04 Summer 1996 - Bronx Conexion
Transcription
04 Summer 1996 - Bronx Conexion
Latin Percussionist lssue 4 Summer 1996 .fos6I!Fa,d-era. by Victor Rend6n and Armando Rodriguez Jose Madera: arranger/ percussionist, has long been a drivingforce behind the bands of many artists including the Machito and Tito Puente Orchestras. A top qrranger in the Latin.lield , he has written over 300 atangements for the likes of Machito, Puente, Fania All Stars, Louie Ramirez, Pacheco, and Willie Rosario to name a.few. Coming.from the timbale tradition of Ubaldo Nieto (Machito's timbale player for many years) he continues to pass on the tradition with live peqformances qnd with his teoching at the Boy's Harbor Performing Arts Center New York City. LP: in "El Banio" o.f Jos6, let's start with your background and how you got started. JM: I guess I became interested when I was about six or seven years old. We used to have records at home. My dad was a working musician with Machito and he would bring records home of dates that they had done. My first records were the Tito Puente 78's that had been put on LP by the Tico label. They were a bunch of 78's compiled into an album titled Cha Cha Cha For Lovers. I also had things like Cuban Carnival, and some early Machito albums on the Tico label. I was not aware of some of the earlier recordings until I got older. That's really how I got started by listening to those records. This might sound like a clichibut I learned by just playing them over and over. LP: What years were those? JM: This was like the late 1950's or early 1960's. Just playing the records over and over, you can hear things. Of course now I play them and I hear other things that I did not hear then. As a kid I was impressed by all that and that's really how I picked up a lot of things, It wasn't until a little while later that I saw some of it played live. LP: Tell us a little about your father, Jos6 Madera Sr. of JM: My father "Sopa De was one of the original members of the Machito band before Mario Bauza. All those early recordings Se Fue De Rumba", "Que Vengan Los Rumberos", "Rumbantela" which I later rearranged for Machito were,originally my dad's arrangements. He wrote arrangements for Daniel Santos and for Vitin Aviles that were big hits llke"La Televisi6n. " He also did quite a few things for Tito Rodriguez including a ballad on the album Palladium Memories which was "El Ultimo Fracqso. " This was when Tito was with Noro Morales in 1947-48. Pich6n," "La Paella", "El Muerto LP: When did you actually start playing with bands? JM: We had a bunch of kid bands. When I was about fifteen years old along with Louie Bauz6, we had these little bands for which we wouid go around and play. We wouid earn twenty bucks and some nights we were lucky to get paid. The scene really hasn't improved much. Guys are still playing for one hundred dollars a night which is not any kind of money to make. To produce a certain amount of talent and play in front of a crowd takes a certain amount of discipline. Inside This Issue I Feature: Jose Madera The Secret Abaku6 Socie8 John Benitez: Bassist Point Of View John Almendra Column John Santos: Tumbao Diferente # 3 The Bolero Reviews and more LATIN PERCUSSIONIST Issue 4. Summer 1996 i: -< limtec u -a - ;* EJrafi.adon on any kind of Latin music was very a i-r :ir.cLi To make itworse, many of the books pbhsirec :.-arEE. r!:rrxrrrion thal was incorrect which only added to the confirg.-- \!"titrr:orar{.rg has brought us the PC computer and video eslia :F r sblne rqtrormarion, publish, and film the masters ofthis music so dr r= srd. riem- So many CD's, books. and videos are - )€rr rhd it is often difficult and quite expensive to keep being rdxa: eacn tp *iri ir ft65 *ry {1m. DCl{Iy'arner Bros. will release at least five videos of Grlus itlrga and Jose Luis Quintana (Changuito) *'Lich demonsnnar &q; pial_:,ne techniques in detail making it possible for us to *ith rt,e 15! Erst s eodlessly for the price of a video (look review secd!1n h's r ercr ome to be a student of Latin percussion. sUtuy- at However. don'r i..rgl=- drt-e is no slbstitute for actual playing in order to hone your shit Pub[shed by Tortilh Flat Music: Victor Rend6n/fumando Rodriguez Editor: Armando Rodriguez CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John Almendra Greg Askew Louie Bauz6 Joel Litvrin Ken Ross Victor Rendon Bobby Rever6n John Santos Pazcual Villaronga Letin Percussionist welcomes manuscript material, however, cannot assume responsibilitt, for them. Items must be accompanied by a self-addressd, $8mped envelope. SUBSCRIPTIONS are $6.00 per year ( U.S. and Puerto Rico). Outside U.S. and P.R. . rate is $10.00. Individual copies are 53.00 each Send all correspondence to: TORTILLA FLAT MUSIC P.O. Box 556 NY, NY l0l16-0556 Note: Pleese do not copy this newsletter end give to your friends. Publicetions like thls will only survivethrough the supportofits relders. 1No Cueste Mucho! LP: Did I'ou particularlv study with somebody? JM: I ieamed b_v- obsen ing Uba Nieto (timbale player with Machito) for many years. He gave me my first cowbell and cymbal. Eventually' I went out to play with Machito. Watching Lrba and the band play live impressed me so much that I guess subconsciously I decided to become a musician. On hearing the three bands (Machito, Puente, and Tito Rodriguez) there is no comparison to the Machito band. As \r'ell as Tito played and as well as Tito Rodriguez sang. there was no comparison to the Machito band. LP: How did 1'ou eventually get to play with Machito? JM: We had a band called La Orquesta,Son which had a hit in 1969 titled "Tender Love". It was pretty hot. I did one project called "I Regret " for Orquesta Capri. When I split with the guy he took the tune and gave himself credit. Anyway, one day I got a call from Mario Bauza and he asked my father to speak to me, He didn't have a timbale player for that weekend. At first I said to myself, "It sounds great. I don't know if I can or not". But I said to Mario, "Yeah I'11 go, I'll try and do what I can". LP: How old were you? JM: I was seventeen or eighteen, more or less. The gig was at the Concord Plaza Hotel and I remember walking on the stage and seeing these guys. They had four saxes, three trumpets, piano, and bass. The conga player was Julian Cabrera and Henry Rosa was the bongo player. LP: So is this sti[ in the late 60's? JM: This is like 1969 or 70. I just played. I don't remember much about the night except that I had a