When playing in a Salsa band, there will be many times when you are the sole provider of bell bliss. It’s pretty common for the drumset to play the timbal parts and sometimes even replace the timbalero on gigs. This is sometimes done because of economic reasons. When a full percussion section is too expensive …
Clave Directions 3-2 or 2-3? We have set a nice foundation for understanding how the clave time line functions. Now it is time for a few basic guidelines that you use when playing the music and following charts. We have all heard the terms 3–2 clave or 2-3 clave right? Well if you haven’t, let …
It’s time to focus on the next steps in becoming a Latin player. Learning details of each style. I should tell you first that this is a road with no ending. Styles come and go and the variety that can be studied, is mind boggling. From this point on you can consider yourself a researcher …
Greetings We now have a members forum on the membership site! Where I will answer all your questions about any of the material related to the site. IC2 Songs, lesson videos. The Online lessons section material and any other drumming related questions you might have. I hope you will join me there and post! You …
Welcome to our next workshop. Here we continue exploring the call and response (macho – hembra) phrasing concepts that we discussed in the last post. It is essential that you have the ability to hear and create call and response phrases, and that they flow in that magical deep pocket that lies in between “2 …
He Said she said / Call and answer type phrasing. In Afro Cuban music, timbaleros (timbal players) call their timbales “macho y hembra” which means “male and female” (the smaller drum being the male). The interplay between them can get almost as complex as their human counter parts; However, in this instance, you get …
Read more “He Said she said / Call and answer type phrasing”
Greetings once again and I hope everyone is fine! Lets get right down to it. We continue with our ear training for “Latin vocabulary” using the rhythmic concept of RTS. Relayed Time Shifting. Rhythmic training and independence exercises are essential if we hope to function fully in any type of Latin ensemble. It’s always good …
Read more “Creating Space Between Rhythmic Melodies- The 4 Bar Cycle”
Its always astonishing to see the great interest and burning desire of players to learn African descent styles. After careful observation and many conversations, my initial thoughts and instincts were confirmed to be correct. For musicians in many western regions, there aren’t too many opportunities to see (for example) “Afro Cuban” music live. Therefore, if …
Now you can download all my recorded music that I am including on the site. On top of all the instructional stuff, now my CD’s are available for download if you are a member of the site here. To Download join us now and Enjoy. Changes – Straight Ahead Jazz This was my first solo …
In the latest blogs we have been learning the concept of mixing cut time with 6/8 in order to play “Latin” music with the proper feel and vocabulary. These concepts are a very important part of our growth behind the kit. Without them it is impossible to play this music properly. What are some of …