Customer Reviews

Mel Bay Rumba: Afro-Cuban Conga Drum Improviation Book/2 CD Set

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If you are looking for a book that teaches self expression with afro cuban licks, then this book is for you. The idea behind the book is to teach the subtlety of Afro Cuban Syncopation and how to apply it using actual quinto licks from Cuba that are very tasty. The method used in the book is very intuitive as well as methodical and teaches how to start playing with simple short ideas such as Ride patterns that are played in Matanzas Cuba. Ride patterns not only teach the subtlty of expressing syncopation but also demonstrate how to use space between "hits". There are 3 concepts the book offers in the way of beginning to learn to "speak" the language of rumba quinto. 1. Rides are subtle and are great for adding tastefulness without saying too much. 2. The type of phrases in the book can be combined with ride patterns as a way of accenting or adding more pressure from time to time in the music as the rumba starts to become more energetic. 3. The solo at the end of the book gives the student an opportunity to to feel what its like to improvise with cuban feel. The older style of the Habana Guaguanco rhythm including the correct placement of the clave rhythm is used for the background rhythm at three different speeds so that the licks in the book can be practiced slowly at first and then faster and faster.

Cliff Brooks has to be one of the most talented teachers around...And probably the most generous, gentle person I have ever come across.
I started studying afro-cuban percussion awhile ago, as a second instrument with piano being my primary instrument..Having learned the basics, I kept looking for resources that would unlock the mystery of playing solos on the the congas, especially quinto licks..It was purely by accident that I stumbled onto Clifford's website and I immediately purchased his online teaching movies.

Needless to say, Cliff took the time to contact me personally and to discuss any difficulties..A rare quality these days.
I subsequently ordered the book and am in the process of ordering Clifford's second book in the series.

This book/learning resource is an absolute gem..Once you understand Clifford's method of notation, if becomes easy and a pleasure to practice with the material which is well thought out, well planned with an outstanding layout.
What I really like about this methodolgy is the effortless way in which you can internalise the material....Before you realise it, you are playing some mean licks and thinking of logical, and highly creative solos.

If book one is anything to go by, then I cannot wait to get book two and any other material that Clifford may bring out...

Way to go Cliff!!!!!

My instructor told me about this resource after teaching me basic quinto technique. This set provides tools to help the initiated teach themselves Cuban Quinto feel and phrasing.