good time finally playing with a bunch of professional musicians. For me the arrangements were no problem because I knew all those tunes having grown up around them. I had a good time. I remember we did the weekend and then Mario asked me if I wanted to stay and play and I said, "Well yeah, why not". So, I stayed for a while. What I learned in that band was invaluable. That is like the Latin band of all time. LP: Was this after Uba? JM: This was after [Jba, Frankie Colon, and a few other guys that had played at the time. I'm not positive but I think maybe Frankie had taken the job at the Roseland doing seven nights because at that time in the scene you worked two or three days a week and it wasn't that good. Naturally, musicians have to look for steady work where ever they can find it. I did it for a couple of years and I had a great time. It was an invaluable experience hearing that band. Having sat in that band and played, having sat in Tito Puente's band for many years and playing Tito Rodriguez' music, Machito was the best experience. It's like the Count Basie band. LP: How did you get in writing and arranging music? JM: I guess I started fooling around as a kid back when I was hfteen or sixteen. I didn't know my key signatures that well, transpositions of instruments and all that kind of stuff. I tried to iearn with two trumpets. You couldn't really mess with two or three trumpets too badly. Whenever I would have a question I would ask my dad and he would tell me. Also all the years of playing, looking at scores, and analyzing things like that evenhrally developed into whatever I am now. LP: I guess growing up in your family was quite an education. JM: My whole family are musicians. All my uncles are musicians and my dad obviously. Of all the people in my family I am the worst musician. If I knew one quarter of what my father knows, I would be a millionaire in Hollywood now. Those guys were great musicians--transposition, arranging, sight reading, everything. LP: You play a little bit of piano also. JM: Yes, I know the keyboard from writing. But, most of those things I've learned on my own including the experience of writing for strings. There're things that you learn as you write. You can go to school all your life and take arranging courses. But, arranging is not learned until you actually go stand in front of thirty guys, tap l-2-3-4 and start playing the arrangement. Those are the things that a school cannot teach you. That's what we have here at Boy's Harbor Performing Arts Center. We have a workshop where people play and you can bring your arrangement in and hear it played. Years ago we didn't have that. You have an arrangement, bring it in. There's a wrong note. What chord is that? Who has that wrong note? Those are things that you learn as you progress. LP: Eventually you wrote a lot for the Machito Orchestra. Didnot you arrange a whole album for him? JM: Yeah, I did a lot of it. I also rewrote a lot of it. Actually it was the one on Mericana. The name of it is plainiy Machito. Tito Rodriguez was the A&R man. It was done back in 1970. From then on I went to write for a lot of artists on the Rico and Fania labels. LP: I remember you wrote some things for Willie Rosario and Tito Puente. JM: I had Willie's last three hits, "Za Pelota", "Lluvia", and"Negra Linda", I just did a tune called "On Green Dolphin Street" (Puente) for Tito and Maynard Ferguson for a new aibum that is coming out. I must have written at least three hundred arrangements that have been recorded and/orplayed. It's been a long haul. A lot ofnotes. LP: So what are you doing now? Right now I'm on the road a iot with Tito Puente. I'd say that we've come back to about 100 dates ayear. We used to do about 150. We do less now which is fine with me because I'd rather be home now. I've had all my fun moving around the country entertaining strangers all my life. LP: You've been able to make a living from just playing music. JM: I've never had to work in anything besides music. I've done this (teaching at Boy's Harbor) because every time I leave, Ramon (Rodriguez) eventually asks me to filI in for somebody. So I do it to help out the school. I've never had to do anything like sit in an office. I've just gone out, playing on a drum or cowbell. lt paid my rent (laughs). LP: What recommendation do you have for students here at Boy's Harbor and percussionists in general to prepare for what's out there? JM: The only thing you can do is take your lessons and practice a lot. Join some kind of workshop where you can actually play with other people. That's reaily how you learn to play, By sitting with twenty other people you learn dynamics, what to play and what not to play. Someday someone might see you and decide to give you a call. All the spots are taken. It's kind of hard to break in anywhere. LP: Do you recommend that drummers study other instruments. JM: I think they should study all of the percussion. You can't play all of them great. It's impossible. You should be able to play one very well and the others well enough to cover the job if you're called for it. LP: What is your main ax? JM: Timbales is my main instrument. I play congas because when Madamo (who is my substitute here) moved to California they had no conga player in Tito's band. So they moved me over. Tito said, "Go get a conga and start playing". I had never played the drum in my life. I learned on the job. Then I brought Louie Bauz6 in and he played bongos for a couple of years. LP: I always see a "pressing touch" when you play the bell. A lot of players bounce the stick. JM: That pressing is from Uba (Nieto). That is what keeps the time together, He didn't need a conga player because he had a great left hand. He would take that band (Machito's band) and carry it where he wanted. He had a great bell. Until this day I wish I could have gotten my hands on it when he passed away, I don't know what happened to any of that stuff. LP: Did you have any mentors that you looked up to? JM: As far as writing, my favorite aranger is Rene Hemandez (pianist and arranger for the Machito Orchestra). He's been dead now about eighteen years. With all due respect to people like Tito Puente, Harold Wegbreit, and Ray Santos he was the best. Rene was the standard that I tried to emulate. LP: What about players who influenced you? JM: I would have to say my favorite big band drummer was Uba still. My favorite band was Machito's band not just because my dad and I played in it