Konnakkol Manual

"A valuable addition to rhythm studies for any musician. Very appropriate for teachers and students."—Glen Valez, The New School

"High caliber and innovative mrdangist David Nelson shares insights acquired over more than four decades in this well-paced guide to advanced rhythmic composition in South Indian music. Written in an inviting style and amply illustrated with video demonstrations, this manual will be useful for creative musicians of all backgrounds."—Richard K. Wolf, author of The Voice in the Drum

"The South Indian rhythmic core, the demystifying strategies, transforming capability of the content and the manner of presentation, the authenticity of the rhythmic repertoire, the learning tips from the wealth of the author's musical experience in South Indian drumming over half a century, gained from the acclaimed Karnatak music maestros -all this and much more, are most valuable for students, performers, teachers of improvisation in the world of music. The book is not only a valuable pedagogical tool kit for the non-Indian drummers and students of rhythm around the world, it will be an eye opener also for the native musicians who need to be better informed in terms of form and structure of this complex classical art of Mr. Dangam, which they hold high. Wesleyan University, known for its reputation as the reserve bank of global musical traditions, has done proud to an exemplary musical tradition of South India."—Karaikudi Subramanian, Founder and director of Brhaddhvani Research & Training Center for Musics of the World

"The lessons present the rhythmic concepts in a completely comprehensible and thorough way. This book may be the best way to dive into these concepts, short of getting on a flight to Chennai."—Jamey Haddad