The Drums of Vodou

This book is essential if you have any interest in Haitian drumming and rhythms, and unfortunately it is one of the very few on the subject (much less one with transcriptions!). Frisner Augustin is a master drummer from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and Lois Wilcken studied with him in New York. She took down all the parts (boula, segon and maman) for the main rhythms used in Vodou ceremonies (in Port-au-Prince. In Haiti, the rhythms change dramatically from region to region, and sometimes town to town!) and presents them very clearly. She even included the Kase, or break, for each rhythm. (The kase is a very unique element to Haitian drumming, and each rhythm has its own break rhythm... this drives the music to an incredible level of intensity) Also included is a history of Haitian drums and drumming, including instruments no longer common to Haitian drumming, some notes about the dances that go along with each rhythm, and a personal note from Frisner himself. The only thing keeping this book from being 5 stars is that there is no cd with these exact examples on it. There is the Frisner Augustin cd "Drums of Vodou", but it would be nice to have the rhythms exactly as they are transcribed in audio form, to help get a feel for each one. All in all, that is a very small quibble considering how monumental this book is, and how useful it will prove to be to anyone interested in the subject. Be sure to see Frisner live if he ever plays in your town!

For the record, I have met and worked with Lois and Frisner for a brief and wonderful period in 2001. I cannot claim to know them as their close friends might, but they are both very dear to my heart and I'll remember my experience with them for the rest of my life. Lois has dedicated much of her professional, creative life to studying Haitian music and Vodou ceremonies that she learned both through Frisner and the time she has spent in Haiti. To my knowledge, there is no other book which documents the role of music in Haiti so consisely or accurately. The book is packed with excellent information, well written musical examples, and valuable insight. This is a must-have book for percussionists, musicologists, and anybody who has an interest in Carribean music and/or history (not excluding those who may be interested in Afro-American, Latin-American, Jazz/Fusion and their respective histories).Both thumbs are enthusiastically UP!

I highly recommend this book. Wilcken has done us a great service in presenting the subject without prejudice. Her research is unprecedented. I'm recommending that Black bookstores in my area have copies on hand for sale.