Bibliographic Information
Title: Throw Down Your Heart
Starring: Bela Fleck
Director: Sascha Padino
Publisher: Docurama
Copyright:2009
Formats: DVD
Awards: Audience Award winner at several Film Festivals
Plot Summary
The banjo has its roots in Africa and Bela Fleck took his and traveled across Africa including visits to Uganda, Mali, Tanzania, and South Africa. Bela jammed and recorded with the local stars who were experts in music of their own region. Each track features a different group of musicians, recorded in a different locale. The result is a wonderful fusion of traditional African music and banjo.
Critical Evaluation
Rich in variety, the movie includes Toumani Diabate, a legendary kora master and his Malian band, and Thrown Down Your Hear, written by Bela Fleck on his way to Africa, while in Amersterdam. Worth exploring for its exposure to well known African artists playing native instruments.
Reader’s Annotation
Explore African music with your Banjo. That is what Bela Fleck brings us with this CD filled with a variety of native music.
Information about the Musician
Bella Fleck was born in 1958 in New York City. He was named for three great composers: Béla (for Bartók), Anton (for Webern) and Leos (for Janáček). Widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most innovative and technically proficient banjo players, he has a number of Grammy’s to his name for classical crossover music that defies labels and genres.
Genre
Movie
Curriculum Ties
History of the Banjo
African music
Booktalking ideas
History of the Banjo
Native African Music
Reading Level/Interest Age
Interest Level: 14 and up
Challenge Issues
none
References
YA Books 