but because I just like the way it sounded. LP: That's about it Jos6. Is there anything else you want to add? JM: I would say that anyone that's involved in the arts can't really expect to make a lot of money. Only about twenty percent are making the money and the other eighty percent are just struggling. That's the way an art form is. You can't let that get you discouraged. Just keep plugging away because you never know who's watching. Somebody might get impressed and say, "l'm going to hire this guy/girl". You might have a better shot in the American scene because there is more variety but even that scene has been cut down a lot. A lot of the recordings have gone to the wayside. It's just a bad cycle that we're in. I don't know if we are going to recover or not. I've been lucky that I've been paid to play and see the world. I can't ask for anything more than that. JM: Point Of View Bassist: John Benitez on Latin D ru mmers/P ercussio nists by Ken Ross John Benitez is one of the busiest bass players in the New York City Latin jazz scene today. John's gift for music is documented on mrmerous albums with many 0f the top artists in the industry. Currently he is working with Eddie Palmieri Seis Del Solar .David Sanchez, Michel Camilo, and is looking fonvard to his upcoming concert in Puerto Rico with the , great Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba. The relationship between the bassist and the percussionist is of critical importance in any musical situation. By learning the viewpoint of the bassist, we can develop a better understanding of our role as drummers/percussionists in the rhythm section. John was gracious enough to take time out of his busy schedule to share his views and insight discussing some of the world class drummers and percussionists he enjoys working with. Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez: "Well to me Horacio is one of the most creative drummers I ever worked with. I love the way he brings all of the percussion instruments into the drumset. I also like the way he work on sounds in terms of how he orchestrates the latin rhythms and instruments into the drumset." Robbie Ameen: "Robbie has that funk background. He plays many styles of funk like the Meters, Tower of Power, and James Brown. He knows different styles of funk and mixes that with the Latin rhythms. He can play any style and has a very strong background in be-bop. He is also very proficient, accurate and professional. I really admire that about him." Adam Cruz: "For me he is the ideal drummer. He is what I think aLatin jazz drummer should be. He can really fuse the swing or be-bop tradition with the Latin. He can really do that and sounds great in both. Adam worked with many of the great masters of jazz such as the Mings Dynasty and Ronnie Cuber. He's also played with the Latin masters so he has both traditions in his playing. He is the drummer of the future." John Almendra:' "Johnny can play any style. He has the traditional Latin style down where he can play all the traditional Latin instruments, but a lot of people don't know he is also a great drummer too. For me as a bass player, I can really feel that. That's important. I can feel that foundation!" Ignacio Berroa: "Ignacio is another master. He is the first guy to open the door for the Latin drummers in terms of the cross over with Latin/jazz. Thavetapes when we played with Danilo Perez and he sounds like, WHOO! He can sound very contemporary and he's got all the polyrhythms together. He is very professional in the business. He knows the grooves and plays any style. The African heritage is spread all over South America and there is so much to learn! Brazilian music, Puerto Rican music, Dominican, Colombian....that's the future! That's why the Cubans are always growing because they are always concerned about this. "In gineral I like to set up where I can focus on the cymbals. A lot of guyb like to hear the bombo (bass drum) but for me it is not as important because we don't always have to play the same rhythm as the bass drum. That's always been a misunderstanding. For example on the John Scofield live album, Dennis Chambers played his bass drum pattems together with the bass player which I love but I realized that you don't always have to play that. I can play around the bass drum. He can play around me or with me. He can play behind me or on top, whatever! So for me it's more important to hear where the cymbal is and hear where the subdivisions are. That way we are more free to do things with the time. "Working with a percussionist is another thing especially in terms of orchestration of sounds. I realized that many percussionists have another approach in terms of where they feel the time, The conga player can be a little more free than the drummer. Seis Del Solar is a good example. We have congas, timbales. and drumset. The only thing we are missing is a bongo player. In this setting I try to listen to Robbie (drums), Paoli (congas). and Ralphy (timbales) at the same time. The piano is also a big part of this because we all make up the rhythm section." "In closing, I am going to tell you what Papo V6squez told me once,...he grabbed one John Coltrane record and then he grabbed one of Manny Oquendo's Libre records and said, "If you want to learn how to play Latin-jazz, you have to know what is Latin and what is jazz." So deal with the whole aspect of music and then apply that to the drums. That is what I think." ER EIrI EIIIf \rrEDE(OS Giovanni Hidalgo: (C OLIIIYf Ilf In The Tradition conclusion I would like to add that the cover is eye catching CI\Warner Brothers Publication 1500 NW 48th Ave. Miami, FL 33014 with its vivid colors and design. Price: $39.95 Rating 4 D claves Ken Ross 42 minutes approx. 