LAC
ROSE by Doudou Ndiaye
RosePercussion Orchestra
LAC
ROSE by Doudou Ndiaye
RoseWith the release of Doudou Ndiaye Rose's compact disk on the Real
World label and the video DJABOTE ( pronounced "jaw-boat") distributed by Multicultural Media, the music of the Senegalese sabar drum was now more accessible to Westerns. Eric Serra (well known composer and producer of many film scores) produced the CD and video during a week of recording on the Island of Gorée. The video has been described as "one of the most stunningly beautiful music videos ever produced." The CD and video include about 50 members of Doudou's family and are a must for any percussionist or enthusiast of African music. Contact Dave or Lisa at EARTHSHAKING MUSIC, they usually have copies in stock. This is definitely my all time favorite CD and video. What a thrill to have Doudou Ndiaye Rose visit my home in June of 1996 and watch him watch his video!! A night I will never forget.
Doudou Ndiaye Rose also recorded an album called Sabar released on the Mélodie Recording label (Ref : LP ENC 135-9135).
Finally, a new release by the legendary
father of sabar drumming. Unfortunately, this double CD set is
only available in Japan at this time. It is the first release
since Djabote and was recorded live August 10, 1996 at the Miura
Percussion & Meeting Kaichoon,
Miura-shi, Japan. It was released by Run
Productions and produced by Conversation.
Doudou is joined by 16 members of his family and troupe from
Senegal. In addition to the traditional sabar drums, the
"saurooba and Khine" drums feature prominently. Even
though they are not listed in the liner notes, you can hear
djembes on this recording too. 
The liner notes are written in Japanese, English, and French. However, I question some of the accuracy of the English translation and there is no information about who is playing the djembes. But, there are some great shots of Doudou at the concert and three musicians describe their experiences working with this inspiring drummer/musician/composer.
Even though this is a live recording the quality is notable.
The Village Pulse label has also been instrumental in providing access to sabar drumming with the release of Mapathé Diop's Sabar Wolof: Dance
Drumming of Senegal. This is truly the best CD recording of sabar dance drumming available. All of the major sabar dance rhytms are on this CD. I was fortunate to spend a week in Seattle studying with this truly incredible drummer. Check out the VILLAGE PULSE web site for more information on Mapathé, sabar drumming, and other special recordings of West African music. I just heard a rumor that they will have another release of sabar drumming this summer. If you are interested in West African music, visit their web site and support them if you can. They not only produce great music, but Adam Novick and Carl Holm are working hard to support the artists who make the music. Check out their pictures, along with Mapathé and his other students in a performance in Seattle, on the Teachers & Workshops page.
Gouyie Mouride Bamba by Boudiabay Ndiaye is probably one of the greatest tapes in my collection. Another relative of Doudou Ndiaye Rose, Boudiabay plays some of the most "jazzy" sabar available on tape. The tape is made in Senegal and is unfortunately only about 30 minutes in length. Also, unfortunately, it is not easy to find, contact Rick at AFRICASSETTE MUSIC in Michigan. If he doesn't have one in stock tell him to order more. This is definitely a must have sabar drumming tape.
White Cliffs Media has also produced a great sabar CD with Omar Thiam and his ensemble Jan Bugum. The artists on this CD are from the Serer ethnic group from the Kaolack region of Senegal. Not only is there great music on this CD, but it has great liner notes and explanations for the songs. Compare the Serer sabar style drumming on this CD with Mapathé Diop's Wolof style music on the Wolof Sabar Dance Drumming CD. They both are outstanding. Contact WHITE CLIFFS MEDIA for more information on ordering Omar Thiam's Serer Sabar CD.
(Each time I play one of these tapes around Wagane Ndiaye Rose, he always says "Wow, Wow (Yes, Yes in Wolof) that is brother <so and so> playing the sabar." And, sure enough, I look in the cassette liner and that is who is playing.
Contact AFRICASSETTE
MUSIC for reviews of these hard to
find tapes.
Please send information on your favorite sabar music to: sabar@mindspring.com
