California Mabommay
Bill Alves
About this work:
The mabommay is a dance of exhiliration of the Akan people of Ghana, Africa. During the fall of 1992, I was able to study the drumming of Ghana with master drummer Kobla Ludzekpo in Los Angeles. One of the aspects of this music that impressed me the most is the casual complexities that emerge from the lively polyrhythms of this style. While the rhythms in this piece don't even approach such complications, they should retain the same relaxed style that has become associated as much with California as West Africa. This piece was originally commissioned by Rick Mooney of the National Cello Institute and is dedicated to laid-back cellists everywhere.
Year composed: 1993
Duration: 00:04:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Other Combinations, 6-9 players
Instrumentation: 8 Cello
Instrumentation notes: Parts may be doubled