1-800-628-f 528 Ext. 215,214 This is the second instructional video on DCI/IVarner Bros. by conga virtuoso Giovanni Hidalgo. Appropriately titled In The Tradition, Giovanni covers the four basic sounds, tuning, bolero, son montuno, charanga, and the danz6n. The four basic sounds covered are the open tone, slap, bass tone, and muff which Giovanni demonstrates and suggests that they be practiced and developed to its fullest. He then demonstrates the actual process of tuning the drum in a clockwise fashion stressing the imponance of turning the lugs evenly until one gets the "central" sound of the drum. The first rhyhm covered is the son montuno. lt is demonstrated on one tumbadora (conga) and then with two. It is followed by the gradual addition of clove, gtiiro. and bongos. A short segment follows showing Giovanni and John Almendra playing variations and "riffs" on tumbadoras and bongos. This gives the viewer the opportunity to see how these instruments function as a section in relation to one another. The same process of presentation is used for the bolero, charanga, and the danzon which include the addition of timbales. The danz6n section is particularly interesting. Giovanni did a nice job explaining the different sections which include the transition from the danzdn lo lhe mambo section where the timbal goes to the cha chabell. The band then plays the classic Abelardo Yaldez, composition "Almendra" wtth Changuito on giiro and John Almendra on timbales. lf you are not familiar with the proper playing of the danzon in its entirety, this is it. Each rhythm is also preceded with a short verbal background/tristory by Giovanni which should be of some help to newcomers in conceptualizing where these rhythms came from. Band demonstrations are also included with the help of John Almendra; drums and percussion, Eddie "Guagua"; bass, Eric Figueroa; piano, Richard Gant: trumpet, Jacques Schwarz; sax, and Jos6 Luis Quintana "Changuito"; percussion. Giovanni plays a solo called "Peace" on one tumbadora, demonstrating what one can do with one drum. The video finishes with a jam called "Sports Rumba Jam" with John Almendra playing a rumba abierta on the tumbadoras and Changuito playing a comparsa type pattern on the timbales while Giovanni solos. Changuito also plays a timbale solo on this tune (For more on Changuito, read the following review). At the time of this writing, more videos by Giovanni and Changuito are in the works at DCI with loads of information which will be very beneficial to the drumming community. In Josi Luis Quintana (Changuito): The History Of Songo DCI\Warner Brothers Publication 1500 NW 48th Ave. Miami, FL 33014 Price: $39.95 90 minutes 1-800-628-1528 Ext. 215,214 This video is long overdue. Finally the father of songo sets the record straight. In this video Changuito takes us on a ninety minute musical journey beginning with the frsl songo groove which he graciously credits ex Los Van Von mate Blas Eg0es as the creator. He then goes on to demonstrate how he developed the songo rhythm and it's many variations on drumset and tumbadoras (known as congas in the U.S.). Changuito plays with incredible "sabor". Some of these grooves are very funky! With the help of pianist/composer/author Rebeca Maule6n, a wonderful translator, we are also treated to some less familiar rhythms such as the pil6n, some original rhythms he calls primordial and bota, as well as the more popular conga and mozambique. The camera angles are great, particularly the use of split screen technique. This allows the viewer to see Changuito play all the patterns at the same time while Rebeca holds down the clave. Another great technique is the use of slow motion. I was surprised at how clear the audio came out. This is a great way to catch all of the phrasing and nuances that give Changuito his signature sound. Included is a transcription and analysis booklet clearly notated detailing all of the rhyhms and variations demonstrated in this video. Guest musicians include Rebeca Mauleon on piano, Papo V6squez on trombone. Giovanni Hidalgo on tumbadoras, and Eddie (Guagua) Rivera on bass. The sound quality is very good. The pace of this video at times moves slow due in part to the bilingual translations and Changuito's relaxed manner, but that will not effect the historical, educational, and entertaining quality of this fine video by D.C.VIVarner Bros. Rating 4 claves Ken Ross Latin Percussionist 6 Lincoln Goines and Robby Ameen: Funkifying The Clave, Afro-Cuban Grooves for Bass and Drums DCI\Warner Brothers Publication 1500 NW 48th Ave. Miami, FL 33014 1-800-628-1528 Ext. 215,214 94 minutes Legends of lazz Drumming, Part One, traces the history 1-800-628-1528 Ext. 215,214 book and video are designed to help bassists and drummers apply and adapt Afro-Cuban grooves to different styles of music. Some of the grooves presented arc clave and tumbao, songo, guaguanci, Afro-Cuban 618.cha cha cha, and moza,mbique. This first ofa kind video addresses the relationship between the bassist and drummer through a variety of AfroCuban styles from the basic clave and tumbao to a funkyfied version of the mozambique. Robby and Lincoln emphasize the importance of understanding all the elements of this music such as time, the relationship to the ever present c/ave, phrasing, and understanding what the other musicians are playing. Our hosts pay homage to the tradition before taking us on a musical excursion through many styles and subjects of AfroCuban music. Both Robby and Lincoln are clearly breaking some new ground here with their innovative and incredibly funky application is this style of music. Lincoln's in the pocket playing is perfect for Robby's intense grooves. Later in the video Robby and Lincoln are joined by veteran musicians Wayne Krantz on guitar and keyboardist Bill O'Connell, as they play updated tunes from the book and apply much of the material that was covered in the earlier segments of the video. They burn! Both Lincoln and Robby speak well and clear in their presentation although the necessary translations do slow down the pace at times. DCI cleverly uses a split screen technique that allows us to see Robby's bass drum patterns while viewing the rest of the screen. The sound quality is exceptional and can be firrther enhanced by connecting the VCR to a slereo system. There is a wealth of information, talent and vision on this video by two of today's finest musicians. Highly recommended! claves of jazz drumming in America from its earliest, pre-1920 roots to This 1996 follow up video is based on the best selling method book titled A-fro-Cuban Grooves For Bass snd Drums by drummer Robby Ameen and bassist Lincoln Goines. The 4ll2 I 63 minutes Price: $39.95 Rating Legends of Jou Drumming: Part Warner Brothers Publication 1500 NW 48th Ave. Miami, FL 330f4 Price: $39.95 Ken Ross the advent of the be-bop revolution in the mid-1940's and beyond. Included in this ground-breaking retrospective are rare film clips and still photographs of early pioneers like Baby Dodds and Paul Barbarin, percussion legends Chick Webb, Gene I(rupa, Buddy Rich, Dave Tough and Sid Catlett, as well as innovators like Jo Jones and Kenny Clarke. Host Louie Bellson