by Mike » Fri Nov 22, 2002 5:15 pm
Hey, you speak directly from my heart, brother.
As a music teacher, I also make my pupils find out important details on the history and culture of Latin, Afro-Carribean or whatever-you-may-call-it -music.
Even if you are not a Latino or ahave been living in a Salsa-oriented environment or whatever, you MUST -as a serious hand-drummer- at least TRY TO UNDERSTAND the culture behind the music.
I didn´t quite get your words about "posture" - what do you mean? I believe straight sitting and a certain pride in + while playing goes with any good drummer...?!?
Of course, the macho-aspect of this music in general is sometimes diametrically opposed to the goals of modern emancipation, blah, blah. .. But I think, at least musically speaking, this topic has been overrated. Sorry if I hurt any conguera´s feelings. But then, I have also seen female drummers with the exactly right amount of aggressiveness you need for this music.
But that was not the point. I agree you can see a lot of "world music" (what´s that? everything is world music ? Look a t Henry Purcell and his Italian influences!) or self-entitled "funk" percussionists who just try to be trendy-groovy, beating the last $%& out of their drums by speedy 16ths......
I think your post was first and foremost a sign against shallowness among the drumming people.
IT MATTERS WHAT YOU PLAY, HOW YOU PLAY IT!
And therefore I´m gonna play -- NOW!!
Peace & drum