Post by Stephen on Jun 13, 2004 14:21:02 GMT -5
Gracefully translated, transcribed, and introduced by coauthor Mitchell Hall, "The Healing Drum" traces Yaya's extraordinary cultural legacy, exploring the Minianka view of the human being and the cosmos relative to daily work, celebration, herbal medicine, dance, trance, initiation and death. In the tradition of the Minianka, music is a remedy for both physical and psychological imbalances, harmonizing the forces of the visible and invisible worlds.
With wit, intelligence and the sure gift of a born storyteller, Yaya Diallo brings the tradition of his people to life. His story is at once uplifting and sobering, poignant and ecstatic, carrying to us a message of untapped wisdom and power--the message of the healing drum.
Yaya Diallo was trained on balafon and hand drums by his grandfather and by his spiritual mentor, Nangape. Although hs now lives in Louisville and teaches and performs drumming internationally, he returns frequently to his home in Mali to renew ties with the elders. Seeing the teachings he grew up with gradually being lost to Westernization in his native country, he encourages the youth of his village to take pride in their cultural heritage. Yaya has recorded several albums including "The Healing Drum" featuring the traditional and ceremonial music described in this book.
Mitchell Hall received his degree in comparative religions from Columbia University and in sociology from the University of Chicago. He joined the Peace Corps as a volunteer in West Africa, where his love for African music and dance was instilled. Since his return to the United States, Mitch has worked as a professional writer, translator, teacher and health therapist. It was through their common interest in African culture that Mitch and Yaya met, embarking on a long-term friendship and collaboration.
Destiny Books
One Park Street
Rochester, Vermont 05767
ISBN 0-89281-256-7
With wit, intelligence and the sure gift of a born storyteller, Yaya Diallo brings the tradition of his people to life. His story is at once uplifting and sobering, poignant and ecstatic, carrying to us a message of untapped wisdom and power--the message of the healing drum.
Yaya Diallo was trained on balafon and hand drums by his grandfather and by his spiritual mentor, Nangape. Although hs now lives in Louisville and teaches and performs drumming internationally, he returns frequently to his home in Mali to renew ties with the elders. Seeing the teachings he grew up with gradually being lost to Westernization in his native country, he encourages the youth of his village to take pride in their cultural heritage. Yaya has recorded several albums including "The Healing Drum" featuring the traditional and ceremonial music described in this book.
Mitchell Hall received his degree in comparative religions from Columbia University and in sociology from the University of Chicago. He joined the Peace Corps as a volunteer in West Africa, where his love for African music and dance was instilled. Since his return to the United States, Mitch has worked as a professional writer, translator, teacher and health therapist. It was through their common interest in African culture that Mitch and Yaya met, embarking on a long-term friendship and collaboration.
Destiny Books
One Park Street
Rochester, Vermont 05767
ISBN 0-89281-256-7