Customer Reviews

Rhythm & Beauty: The Art of Percussion

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I simply love this book and CD and so have the many other people I have given this book to. I am a former student of ethnomusicology and I recognise many of the resources Mr. Maffit has drawn upon but he has managed to make a beautiful and readable introduction to a vast subject. Kudos to the photographer as well. As to the reviewer on these pages that gave this book such a negative review, well you can't please evrybody can you? I give this book my strongest recommendation

I didn't hear of Rocky Maffit till I saw him preform at Borders in Champaign/Urbana with another preformer named Chad. They were WONDERFUL! I quickly bought the book mainly for the cd. However, I found the book very wonderful indeed and am almost through with it! Not only does this book discuss the instruments themselves, but the purpose behind them from the culture from which they came! The cd is WONDERFUL to dance to and lift the spirits. Both are a wonderful collection for anyone who enjoys the sounds of percussions!

This book caught my eye in the bookstore and the more I looked at it the more I realized how special and important a work it is. Maffit's text is unfailingly clear and on point. Brown's photographs are splendid. The book is organized very effectively. I can't imagine a library that should not have one of these included in its collection. The hidden treasure in the package is the music, contained in a cd inside the back cover. Maffit's compositions and performances are truly world class. Although the book itself is well worth the cover price, the cd makes it an unbelievable bargain. Besides being a marvelous educational tool, it would not be an overstatement to say that the book "Rhythm and Beauty" may well contain some of the most astounding music released this year. A tour de force. Check it out.

A delight to behold, the photographs are exciting and the layout of the book makes the reader want to touch and hear all the instruments described. The CD is an added bonus for lovers of world music.

I didn't hear of Rocky Maffit till I saw him preform at Borders in Champaign/Urbana with another preformer named Chad. They were WONDERFUL! I quickly bought the book mainly for the cd. However, I found the book very wonderful indeed and am almost through with it! Not only does this book discuss the instruments themselves, but the purpose behind them from the culture from which they came! The cd is WONDERFUL to dance to and lift the spirits. Both are a wonderful collection for anyone who enjoys the sounds of percussions!

The photographs are so beautiful. They make the instruments seem so alive. The music on the accompanying CD is imaginative, original, and exciting.

Amazing. Simply amazing.I bought this book after seeing the author perform in a recent symphony concert here in Cleveland. I was completely stunned by this mans' talent, his candor and rapport with the audience. Imagine a cross between Bobby Mc Ferrin and a one man "STOMP" and you will get the idea. I could not believe I had never heard of him before. Wanting to find out more I discovered this Book and CD. It is a glorious introduction to world music and percussion delivered in a completely personal way. This is a book that just about anyone could deeply enjoy, a perfect gift book. And not just for drummers!

Rocky Maffit has missed the mark on this one. As I read Rhythm and Beauty, I was reminded of a sixth garde book report, summarizing the key infomation of previous works (such as Planet Drum and Drumming at the Edge of Magic, Mickey hart).

In addition, the companion CD failed to present the wide variety of rhythm and sound that is out there in this world. Overall, this felt like a hack attempt at targeting a culturally starved audience.

Even the photography lacks the mystery and power that is inherent in the subject material.

In spite of this horrible review, I feel that Rhythm and Beauty does have merit in it's concept- a slick coffee table book with style and good information, but sadly, it did not measure up.

The passion and intensity of this book is obvious from start to finish. I would make love to the photographer for the ocean drum shot alone. My house is decorated in the warm and wonderful tones of the cover shot. Buy this book for someone you love, someone you don't like, and then someone you hardly know. You won't regret it.