Drumming For The Gods (Studies In Latin America & Car) [Hardcover]

Maria Velez (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 21, 2000 | Series: Studies In Latin America & Car

'I am Felipe Garcia Villamil' begins "Drumming for the Gods", the life history of the Afro-Cuban artist whose music has survived both political and personal upheaval. 'Balogun for thirty years. Oluana, of Matanzas, Cuba, for about forty years. Omoana for almost forty-five years. OluIyesa [he who knows the secrets of the Iyesa drums]'. A practitioner of sacred drumming for almost his entire life, Felipe practiced his trade in Cuba both before and after the Revolution and brought it with him to New York, where he continues to play for the gods. This book focuses on three periods of Felipe's life, each marked by changes in his personal life and by important historical events. The first period covers his formative years during which he received his initial training. Through Felipe's story, we explore the legacy of slavery in Cuba, the nature of Afro-Cuban religions and their musical traditions, and the history of bata drums. The second period covers the critical years of the Cuban Revolution. Here we see the effect of social turmoil both on music and religious practice (santero, palero, and abakua). The third period covers Felipe's life in New York as a refugee/immigrant, and the role of music in rebuilding his identity. Felipe's story illuminates his cultural practices and beliefs as well as the ways in which an individual musician selects and modifies the elements of his cultural heritage to create a voice that is personal and unique. Felipe not only lives through history but also makes history, shaping an identity that cannot be described as 'Cuban immigrant', 'Afro-Cuban', 'religious drummer', or 'santeria initiate', but is composed of all of them. Through Felipe's experiences, Maria Teresa Velez reveals the interaction between social, political, economic, and cultural forces and an individual's own actions. The professionalization of musicians in Cuba following the Revolution and the plight of Afro-Cuban immigrants in New York are seen as large historical and social problems to which Felipe must personally respond. A noted ethnomusicologist, Velez provides the most insightful and comprehenisve English-language study of an individual Cuban religious drummer available. "Drumming for the Gods" is a must-read for those interested in ethnomusicology, Caribbean studies, and Afro-Cuban religions and culture. Maria Theresa Velez is a freelance ethnomusicologist.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is without a doubt the most comprehensive English language study of an individual Cuban religious drummer." --Steve Cornelius "Drumming for the Gods constitutes an impressive accomplishment and includes a great deal of previously unavailable information. It represents a significant contribution to existing literature on Cuban music and cultural history." --Robin Moore, Temple University "[This book] documents the musical traditions of the Afro-Christian Santaria cults through the life history of one of Cuba's most esteemed practitioners of sacred drumming." --Institute for Studies in American Music Newsletter

From the Publisher

The world through the eyes of a master religious drummer

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 210 pages
• Publisher: Temple University Press (January 21, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566397308
• ISBN-13: 978-1566397308
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,958,167 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable reading for any drummer or practitioner, April 4, 2000

By 

omo Añá (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Drumming For The Gods (Studies In Latin America & Car) (Paperback)

If you consider yourself a serious drummer in the Afro-Cuban styles (batá, bembé, palo, abakuá, rumba, comparsa, etc.), you must read this book, as you will learn a great deal from it. It is refreshing to see the music and the culture through the eyes of a musician and practitioner himself (Mr. García Villamil), a true living legend. Every page is loaded with TONS of information, dating from his Yoruba great-grandfather's time to the present.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rare blend of scholarship and freshness, May 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Drumming For The Gods (Studies In Latin America & Car) (Paperback)

The first thing to be said about Ms.Velez' book is that it is written in a disarmingly straightforward style - a rare if not unique occurrence in contemporary scholarly writings. Without shying away from tackling the complexities of an issue (and there are many in the book) Ms. Velez' style allows the reader to concentrate on the content rather than wrestle with tortuous syntax and intricate constructions. It is perhaps for this reason that the author manages so felicitously to blend her cultivated voice with that of the "informer" in a delicately balanced counterpoint. This, in turn, is well suited to the multifaceted role of F.G.V., who play the role of a self-centered first actor as well as that of an anonymous yet ideally representative prototype of a time and a place. Or rather, multiple times and places.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If I could give 6 stars........, January 19, 2005

By 

me (Chitown) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Drumming For The Gods (Studies In Latin America & Car) (Paperback)

This book is the absolute best available about Afro-Cuban religious traditions, music, and culture that I have ever seen. Velez writes in a clear style and with great respect for Mr. Villamil's heritage. Finally a book in english has addressed the controversy surrounding lineages and lines within Afro-Cuban religion. Not to mention one of the few books that describes festivles and musical celebrations within these religions instead of 'new age magic'. Secondly, the voice and mannerisms of Mr. Villamil come through the pages as if you were watching a documentary. As a long time (medio asiento) affiliate en La Regla de Ocha this book has truly touched my heart. Instead of spewing out made-up "secrets" it conveys the feeling, culture, and legacy of these little known traditions with utmost dignity. If you enjoyed the book I would suggest seeking out some of Mr. Villamil's CD's under the group Emikike it is amazing. Velez deserves some kind of award for this work because it is truly astounding..... just when I was about to give up on English books concerning Afro-Cuban culture.
Charles Panella
", but you have to keep hammering away there because he was destined for that and I wasn't. This is my religion and I love it with all my heart" FGV