Latin Jazz Workshop Outline


    Clave

  1. Foundation of Cuban Rhythm
  2. Stong Beat/Weak Beat, Expansive/Contractive, Upbeats/Downbeats
  3. Clave Descendant of 6/8 African Styles (Yoruba)
  4. Clave Variations
    1. Son Clave
    2. Rumba Clave
    3. Bossa Clave
  5. Clave Stays Constant, All Other Rhythms Phrase With It

    Instruments and Rhythm Patterns (Mambo/Son Montuno)

  1. Conga
    1. Open Tone, Slap, Muffled Tone(Heel-Toe), Short BassTone, Long Bass Tone (Lift), Different Pitch Drums
    2. Basic Tumbao Pattern (One Measure or 2), Rhumba Style (Guaguanco)
    3. Strong Accent on 4th Beat, Slap on 2
    4. Rhythmic Heart of Band

  2. Bongo (if used)
    1. Higher than Conga, Open Tone, Heel Toe, Slap, Flam
    2. One Measure Pattern Called Martillo (Hammer)
    3. Improvises a Great Dal (Conversationalist of Band , Commenting, Answering, etc.)
    4. Open Accent on 4 with Conga
    5. Bongo Slaps on 1&3, Conga Slap on 2 & open 4
    6. Bongo Bell Picks up 1&3 Feel at a Higher Dynamic Level


  3. Timbale
    1. Many Sounds: Paila, Open Tones (Sticks or Hand), Rim Shots, Cow Bells, Cymbals, Wood Blocks ETC. (Used to Control Dynamics or Texture)
    2. Basic Pattern Called Cascara (Shell) Carries Clave
    3. Left Hand Plays 2&4 Or Clave or Variations
    4. Navigator of Band : Announces All Changes of Dynamics or New Sections of a Tune, Does Not Make a Move Without Announcing it First (On The Drums)


  4. Bass
    1. Basic Pattern Called Tumbao Hits Up-Beat of 2 and Down of 4("One Not Played unless indicated or improvised.
    2. Basic Pattern Doesn't Carry Clave Direction But Variations Can
    3. Groovemeister of Band, Provides Strong Groove Feeling


  5. Guitar
    1. Plays Rhythmic Percussion-like Vamps Called Montuno
    2. Pattern indicates Clave Direction
    3. Basic Pattern All Beats Except First 2 Beats of 2 Side of Clave
    4. Decorator of Band, Chords indicate Harmonic Color of Surroundings.


  6. Sax/Flute
    1. Job is to Play Melody and Solo
    2. Should Phrase with Clave Direction
    3. Can Also Accompany Drum Solos with Montuno Vamps
    4. Spear-Head of Band

Latin Jazz Arrangements

  • Guataca
    1. Hits on Beat 4 Derived from Conga Pattern
    2. Melody Carries /Emphasizes Clave Direction
    3. Uses Basic Mambo/Son Montuno Rhythms
    4. Clave Patterns in Ensemble Hits
    5. Montuno Section for Timbale Solo with Sax Background
    6. Clap Clave Along with Music
    •  



    The Following is an example of 2:3 clave:


    Our Current Itinerary | What They're Saying | Home| Recent Performances | Recommended Listening List | CDs and Sound Bytes