guides us through this fascinating look at jazz history, and Roy Haynes adds incisive commentary (taken from cover liner notes). A must for any drummer. Rating 4 claves Bobby Sanabria: Getting Started On Congas VoL I-3 DCI\Warner Brothers Publication Conga Basics $19.95,47 minutes Fundamental I $24.95,62 minutes Fundamental II $24.95, 60 minutes 1500 NW 4Eth Ave. Miami, FL 33014 1-800-62t-1 528 Ext. 215,214 This is a set of three videos with Bobby Sanabria providing a much needed source for the beginner conga player. The first video provides a short history of the instrument along with tuning tips, proper playing positions, four basic strokes. care ofthe hands, concept of clave, and three basic tumbao patterns for one conga. The 2nd and 3rd videos move logically to applications on two and three congas. Some of the rhythms demonstrated individually and in a trio setting are: guajira, son montuno, mambo, guarocha, bolero, and cha cha chd. The trio consisting of Mario Rodriguez on bass, John DeMartino on keyboards, and Bobby oncongas, does a nice job in its rhythm demonstration. One of the highlights of the three videos is the interview and performance of master percussionist and pioneer, Candido Camero. In the course of the interview Candido demonstrates some of his independence technique such as playing gtiiro with one hand, congas with the other and a bell with his foot. Highly recommended for beginners. Rating 4 claves Armando Rodriguez Latin Percussionist 7 ESoolxs: How To Play Latin American Rhythm Instruments by Humberto Morales and Henry Adler Supplementary section by Ubaldo Niao Sponish Translation by Ernesto Bsrbosa There is a supplementary section (with a great photo) by tlbaldo Nieto who wa"s the timbalero with the Machito Orchestra for many years. It is interesting that some of the terminology that he used is not heard today such as: slow mambo and double mambo. This is a classic and should be in every timbalero s library. v. R. Rating 3 1/2 claves AdleriMarner Brothers Publication 1500 NW 48th Ave. Miami, FL 33014 Price: $16.50 1-800-628-1528 Ext. 215,214 First published in 1954, this book by Humberto Morales. (brother of the pianist Noro Morales) and Henry Adler was one of the few sources on Latin drumming. It was also one of the first books on Latin percussion written by a percussionist with first hand experience in the field. Bass and piano examples are also given in addition to English and Spanish text. To the best of my knowledge, the only other compatible book on Latin drumming was Drummine The Latin American Way by Ernesto Isabelo Marrero (who was working with the Desi Arnaz Orchestra at the time) published in 1949 and now out of print. Various photos are shown with Humberto sitting down like a drumset player as opposed to standing which was common practice. One can also see various photos of the now famous Leedy timbales in mint condition with the company badge and calf skin wrapped around the rims. It is with this historical perspective that we took interest in this book. The book is a reflection of the time and the particular demands on Latin drumming during the 40's and 50's. As mentioned by Tito Puente in a Modern Drummer interview, drummers had to know many styles of music from South America, Spain. Caribbean Islands and the U.S. Therefore. the book covers rhythms such as the beguine, Argentine tango, joropo from Venezuela, Spanish tango,calypso, paso doble in addition to the Cuban rhythms such as son montuno, bolero, nafiigo,etc. Several pages are spent with lhe "baqueteo" (a combination of rim clicks, open and muffle tones) which is sort of a dying art in timbale playing. The "baqueteo" was used a lot in the Americanized "rhumbas " played by bands such as the Xavier Cugat Orchestra and Desi Arnaz Orchestra. However, the "baqueteo " is essential in the charanga tradition particularly playing the danz6n. Other small percussion instruments are also covered such as the Brazilian cabaza, chocallo, maracqs, giiro, claves, hand bell, and the quijada (a donkeyjaw bone hardly ever seen today). Some basic instruction is also included for playing one tumbadora (conga) drum between the player's knees or slung from the shoulder by means of a strap (another reflection of the times). It is also interesting to see tumbadora and bongo photos with tacked skins (heads) for the playing surface. Humberto mentions that the heads must be stretched as tightly as possible using dry heat (not steam) to tighten them (now we have tension screws). Other Significant Releases: Adventures in Rhythm: From Afro-Cuban to Rock LPV150N LP Music Group 160 Belmont Avenue Garfield, New Jersey 07026-2394 Price: $39.95 60 minutes 201 -47 8-6903 Fax: 201-7 7 2-3568 This new release by LP Music Group features Raul Rekow and Karl Petzzo, world renowned percussionists with Carlos Santana. The introduction of the video starts with some footage of Raul and Karl in concert with the Santana band while they play some percussion solos. It is evident that this is an entertainment video with plenty of playing in addition to educational content. Raul starts the educational section with some basic sounds ofthe congas such as open tone, slaps, muff, etc. On the timbal, Karl mentions six tones on the timbales which include rim shots, open tones, muffle tones, paila, and bell sounds. Raul then demonstrates the basic tumbao after which Karl demonslrates rumba clwe and son clave (which he calls straight clave). He also mentions the fact that rumba clave is basically used for folkloric "rumba" such as guaguanci, columbia, etc. while the son c/ave is used for dance music such as cha cha cha , guaracha, guajira, and so on. They then demonstrate some of these rhythms such as guajira, guaguanci, cha cha cha, rumba columbia and AfroCuban 6/8. The articulate and informative explanations by Raul and Karl are concise and to the point. The rhythms are then presented in a musical sitr"ration with a performance by the session's rhythm section or the Santanaband. They also demonstrate how some of these rhythms can be applied to a contemporary setting by "mixing" rhythms. The first groove presented is abatd "toque" calledcha cha la safun adapted to the congas while Karl plays a songo-llke pattern on the timbales. Two other grooves are presented including "Soul Sacrifice" from Santana's first album. Raul and Karl also talk about solo technique mostly in the form of demonstration. Karl in particular demonstrates some nice cross-stick