Mel Bay Rumba: Afro-Cuban Conga Drum Improviation Book/2 CD Set (Spiral-bound)

~ Cliff Brooks (Author)
Key Phrases: downbeat diagram, timekeeping lines, downbeat bass drum sound, Quinto Ride Patterns, Horizontal Downbeat Diagram, Vertical Downbeat Diagram (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This method book simultaneously incorporates the various senses in teaching different improvisation patterns. This approach helps ingrain the learning process at a deeper psychological level. Each expression can be played with the bass drum downbeats provided on the companion CD. This helpful learning aid will ensure proper pulse and timing. After mastering each expression with the bass drum playing downbeats, the Guaguanco rhtyhm is introduced to further the learning process.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 80 pages
• Publisher: Mel Bay Publications (November 28, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786659548
• ISBN-13: 978-0786659548
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #861,950 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Authentic Cuban licks, May 31, 2006

By	Dave Levine (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

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.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb learning resource unlocking the mystery of conga soloing., March 1, 2006

By	Hammerfist! "Thor!" (South Africa) - See all my reviews

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!!!!!