Authentic Conga Rhythms Revised

A complete study, including illustrations, on all the Latin rhythms.

A complete study, including illustrations, on all the Latin rhythms.

Afro-Cuban percussion contributes essential characteristics to the richness of Latin American musical folklore, and its rhythmic systems hold a complexity and sophistication that deserve greater study among both learned and popular musical spheres. In Conga Drums in Space and Time, author Jorge Pardo presents an exploration of the surprising ways rhythms can create three-dimensional space when properly structured, considering Afro-Cuban percussion in particular. He charts the emotional excitement felt by listeners when exposed to syncopated rhythms using a thought-provoking theory of time positions. These ideas then carry over into Pardos own system of hand drum notation (HDN), a simple and straightforward iconography that allows percussionists of any level to sight-read two hand patterns and play authentic Conga rhythms in a short time. Through a combination of theory and practical exercises, Pardo takes musicians on an unusual rhythmic journey of discovery. Intriguing and challenging, this bilingual study explores the unexpected relationship between music and three-dimensional space and provides a simple and accessible system for percussion notation.

This book is to help gain a greater working knowledge of rhythms for playing congas, bongos or almost any percussion instrument. Included is an instruction and basic hand technique for congas. Among the many patterns presented are, Samba, Clave, Latin Rhythms, Afro-Latin, West African, Middle Eastern and many more. A varied collection of rhythms.

Volume II is aimed at two distinct categories of readers: 1) Intermediate players who are ready for a wider range of rhythms to study and use in live playing situations; and 2) Experienced congueros who have digested Volume I and now seek to understand the roots of the modern Cuban conga style. Having assimilated the material in Volume I, the student should be able to play basic Son Montuno, Salsa, Chachacha, and Bolero. Volume II moves on to Guaguanco, Iyesa, 6/8, Changui, Afro, Mozambique, Pilon, Songo, Merengue, Bomba, Cumbia and other rhythms that a professional conguero will be expected to know. Each rhythm is accompanied by an article reflecting on its history and role in the "big picture" of Latin music and offering listening recommendations. Like Volume I, it uses the Step by Step online video Method. A special 8-page appendix explains the often infuriatingly complex subject of "clave" with an unprecedented level of clarity and insight. Includes access to online video.

Play Congas Now is a step-by-step method that teaches all the fundamentals of conga playing. You will learn hand positions and techniques, basic reading skills, different styles of rhythms and patterns, tuning and maintenance, drum set and school jazz band applications, and a brief history of the conga drums. The accompanying CD includes all exercises and has play-along tracks to practice with. The styles covered in the book are Afro-Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, pop, rock, funk, and R & B rhythms. Play Congas Now is a must for the beginner who wants to get started on congas or an intermediate player who wants an excellent practice tool to refine his or her skills. Book jacket.

In-depth coverage of popular percussion instruments, including history, tuning, maintenance, techniques, exercises, ensembles, and more, from a world-renowned educator and performer, Kalani. Each book comes with an enhanced CD featuring additional multimedia content, including demonstrations of all rhythms and techniques and tuning instructions.

Christian Bourdon's new book features traditional and modern African rhythms for Conga, Tumba, and Djembe. The focus is on special playing techniques (floating hand, "bascules") with exercises for one and two players plus 3 solo pieces.

This book and accompanying audio are a perfect introduction to the conga drum. The book includes lessons on music notation, posture, positioning, tuning, and hand strokes. There are also many exercises, examples of Latin rhythms, andeven some history of the instrument. Written by best-selling Mel Bay author Trevor Salloum, this method is all you need to start playing the conga today!