technique which looks very flashy and a "lick" (of Orestes Vilat6 influence) where he plays between the high and bottom of the timbal by reaching and striking the drum from under. My only criticism is that some of the rhythms used in the band examples are different from the ones used when they were broken down individually. For example Raul first demonstrates the 6/8 with a pattern that combines elements of Latin Percussionist 8 bembd and then uses another totally drfferent 6/8 pattern for the band performance. While both are correct, it may cause some confusion for the novice looking for information. The educational aspect would have also benefited with a transcription booklet. There is a lot of information and good playing in this video. The rhythm section performances are further enhanced by Myron Dave on bass guitar, Billy Johnson on drums, and Rebecca Mauleon on keyboards, shekere, and vocal. There is also a lot offootage ofthe Santana band which is simply entertaining and great to watch in addition to the extended solos by Raul and Karl. Rating 3 1/2 claves V. R. Sworn To The Drum:' A Tribute To Francisco Aguabella Les Blank, Flower Films 10341 San Pablo Avenue El Cerrito, CA 94530 Phone: 510-525-0942 Fax: 510-525-1204 35 minutes The film is a portrait of Cuban drummer, Francisco Aguabella, born in Matanzas, Cuba and immigrating to the United States in 1957 while working with the Katherine Dunham Dance Company. He is a master of the batd tradition as well as the secular conguero tradition. As stated by John Santos (narrator and chief advisor), Francisco wa^s among the first group of percussionists who came to this country starting with Chano Pozo in the 1940's and continuing with Carlos "Patato" Vald6s, Candido Camero. Armando Peraza, Mongo Santamaria, and Julito Collazo. They set the standard with the recordings they made with jazz and pop artists as well as keeping the tradition. Francisco is shown in various musical settings throughout the film which includes a tribute concert with his Latin Jazz Orchestra, a conga summit with Latin A11 Stars: Carlos "Patato" Vald6s, Daniel Ponce. Carmelo Garcia, Julito Collazo, and Israel "Cachao" Lopez, Kimball's East with Dizzy Gillespie, a santeria ceremony, and an NEA (National Endowment of the Arts) performance. Considerable footage is devoted to the bata drums which are a set of religious drums used inthe santeria religion. The first of these segments shows Francisco playing the "meta" toque (bata rhythm) lo Chango with Francisco on iyd, Michael Spiro on okinkolo, and Harold Muioz on itdtele. It is followed by an actual santeria ceremony. There is actually quite a bit of information concerningthe batd, songs, orisftas (deities), and the practice of santeria. Commentary is also provided by John Santos and Robert Farris Thompson (Professor of African Art History, Yale University). Some comparso from Santiago, Cuba is also shown followed by a rumba which Francisco stresses is a part of every day life in Cuba. Some intricate interplay between Bobbi C6spedes (dancer) and Francisco on quinto is seen here followed by a descarga in which Sheila and Pete Escovedo are shown taking a tumbadora and timbale solo. Another highlight is the appearance of Armando Peraza on bongos who as mentioned before was one of the pioneer percussionists who came to the U.S. from Cuba. Also appearing in the film are Katherine Dunham, Rebeca Maule6n, Jesus Diaz, and Carlos Santana. Rating 3 1/2 claves V. R. (cD Illu Afra - Sacred Rhythms Fundamental Productions Box 35065 Unit 83 1644 Hillside Ave Victoria 8.C., V8T 3A0 Canada This recording was made during a ten-day workshop of Afro-Cuban dance, music and culture, called Afrocubanismo! held at the Banff Centre for the Arts in Alberta, Canada in August, 1994. The most significant aspect of this CD is the performance of the Oru del lgbodi or Oru Seco (a set of toques or rhythms onthe batd drums paying homage to each orisha (deity) in the Lucumi religion. This is actually the first available recording of the Oru,Seco (Havana style) in complete form. Each toque stops before going on to the next. This makes it easy to study each toque in isolation and can be repeated many times on a CD player. The sound quality is also very good. The lhree batd players are Regino Antonio Jim6nez (iya),Fermin Nani Socarras (ilotele), and Sose Pilar (okonkolo). It is a great study source for students of batd and will set a new standard. Conjunto Folkl6rico Nacional de Cuba Mrisica Yoruba Bemb6 CD 2010-2 Bemb6 Records P.O. Box 1730 Redway, CA 95560-1730 This CD first came out on vinyl in the 1970's as Toques De Santos on the Cubilandia label. Now available in the U.S. the CD contains nine Lucumi songs for the orishas by the world famous Conjunto Folklirico Nacional de Cuba and accompanied by batd drums. Three master akpwons (lead vocals) are present: Linuo Ros, Felipe Alfonso, andZenaida Armenteros. The three batdplayers are Carlos Aldama (iyd), Mario Jauregui (itotele) , and Ramiro Hern6ndez (ok6nkolo). Yet another excellent source Y Cantos of study for Lucumi songs and batd drumming. 9 Latin Percussionist From John Almendra bell Ta|tern with Fill Variatione The following are a set of variations which are played with the left hand or in combination with the right. Basically, they provide some different feels and variations without changing the main bell ride. The bell ride is played with the right hand while the left hand plays the fills or variations unless otherwise notated. The example can be played on timbales or adapted to drumset by playing the high drum on the snaredrum and the low note on the small mounted tom. 2-3 clave THESEAPfi AqAKUA SOAEN by Greg Askew Abakua a secret all male society in Cuba of African origin was established by African slaves who were descendants of the Efik people in the Calabar region of West Africa. It's members are sometimes called fiaiiigos. However, Fernando Ortiz states they prefer to be called abakuq or abakuqs (plural form). During the colonial period, these slaves from the Calabar region (which extends from the republics of Nigeria and Cameroon ) were called carobalies. The ftrst potencia or group was established in Cuba around 1836 by a group of csrabalies from the Appapa Eli trlbe and named Efike But6n. The majority of these potencias were established in the Havan a and Matanzas region. Among the basic intentions of initiates was to unify its members who were free slaves. maintain the tradition of