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Funk Drumming "On The Scene"- Playing with a Latin Percussionist
By: Mike Reyes Playing with a latin percussionist can be one of the most fun, yet challenging things to do, not only because you can effectively have two drummers in one band, it is also because it creates endless possibilities for complex rhythms. I have found many instructional books dedicated to drum set playing to compensate for NOT having a latin percussionist, however you will be hard-pressed to find a book that tells you what to play when you DO have one. This is a skill that I learned from pure experience. I have been playing in a band with a latin (auxiliary percussionist, he isn’t actually latino, I think he is polish,or german)percussionist for almost two years, and it is most likely more fun than I have ever had playing in a band. When I use the term “Latin Percussionist” I am refering to a congero/timbalero (or any other random thing he decides to throw in). Here are a few suggestions if, in fact, someone else out there is a drum set player trying to play with a latin percussionist. First and foremost, in order to understand a latin percussionist you need to be one yourself, or at least have a working knowledge of the techniques and rhythms required to be proficient at it. Take some time to study conga drumming, timbale playing, and bongo playing. Knowing, and being able to play at least the basic grooves on these instruments will not only make you a better drum set player by giving you some fill and solo ideas you may not have come up with otherwise. It will also help you interact with your latin percussionist, due to the fact that you will know the appropriate ride cymbal/cow bell patterns to place under his, or her parts, and it will help you identify the proper placement of bass drum and snare drum notes within the groove. Depending on your audience, the incorrect combinations of rhythms within the Afro-Cuban realm can be offensive to people, because some of the rhythms stemmed from religious ceremonies. In other words, if you are playing for an actual Latino, or African audience, be sure to study the origins of the rhythms, as to keep everyone happy, and having a good time. In addition, knowing the grooves translated to the drum set will enable your latin percussionist to take a solo without losing the original groove. I recommend the Horacio “El Negro” Hernadez book “Conversations in Clave” to study how to play authentic latin grooves on a drum set. Second, know the four basic types of clave. The Clave (the rhythm, not the instrument) is the centerpiece of wich all latin music is based. It is the equivalent of the back beat in other styles of music. Knowing where the other patterns such as the cascara, or the palito patterns are placed in relation to the clave will make the grooves feel, and sound much better. Also, the use of a “gajate” bracket (a bracket that allows you to play a cowbell or jamblock with one of your feet)will enable you to keep the clave going throughout the tune when it is physically impossible for the latin percussionist to do so. The Gajate bracket is also a great way to test your four-way coordination beyond your wildest dreams when done correctly. Third, don’t overplay! Having another drummer in the band can be very cool, yet it is very tempting for the two of you to fill up every possible space in the music, and not leave room for the other instruments to play. Also, there are times when it may be a better musical decision to let the latin percussionist place a timbale, or conga fill in a spot where you would normally place a drum set fill. In addition to that concept, it is sometimes better to let the congero hold down the groove while you lay out for a few bars. Only you, your percussionist, and your band can decide what you like. When laying down a groove sometimes I find myself playing a “less busy” version of a beat in order to let the percussionist fill in those spaces, mostly because his instruments are a less common sound source in today’s music, wich gives the groove a distinctive sound above someone else. The point is to be careful not to step on each others toes in a musical sense. If you find yourself in a situation that requires you to play with a latin percussionist, make sure you have done your homework, as you will find that many latin percussionist find it hard to come up with parts to songs that are not Afro-Cuban in nature. Be conscious that you are not the only drummer in the band anymore, and make the experience enjoyable for both you, and the latin percussionist. Don’t be afraid to trade fours, solos, or licks with the percussionist, I think you will both have fun trading ideas. I hope that this article will be of some help to you, or may inspire you to study another style of drumming. No matter what, have fun with what you are doing. Lastly “Keep it Funky” Why not to go to Starbucks
Todd walked into Starbucks, as he did every morning, with his apple ibook tucked under his arm, ready to drink coffee and work on his novel. It had been a year and a half since he graduated with a communications degree from Lionel Richie University. And almost equally as long since he had held a job for more than a week. All the while, he had been living on money earned by slowly pawning off his earthly possessions. Todd approached the counter, ordered a coffee and headed for his favorite corner table. The table was by the window. Todd liked to watch the LRU coeds hurrying by on their way to class. He wasn't into the cheerleader types. He like the ones with dyed hair, black rimmed glasses, many hues of gray, no make-up, not particularly shaped. He found them less intimidating, more interesting and usually more inclined to engage in casual sex. He sipped his coffee. It tasted strangely. Todd removed the lid to examine his coffee. What he saw made him jump back. The coffee was pitch black. In the center of the coffee was a whirlpool with what looked like hundreds of tiny people screaming and being sucked into the center. Todd angrily stormed towards the counter. The person from whom, just minutes ago, he had purchased the coffee now had the head of a mountain goat. In the center of the goats head was a bloody pentagram. Todd opened his mouth to say something, but before he could the evil goat man barista shot burning hell fire out of the pentagram on his head, melting Todds whole face and leaving his lifeless body to plummet to the ground. The other patrons stepped around him to order their coffee.By: Ted Pike The Fuckin End |
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