Arrangement and participative collaboration
The workflow of the band typically starts with one of the three balafonists bringing a traditional piece or a composition to the rehearsals. The balafon pattern sets the time signature, musical key, tempo, and rhythmic phrasing. Often a song is also introduced at this stage, the lyrics translated and the meaning explained to everybody. Each musician will then attempt to join the groove according to their inspiration and skill. If a musician can not find his way, the person who brought the piece may instruct and give ideas. If someone creates a suitable pattern on their own, that is often noticed and encouraged. Working in this way requires a lot of patience, as trial and error tends to take a lot of time. The goal is that every musician arranges their instrument in each song. The purpose of this process is to reach a solid personal connection to the music, instead of being just a musician performing music written by someone else. The name of the group ”Faso Kan” means the sound of home, and every musician should feel at home when playing together. NEXT PAGE
