Customer Reviews

Funkifying the Clave: Afro-Cuban Grooves for Bass and Drums (with CD) (Manhattan Music Publications)

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4 star:		(1)
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Combining traditional Latin claves with a funk backbeat. I bought this book / cd combo to improve my bass playing and drumming. (Yep! I play both.) I enjoy Latin / rock type music and wanted to become more familiar with the various styles and rhythms of this music. This book is awesome! It is also not fot the beginner or the timid unless you are dead serious about your playing. This will not only improve your playing, but your reading as well. The CD's start with a group of songs performed by the band. Then they break into LOTS of examples of ALL different styles of Latin music. Once you think you have it all mastered, the songs you heard at the beginning of the cd are there without drums / bass depending on which cd you want to play along with. Yes there are 2 cd's. One for drums, one for bass. By the way, all the songs on the cd have studio grade charts in the back of the book for you to follow. If this book doesn't keep you busy for a long time, you must already be a seasoned studio professional. Even if you are, there's probably something in here for you. ENJOY!

This book is a goldmine of information and ideas pertaining to the addition of the salsa feel in your playing. The authors lay out, in both English and Spanish, the different latin styles and feels clearly, and the included cd's make learning the material that much easier. The different patterns discussed include the clave, tumbao, songo, guaguanco, cha-cha, mozambique, and afro-cuban styles. Also included are 6 songs (complete with charts) for the student to play with (recorded with and without drum/bass tracks). This book is a must have for a player of any level. It was recommended to me by a bass player friend of mine who plays in a touring group specializing in latin/flaminco music. It has made a huge difference in my playing, and I've been drumming for 23 years. Get this book and enjoy the new world of ideas and possibilities!

This book is essential if your a non-latin drummer trying to understand this percussive language. Clear, concise, this book will occupy you for months, even years.

In my opinion, Robby Ameen has got the best informational DVD's, CD's, books for afro/cuban music hands down. If you're into this style of music and want to learn more, pick up his DVD with the same title. I believe they're both worth their weight in gold. This book and CD is one of the best investments you could make concerning your drumming career. I guarantee that you will NOT be disappointed!

First find a good drummer, that is interested in playing latin. (I mean a "good" drummer!! Cause he will have a hard time on this one) Than you start excercising together through this book. For a rock bass player, it feels like starting from zero again. Latin timing is unique and not "spontaneous" if you are not born in Africa or the caraibian region, but this book provides a step by step introduction from the basic clave structures to the more advanced slapping latin rhitmes. Great fun, improving instrument control a lot, but hard work. (Take your time for this one)
The songs at the end are perfect exercises to test your progress in latin timing.

Ok I will spend hours with this, lots here to learn, I understand you might be able to find the old VHS of this as well. Lots of fun end enjoyment for a bass player....

An essential book for any drummer serious about understanding and playing Afro-Cuban grooves on the drum set.