The Music of Africa: An Introduction,

The Music of Africa: An Introduction by Dr. Fred Warren is really a small volume that should be in every public and school library. I found this subject to be absolutely fascinating. Being completely "nonmusical" my self, I am never-the-less intrigued by the subject and am one of those people that feel we have, throughout the years, underestimated the impact music has had on culture and society, any society, since the beginning. Dr. Warren has produced a wonderful primer here on the subject of African Music, which, when you think about it, has had a tremendous impact and has been absolutely influential on the music of American and Western Europe and its overall development. A very readable text has covered the place of music in traditional African life, melody in African music, rhythm in African music along with form. I particularly enjoyed the black and white sketches of traditional African musical instruments by Penelope Naylor. They quite well enhanced the comprehensive text. While this is a basic book addressing a most fascinating subject, the author has given us a very comprehensive bibliography and discography. Wonderful source books and records are listed here that are a great resource for those who want to go further with this study. This book has approximately 81 pages of actual text and drawings, but don't be put off by the brevity of the work. There is a wealth of information here, in particular for people like me who knew very little in regards to the subject. Another aspect of this work that was quite impressive was that it can be read by young folks, and quite well understood, and yet there is great appeal and much to be learned by older people also. If you do not know what a Kalungu or mbiras is, and want to know, then this book is for you! Highly recommend this one. If you like knowledge, like source material, like little known facts, then you will love this one. For overall music lovers and for those who study musical history, then this is one you probably will want to add to your personal library. Actually, I find myself referring to my copy quite often.