Drum Atlas Series: Jamaica by Pete Sweeney

BOOK/CD
LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
$16.95

Jamaican music finally gets full-blown coverage in the fourth book of the Drum Atlas Series. Beginning with traditional Nyabinghi drumming, the book traces Jamaica’s music from mento, through ska, and to rocksteady, reggae, and beyond. The chapter on ska really sets things up, demonstrating the drummer’s role as well as how bass and guitar lock in. This depth helps provide a real understanding of how and why reggae works when the three-drop, steppers beat, fills, and more are explored. With contributions of drummers like Sly Dunbar and Stewart Copeland, mention of more electronic forms (dub, dancehall, ragga), and clear examples throughout, this book is simply outstanding. (Alfred) Martin Patmos