N'be Magni

Comment by Strumelia on April 9, 2014 at 11:42am

Wow I love this Rob!   Awesome.

Comment by Rob Morrison on April 9, 2014 at 11:43am

I was privileged to meet and speak with Cheick Hamala Diabate at the AEBC.  I asked him the origin of this tune and he told me it had been passed to him though his Griot family in a tradition going back 8oo years.  When I asked what the tune was about, he said simply "No more war."

Comment by Rob Morrison on April 9, 2014 at 11:47am

Cheick Hamala plays this tune on an instrument tuned in fourths, or ngoni tuning.  I am tuned in Briggs' high bass tuning (D).  The tune has three parts, the first two played through twice.  The third is played as many times as the spirit moves you.  The second part flows seamlessly into the third part.  This will make more sense when you listen to the tune.

Comment by Rob Morrison on April 9, 2014 at 11:51am

"N'be Magni" is highly syncopated with complex rhythms. The first two parts are staccato, while the third part has a sort of floating, dreamy, otherworldly feel to it.  I play the third part in a thumb lead style.

Comment by Rob Morrison on April 9, 2014 at 11:55am

Thanks, Lisa.  If you are having a bad day, playing this tune will make it a lot better.  Cheick Hamala Diabate has dedicated his life to sharing his music and his culture with the world.  It is a gift from him for us to enjoy. 

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