Product Details

• Actors: Jim Donovan
• Directors: Jim Donovan
• Format: NTSC
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: G (General Audience)
• Studio: Jim Donovan Music
• DVD Release Date: November 12, 2007
• Run Time: 120 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000YN1W96
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #106,059 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn, play and expand upon your djembe drumming abilities!, December 2, 2007

By 

Biffybeans - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Jim Donovan's Rhythmic Foundation : Interactive African Drumming for Everyone (DVD)

If you haven't had the opportunity to attend one of Jim Donovan's workshops, or even if you have, this DVD will most certainly fulfill your desire to learn, play and expand upon your djembe drumming abilities.

The first section is on technique; where Jim walks you through how to properly sit and hold your drum, and how to make the three basic djembe sounds; bass, tone and slap. The slap is a challenging sound to create, as the hand positioning takes practice to effortlessly achieve the desired sound. I'm pleased to see it included here, as many instructors will leave it for more advanced teachings and it's excellent to have this visual reminder of how it should be performed.

Traditional drum ensembles will often include a set of bass drums, or "djun-djuns" as well as a bell or "toke" player. Jim takes the time to introduce and demonstrate each of these instruments.

The next section on the disc is dedicated to learning various drum rhythms. The first of these rhythms are traditional pieces, each broken down part by part and filmed from above for a bird's eye view of how to play them. After each rhythm is demonstrated, a play along section is included- where Jim plays one part of the rhythm, then instructs you to play along with another. Wonderful.

The second set of rhythms are for relaxation, and of all of the rhythms taught on the DVD, my favorite is that of the "One Drum" exercise. The exercise is simple but quite powerful- this one always stays with me long after I've left one of Jim's workshops. A repetitious pattern combined with conscious breathing allows the left/right halves of your brain to synchronize and helps you to achieve presence, or more simply, to be "in the moment." (This is also known as "entrainment") When this exercise is performed with at least one other person, it sounds like you are playing "One Drum." Played in a room filled with 75 people, it's absolutely mind blowing.

In a world where multi-tasking is expected, presence is its polar opposite. Being able to focus your attention on just one thing, allows you to perform that one task to your fullest potential. I had no idea that a attending a "drumming" workshop would provide such valuable tools to carry over into my day to day life.

The last selection of rhythms are for creative exploration. In this section, the play along section isn't just with Jim, but with a small ensemble which includes a djun-djun player, a person playing the toke bell, and one additional djembe player. Good stuff. It gives you the sense of what you might expect to see at a drum circle or similar event.

The third main section of the disc contains various training exercises. The first is a segment on rhythmic ear training, a follow the leader type of exercise teaching you to play what you hear. As an added challenge, try doing the exercise with your eyes closed. If you ever attend a drum circle, or other community drumming event, this exercise will greatly enhance your ability to follow what other people are playing & to be able to play along with them. A full section of exercises is also included to increase your speed, accuracy & dexterity. (Paradiddles & triplets)

In a nutshell, this DVD is a bargain for all of the material it contains. No matter your skill level, you will most likely find Jim's teaching style to be personable, informative, and a bit humorous at times. The material found within is both simple enough for a beginner to grasp as well as challenging enough for the more advanced player.

And if you have the opportunity to take one of Jim's workshops, by all means - do it!

Drum on!

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars YOU MUST HAVE THIS DVD!, February 10, 2008

By 

Elizabeth Wilson "Rhythm Facilitator, World M... (Baltimore, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jim Donovan's Rhythmic Foundation : Interactive African Drumming for Everyone (DVD)

As a long-time music teacher of drumming and world music, I have to say that this DVD is the best instructional/play along resource that I have ever experienced! You will not believe how much valuable material is packed into each of the six easy to navigate sections. Jim is a master teacher with a unique talent for demonstrating technique, dexterity, coordination, and how to get the best sound out of your drum. The dual visual perspectives (straight on and a bird's eye view) are invaluable. This DVD will enable you to significantly improve your playing, no matter what your level of experience is.
The contents include:
1>Playing techniques for djembe, toke (bell), and djun-djuns,
2>Fun to play ear-training exercises that are challenging for teachers and students alike
3>Engaging exercises to develop speed and dexterity,
4>Easy to follow lessons for eight traditional pieces,
5>A play-along ensemble section where you can create your own music, or play along with your favorite part
6>Rhythms for relaxation. ..It feels like getting a massage, while taking a nap in an oxygen bar!
7>Valuable printable resources, links to articles, and other rhythmic resources on the web.
YOU MUST HAVE THIS DVD!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars absolute 'must' for drumming enthusiasts, February 9, 2008

By 

Kenneth Isles "ken isles" (grove city, pa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jim Donovan's Rhythmic Foundation : Interactive African Drumming for Everyone (DVD)

as explained in the editorial review, this DVD is for ANYONE interested in drumming....it is filled with information that would appeal to all students, from beginners to established players...the DVD could not be anymore 'user friendly'...easy instructions allow one to travel freely thru the contents with many options for users...it would be wise to first watch the DVD in entirety to explore the wealth of material contained...
a starting point could then be established for the experience the DVD provides...personally, i chose to start in the techniques section to remind myself the proper postions and form necessary in hand drumming....the overhead views are excellent and for someone who doesn't get to drum as often as i would like, this refresher is perfect in establishing proper style and sound, etc...there are many excercises to help with speed and power and sections that allow individuals to jam along with those playing on the DVD....i also enjoy listening to the different selections chosen by the author from traditional pieces and instructions on how to play them...these are just a few of the features available!!! i could not speak more highly of this video....it is truly all that is advertised...i cannot recommend it highly enough!!!