What I’m Doing Now | Dave Kobrenski

Last updated: January 11, 2026 from North Conway, NH

Bright Cloud Mountain - Remaking the World

Remaking the World

Bright Cloud Mountain is a new music project I’m working on with pianist Jed Wilson, sax player Mike Sakash, and drummer Tim Gilmore. Our debut album Remaking the World will be released this spring 2026, with an album release concert at the fabulous Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield, Maine on March 6, 2026.

A big thanks to Erika Manning for beautifying our album cover with her painting Water Music.

New book in progress: The Mande Flute

For the past two years, I’ve been transcribing and recording all the songs I learned during my 15-year apprenticeship in West Africa with Lanciné Conde, who passed away in 2021.

sheet music with fula flutes

The book will serve as both a tribute to Lanciné, as well as being a long-overdue resource for those wishing to study the West African flute (known as tanbinfulé in Malinké, or more commonly as the Fula flute).

The sheet music and recordings will be compiled into a book (with CD) along with historical/cultural information, song translations, and guides on how to play the tanbinfulé and, more broadly, how to understand the music and its relation to both the Malinké drum tradition and the griot (jeli) tradition of West Africa.

This has been tons of work so far, but one of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on in a long time. Shooting for 2026 release. Stay tuned!

Famoudou Konaté’s book

Famoudou’s new book has been published, and is available here!

Famoudou Konaté book

For two years, I worked on translating and editing the English version of master djembéfola Famoudou Konaté’s memoir. To accomplish this, I worked closely with both Famoudou and co-author Professor Thomas Ott.

I traveled back to West Africa this spring to finish the book, as well as to celebrate its launch through my publishing company, Artemisia Books.

Read all about my latest visit with Famoudou here.

West African Drum Classes

After many years, I’m finally back to teaching West African drumming classes. I love sharing what I’ve learned during my years living and traveling in West Africa!

Spring 2026 classes will be announced soon! Sign up on the mailing list to be notified when the next session begins.

Upcoming Concerts

Saturday, January 17 @ 7pm
WREN Gallery Bethlehem, NH
The Art of Sound: Randy Roos and Dave Kobrenski
Roos & Kobrenski

Enjoy an intimate acoustic instrumental concert from Randy Roos and Dave Kobrenski at 7:00 pm on Saturday, January 17th at the WREN Gallery. Randy and Dave will perform instrumental music with acoustic guitar and African percussion, harp, and flutes, blending melodic compositions with West African influenced rhythms and improvisation.


Thursday, January 29 @ 6:30 pm
Greely Center for the Arts Cumberland, ME
Sayon Camara & Landaya
Sayon Camara and Landaya Trio

Join master drummer from West Africa, Sayon Camara, with Landaya Ensemble (Dave Kobrenski, Grant Ellerbeck, John Marlowe) for a special evening of West African music. This will be Sayon's last performance before he moves back to his homeland of Guinea, West Africa. Includes a special student performance. Event is open to the public.


Friday, March 6 @ 8pm
Stone Mountain Arts Center Brownfield, ME
Bright Cloud Mountain Album Release Concert
Bright Cloud Mountain

Featuring Dave Kobrenski on flute and ngoni, Jed Wilson on piano, Mike Sakash on saxophone, and Tim Gilmore on drums. Lobby opens at 5:00 p.m. Dinner seating begins at 6:00 p.m.


Thursday, October 8 @ 7pm
Hermit Woods Winery Meredith, NH
Bright Cloud Mountain
Bright Cloud Mountain