What I’m Doing Now | Dave Kobrenski

Last updated: March 26, 2026 from North Conway, NH

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. The book will serve as both a tribute to Lanciné and his music, 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).

sheet music with fula flutes

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 April, I’ll be returning to West Africa to complete work on the book, with the help of Famoudou Konaté, master flute player Mamady Mansaré, and Malinké language scholar Mamadou Condé.

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 late 2026 release. Stay tuned!

Remaking the World

Bright Cloud Mountain - 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 was just released this spring 2026, and is now available on all the streaming services. The limited edition CD is also available on Bandcamp.

Listen Now

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 just announced! Check out my current course offerings here.

Upcoming Concerts

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