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by Marvin Sparks,
Jr.
In Part II, I will present some easy patterns,
concepts, and songs you can use to develop your concept.
Remember, your goal is to create original parts which
are based on a solid foundation.
We will use "Zion" from Lauryn Hill's "The Miseducation
of Lauryn Hill" for our study.
Here
are some basic concepts to remember:
- Practice
with your full set-up.
- Learn
the basic patterns and sounds for each instrument.
- Most
fills happen at the end of phrases. (4, 8, and 16
bars)
- Fills
can enhance or support elements in the music. (a
lyric, an instrumental lick, etc..)
We
will group these patterns into "sound choices" which
were discussed in "Part I."
- Drums
(verses and breakdowns)
- Metals
(intros, bridges, ending vamps)
- Shakers
(verses and breakdowns; slow songs)
- Wood
(verses, breakdowns, and interchangeable with metal
sounds)
Congas
One of the most important conga patterns to master
is "tumbao." This pattern and it's variations can
be used for many grooves within various musical styles.
Timbales
Timbales can be grouped with "drum, metal and wood
sounds." Develop a set-up with a main cowbell, a cha-cha
bell, jam block, and tambourine using either 2 cowbell
mini racks or a percussion table. If you have electronics
they can be used effectively in with this sound source
area.
Shakers
Shakers are great for verses and are used on many
recordings. Invest in different shakers to add variety
in your sound choices.
Use
the following format when making your sound choices
and patterns.
- Intros/Bridges:
Metal Sounds/Timbales
- Verse:
Congas/Shakers
- Out
Chorus: Metal Sounds(unless soft)
- General
Rule: Metal Sounds for loud passages(Forte);
- Congas
and shakers for soft passages (piano)
Suggested Practice Music
- Lauryn
Hill, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill"
- Luther
Vandross, "Secrets"
- Earl
Klugh, "Midnight in San Juan"
- Joe
Henderson, "Double Rainbow - The Music of Antonio
Jobim"
- The
Latin Real Book Sampler CD
- Juan
Formell y los Van Van, "Edicion Especial"
- Los
Munequitos De Mantanza, "Rumba Caliente"
- Marvin
Gaye, "I Want You"
Suggested Books/Videos
- Chroma
(Live w/Dennis Chambers and Mino)
- Bobby
Sanabria videos
- Ed
Uribe Afro-Cuban and Brazilian Manuals ( 2 separate
books)
- Dr.
Mark Sunkett, "Mandiani Drum and Dance"
- Airto
DCI Videos (all great for set-ups and concepts)
There
are many books, videos, and recordings so invest in
a library of information. Remember keep playing, seek
out a good teacher/mentor and have fun in the process.
The key to becoming a good percussionist while playing
with a band is developing taste through education.
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