommended for the raw recruit. However, if you know your way around your drumhead, you'll find this book rewarding in both style and variety of rhythms. What I like best is the drum tablature which is easy to learn and follow along with the CD. Each section (ranging from a tumbao to hip-hop to funk) begins with an explanation of the rhythmic style and a layered approach involving several steps culminating in an intricate rhythmic pattern. By building on patterns already presented the authors managed to keep the pace of learning both a challenge and a pleasure. The CD follows the steps of each rhythmic example at a comfortable tempo for learning. The rhythms can be played alone (with touch/"ghost" tones included) or can be incorporated in a group setting. If you are looking for a book to help you sharpen your drumming chops, give this book a try. Although the book is promoted as useful for "any" handdrum, I would not suggest it for those who play doumbeks or frame drums which require finger technique. This book is best suited for djembe, conga, or other large hand drums.

This is exactly what I was looking for to take me to the next level. Some guys at work and I have been playing Djembe at lunch for a couple of years. We wanted new beats and to expand on what we have been doing. This book and CD set is taking us there in a naturally progressing manner. The book is easy to follow and the play along CD allows us to master what the book teaches. The authors have another book & CD set called "HOW TO PLAY DJEMBE" which teaches, in the same easy way, traditional West African Rythms. We love it too. We are greatful to the authors and Amazon for these two great tools. They are fun to use and are helping us to grow faster and further than we expected!

I've been a hand drummer for decades and have played with everyone from Carlos Mantilla to Cuba Libre. What I loved about this book and CD combo was the ease with which I could pick up everything in the book. So many drummers have trouble reading drum score and the CD is a boon for them.
I recommend the book/CD highly.

Lary (BongoLary) Crews
Florida

I've been using Alan Dworsky's "Hip Grooves" book for conga, djembe and cajon with good results, but the rhythms are quite limited (because the book comprehends djembe-style and conga-style drums/technique). I found out that djembe and cajon techniques are very similar (and that both instruments have 3 basic sounds), so any written material for one of them could be easily applied to the other. The material is very basic and simple and the explanations are very understandable. Successful results are almost inevitable.

My students and I are really enjoying this book. Makes sense, lots of fun to play.

This book is so clear that it made something that had baffled me fun and made me successful. Can't ask for more than that.

I've been working my way through this book. The grooves sound hip on the cd, and a drummer of modest talent like myself can learn them. The book uses the same easy-to-follow system of notation that this team of writers has used in several other books. An experienced musician could easily translate their system into standard 16th and 8th notes, so that isn't a problem.

I especially liked the "paradiddle funk" and the groove based on the one-bar clave. The 6/8 beats are also pretty cool, and would provide more of a challenge for a more expert player.

This is a good follow-up to How to Play the Djembe. It has step-by-step lessons, each ending with a play-along segment. Fun!

This book has been exactly what I have needed for playing the djembe. I play guitar and sing and was trying to get some more of a whole sound so I bought a djembe but was sort of lost until I found this book. I first got it from my library and then bought it. It covers a lot of different styles and it is great for what I wanted. It's five stars from me but I suppose it is what you are looking for. Oh and I think I am pretty musical and this book was still quite challenging making my way through the beats, so if you don't really have the desire then you know...

I play congas and Dembje. This book is excellent for all. I have used the rhythms for both of the instuments. I like it touches on even grooves for R&B. Good for beginners and intermediate players. I do not think this would be of much help for advanced. Overall would recommend this.