their culture, and to make easier the buying of other prospective members out of slavery. It was exciusively for men and only carabalies born in Africa could participate. It was only through years of insistence that criollos and blancos (whites) were initiated. One of the most interesting figures of the abakua is the ireme or diablito (little devil). They each wear a distinct conical cloth mask and a costume thut .ou.ri thi entire body. ireme also wear a long heavy leather belt called anakitq to which bells are attached. They say that the ireme represents the spirits of past generations, provides the society with protection and purifies everything that it crosses. Each ireme is identified with a different tree and each mask though similar, is distinct. He is guided and compelled to act by lhe morua (chief singer) who communicates to him by singing in the Efik language and using a cross shaped rattle to srrlnmon him. A1l the dancing bitongs to the ireme with his graceful and sometimes complicated movements, thus eliminating any kind of group dancing. tvten.loin around the drummers under one of the ireme's tree and singabakud songs while the ireme dances in the outside court or lodge. There are two orders of drums used in the abakua ceremonies. The first order is a set of symbolic drums which are not used to play music but to produce sounds of a symbolic nature. The names of these drums are ekuefion, seseribo, empeg6' enkrlkamo, and ekui. The second order of drums used to make music are called conjunto biankomeko and are described below' It is often a misconception that the abakua is a religion. During the slave period, Africans were continually pressured to convert to Christianity. Therefore, certain religious articles such as a crucifix at the altar were used to camouflage or make it look like they were practicing Christianity. In this way they were protecting themselves from retaliation of the authorities. INSTRUMENTATION: The abakua orchestra called conjunto biankomeko consists of seven instruments. The first three drums so that they are are generically called enk1mo or enk6. They are the binkome, kuchi-yerema, and obi-apd. They are small enough ptaced under the left arm and played on the skin with the fingers of the other hand. The bonkd (which is larger) is strapped on the body and played with both hands on the skin. All the drums have only one skin ( usually made of goatskin and held by cords and wedges) and are open at the bottom. The other instruments include an ek6n (be11), two erikunde (shakers), and a pair of itones (sticks). Drums Binkomi: highest pitched drum of the enkdmo. It marks the time with steady open tones' Kuchi-yeremrj: next to highest pitched drum of the enkomo. Plays alternating open and muffle tones to produce a three against two polyrhythm -OUi-aja: effect. third drum of lhe enk1mo and next to the lowest pitched drum. Plays alternating muffle and open tones on the 2nd and 5th beats of the 6/8 meter. Bonk6- enchemiya: is the fourth drum with tapering sides, approximately three feet in height and ten inches in diameter. A11 the repiques (improvisation) and conversations belong to Ihe bonk6 with a variety of open, tapao (muff\e), bass, and slap tones. Bell Ek6n: cenceno or campctna (bell) played with a small stick made of wood; generally plays the clave in 6/8. Shaker/rattle and sticks shaped rattles with basket like handles. The body of the erikinde canbe made from woven cane or cloth-covered is made from a piece of gourd, Small cubes of wood are placed inside the erikinde to produce a rattle effect. The bottom cardboard. played on the side of the bonk6; can also be played on a log. pair usually of sticks Itones: Erikinde: tubular There are two styles of Abakud drumming: Havanu and Matanzas. Thefolhwing parts are in the Havana stylefollowed by the three other Matanza styles. Latin Percussionist 11 Conjunto Biankomeko: Abakui Instrument Ensemble Havuna and Mutanzas Styles O or natural sign = open tone; M = muffled tone; o o lo S o fTi',flJ, ?, '1 -,)\ ---[ Y- V \t -4 lr I MO o o MO ). v jtf,l I oo oo T-;-r; = Slap oo o MO MO - S S o S S Latin Percussionist t2 Bibliography: Couriander, Harold. "Musical lnstruments Of Cuba" The Musical Ouarterlv (July, 1941) pp.232-234Fure, Rogelio Martinez. "Los Abakud". Cuba pp.4445. Ortiz, Fernando. Los Instrumenros de La Misica Afrocubana. Havana, Cuba, 1954. Volume IV. pp. 1-85. Rodriguez, Olave, Al6n, l)r. De LoAfrocubano A La Salsa: Gdneros Musicales de Cubs. Editorial Cubanaciiu:., 1992.pp. 24-26 Thompson, Robert Fanis. Flash Of The Spirit First Vintage Books' 1984. Recordings: Conjunto Folkl6rico Nacional de Cuba. Toques Y Cantos De Santos. Cubilanda C-CD 513 Volume II' Los Mufrequitos De Matanzas, Congo Yambumba. Qbadisc QB 9014 The Rumba Originals. GlobeStyle Records CDORB 053 Rumba Caliente 88/77. Qbadisc QB 9005 ttlrllrtlrtttl Please send me copy(ies) of "Poet." Enclose a check or mone.v order in the amount of 810'00 plus 61.00 postage and handlin$ for each copy ordered' Make it payable to Pazoual \illaron$a. Address City / State Zip Code Mail order form and payment in enclosed return envelope to: Pazcual Villaronga 71-05 37th Ave, 2H Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Includes: I Am A drum - for master drummer, Frankie Malabe Commit To Memory - for Johnny Almendra, Louis Bauzo, and Victor Rend6n The Chess Players - for Tomasito Santiago From Memory - for Los J6venes Del Barrio Puertoriquefio -The Trilogy Of Life ITIIfTTTII Latin Percussionisr 13 John Santos Column: Tumbao Diferente # 3 The following exercises are based on various applications of doubles, triplets, and flams. Anthougi fr+ are rwitten for one or two congas as indicated, they can easily be adapted to the bongos in manl' creatir e ll-a'r s. l would consider these exercises to be riffs or licks intended to build coordination, dexterity. speed- su'engrh- and perhaps most importantly, sound. However, depending on context and interpretation, they could easili heocne (or give birth to) supportive rhythms. As always, take the exercises slowly at first, building the speed -waiJuaily'. KEY H = heel (palm) T = Toe, touch or tap (fingers) S = slap O = open tone M = muff B = bass Example 1 is for two congas. I B simply takes the last 8th note of the phrase and doubles it into two I 6th notes. LRRL o o o oo Example 2 is for one conga. It uses doubles in phrase in a two bar tumbao frame. r2a) -; r-3---1 r-3---r 3-----r lo o ol a triplet context. s w ttttt 2A is a one bar phrase. 