For the record, I have met and worked with Lois and Frisner for a brief and wonderful period in 2001. I cannot claim to know them as their close friends might, but they are both very dear to my heart and I'll remember my experience with them for the rest of my life. Lois has dedicated much of her professional, creative life to studying Haitian music and Vodou ceremonies that she learned both through Frisner and the time she has spent in Haiti. To my knowledge, there is no other book which documents the role of music in Haiti so consisely or accurately. The book is packed with excellent information, well written musical examples, and valuable insight. This is a must-have book for percussionists, musicologists, and anybody who has an interest in Carribean music and/or history (not excluding those who may be interested in Afro-American, Latin-American, Jazz/Fusion and their respective histories).

Both thumbs are enthusiastically UP!

I highly recommend this book. Wilcken has done us a great service in presenting the subject without prejudice. Her research is unprecedented. I'm recommending that Black bookstores in my area have copies on hand for sale.