2B places the r E-3;6-3; 1-3-1 I LLRRLLRRLL r-3_-- r-3-----r 'Hoo' r-3--r 'ooo'ooo' s Latin Percussionist t4 Example 3 is for two congas, combining triplets and flams. 3,A is two bar phrase. I especially like this riff on bongos. f-3'1 ro o o o sS .-3--1 lo o o o sS ro o^4 o --J o a one bar phrase. 38 stretches the ,-S-, o o o o lo o^- o o -5 riffinto 1 sS 16 o o -3-1 sS o sS sS Example 4 is for one conga using flams in a quarter note triplet context. At faster tempos, 48 will be more effective.4C places the phrase in a two bar tumbso frame. H r s r fo "3--; H r s T t-l oO oO O Check out John's work as producer, percussionist, and vocalist on the recordings: "Hacia El Amor" by the Coro Folklorico Kindembo and "Machete" by the Machete Ensemble, both on Xenophile records, Connecticut (203) 730-0333. For booking concerts, lectures, or clinics 5 I 0- 5 3 5 - 2 67 4, Jo hn endors es L P Percussion instruments. a Latin Percussionist 15 Ihkr*mn Iurl hnila|tln nn flumhn Jnll fisffirdr ". ,. t/4p e.Aaruf al* ol ilGf x,rci/rau!" tle hb eo,l -Zan Sterta-- -t" "rl t/-," lafe Xf,b- -res uilaf ed 7fb ryrl*tQ& f/* l"fr, ad iog2 Wv,ttc*lt, 7/* 84f^.L B&$s. *-ry b tarrcn al al f/nf hcd.if;o* pr.d+- Josef \rYocs*a': S J -.:=ce-cect - Max Saiaza. -z:-'3e:.: Vaoaz;r:e Availabb on CD only To order, send 516 tpqrce indudes postage) to THE ESTRADA BROTHERS "ABOUT TIME" PO. BOX 622 Dept. LB Oxnad, CA 93032-0622 Rumbo Jozz Records RJD-0030 llol and erdling uorld tlns lalin iiur nl ils [inesl L,::-.:,-:=:1 i,C l"-r :r,-r-,i D,:=: 3l--.3i nili'-=e Subscribe to the: Latin Percussionist Newsletter Subscription Rate: $6.00 for two semi-annual issues (U.S. and Puerto Rico) Outside U.S., rate is $10.00 There are limited copies of the 2nd and 3rd issues at $4.00 per copy. Send all correspondence to: Tortilla FIat Music P.O. Box 556 NlY, Nl-Y 10r16-0556 John Santos & The Machete Ensemble World Class Latin Jazz (sl0) s3s-2674 Oakland, CA Latin Percussionist 16 Transcription Corner CD: Mongo Santamaria & Friends Mambo Mongo Chesky Records JDl00 Transcribed by Ken Ross Timbale Solo by John Almendra Timbale Solo: La Mogolla Cha Cha Tempo muffled sound with laid back feel-------- >>>>>> laid back feel------------ >>> bended triplet feel >- :> t7 Latin Percussionist small cowbell T3l ;s1T3-T 1_Blr3] ;3--11-3 T3tt 3-l -- T3-t fxl I-g-1a3-1 --t [-3-L.-I I FU- I o \ I -flrr., 1g-l rs rim shots------ Key I High drum Lowdrum muffle sound rim shot small C.B. cymbal Plfrfi, eOUNly By Joel Litwin Ai, t'4like a set ol cle\tert Fle)se. O(ery,4hSt+ 2-) .r )-Z ?i"4 ?. hel we5r" hatel/q Hrn,.... . .. ) nd A" yov r,tllnt th"se ia slod,nedieft:, EXar)se >nA tz/g styles, lnA or $>sl tenTo?. Da.1ti.^e or E,leni;1 ser tes 7 t.h.e.1'.re d,l .l avail>ble in eif her r ight or le{l-\7v) !on{i7"rat ien . .. I. ana what rrefer ia I 4o l"v 7re{er? bQ s s' ? ? o, \ ? e"f f t.. n?. How )bo..rf <AecEt"9 outthe brand nent Selen irsrv.. 3ls.3v3il>!le eleclric &, % nodels, in )n Vers!9n... (t6, q-"{a-b5A $c*li^ >LJ"I lhis rlace. ,,,?h / % @?a urT"r,.l Latin Percussionist 18 Rhythm Section rilt Bo!.tRo by Victor Rend6n The bolero is comparable to a ballad in American music in that it is usually played at a slow tempo and lyrics dealwith some aspect of love, sadness, etc. The timbale player plays the pattern on the paila (metal sides of the timbales) with the tip or side of the sticks, according to the sound desired. The following are the basic patterns tor maracas, bongos, tumbadoras (congas), and timbales followed by examples for drumset application. Bolero: Maracas, Bongos, and Tumbadoras The first line is a basic pattem played on the maracas. The second example isthe martilloon the bongos followed by the tumbadorar pattem. Bongos Basic Martillo P = palm; T = tips of fingers; S T T TTHT T OTH T T TTHT T OTH PTSTPOOO PTSTPOOO = slap; O = open tonel TH = side of thumb The following are some of the most comm on bolero patterns played or Timbale Paila Patterns r) 2) the paila (metal shells) of the timbales. t9 Latin Percussionist r3-r r-3-r 3) LH RH The following are an assimilation of the timbale paila on the closed hi hat while the bass drum plays very lightly with the bass player. This is the most fundamental way of playingbolero on the drumset. It can be used in a full percussion section or by a single drummer. Drumset Examples Closed Hi l{at L R LRLR R L R L R LRLR L R L R L Finally, the next two examples can be used by a single drummer playing without a full percussion section. Notice that the small tom and the snare drum are playing the conga part. Keep in mind that this article has mb covered some very basic fundamentals on the bolero which can have many subtle differences. Closed Hi Hat rim click bass drum variation snares off Wi.&*tE VIDE0S- DGI Music Video and Manhattan Music offer an in-depth catalog of instructional and performance videos and books which will entertain, enlighten, and inspire you. Giovanni Hidalgo ln The Tradition (VH0278) Running lime:74 minutes Retail: $39.95 Bilingual min. Bilingual Running time: 47 Retail: $19.95 (vN0277) Running time: 98 minutes Retail: $39.95 Running time: 90 minutes Retail: $39.95 Bilingual Level: time: 62 min. (please specify video) Bilingual Technique lctr Two & Three Drums Level:. lntermediate,Advanced (VH0268) Runnins time:63 Retail: 524.95 Bilingual for Hartigan (MMBK0057CD) Retail:$24.95 West African Rhfihms Drumset-Royal (MMBK0043CD) ond NY stote residents odd locol soles Retail: $29.95, 4340 Miomi' T#iii;ir::tY,]fJir'"'r'Si tox. 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B00l$, WJTH CD,$- New Orleans Jazz and Second Line Drumming-Herlin Riley & Johnny Vidacovich tri"$f#;i#:,'#:?:l:r[?];H!:i Giovanni and Changuito Conga Masters: Duets (vH0245) Running time: 40 minutes Retail: $19.95 Robby Ameen and Lincoln Berroa Mastering the Art of Afro- Goines FUNKIFYING THE Cuban Drumming (VH0215) CLAVE (VH0255) Running lime:72 minutes Running time: 90 minutes Retail: $39.95 Bilingual Retail: $39.95 Bilingual Series lgnacio (VH0266) Technique lor One and Two Drums lntermediate (vH0267) Running Changuito History of the Songo Giovanni Hidalgo Conga Virtuoso (VH021 6) Bobby Sanabria Getting Started on Congas Conga Basict>Levet: Blginner Retail: $24.95 ffill$lf F*O, .E'Ht lHtlDI FL 33014 (please specify book) Avaitabte at voar tocat musi*etaiter CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-628-1528 ot ert. 2151214
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