Playing with Drummers - What should they play?

[tocandorumba]

To fit in with a conga player a good drummer should play cascara or clave with variations on the hi-hat. Or cross-stick the clave on the snare rim. Hit the bass drum to push the beat or on the bombo. I like to use the floor tom on the bombo, kind of a unison thing with the tumba bass hit. I have one bongo bell mounted on the bass drum which is great for 6/8 or conga. I have set up my timbales with my kit, but if you use the same technique on the toms you can get a decent timbale effect.

How much I use the snare depends on how rock or funk the tune is. If a strong snare isn't needed, I'll hit passing notes and fills. I have been thinking about adding a foot pedal with a wood block. Playing clave on a cowbell just isn't my style. That's the only thing about El Negro that I find monotonous. Dafnis Prieto is a phenomenal player. He is very humble as well- hit up his myspace: Dafnis Prieto

or his full site: www.dafnisprieto.com/

[Diceman]

Tocandorumba,

I think you are hitting on something here brother
---staying away from the snare
---cascara and bell patterns on various cymbals, bells, cowbells cross sticks.
---bombo notes
---etc etc.

A drummer who has studied timbales MMMMMMMMMMMMM!

However, I think that asking a drummer to stay away from the snare would be like tying an arm behind the back!!

Thanks for your pearls of wisdom, brother, do are you a kit drummer??

Suave

[tocandorumba]

Thanks Diceman- yes, I play drum kit as well. I use the snare more on brazilian beats and carnival rhythms- dig those especially 'cause I was in marching band in high school.

Timbales work real well with the kit. I just got my quick-beat hi-hats back from my dad, I like those for intricate work like cascara or palitos.

Check out the break at 1:30 for a great example of a foundation groove. Irakere's "Bacalao con Pan"

[dannydrumperc]

Alafia Papa!
I hope that you are well!

Abure dannydrumperc,
If you are asking what are the expectations from a conguero's standpoint, I'd say it would be having the drummer keep it simple. The drummer should listen to you as well as the other musicians and adjust his technique accordingly (dynamics, phrasing, fills, accents). I work with various drummers out here in several different genres of music, but when it's a "Latin Band" (I say this to differentiate between a "Salsa Band", which would have a timbalero instead supposedly) things would be a bit different.

...

Some drummers inherently feel that they have to constantly respond to the dynamics and techniques of the players in the group. If you as a conguero are executing a roll, and in your mind you are taking it longer than two, or four bars, the drummer gives you a splash in two bars. This is where he is accustomed to hearing the break in the role possibly.

My recommendation when playing with drummers is to "talk" with them. Explain what you will be adding to the group in terms of technique, as well as what you would like him/her to play when you are doing a solo, or at a section in the music.

The alternative is however, that "you" become more sensitive to the groups dynamics and lay out more with an agressive drummer. This way you don't kill yourself during the gig.

...

Thanks, Onile!

The band's repertory is mostly "salsa gorda" with some boleros and cha-chas, but the bandleader wants a drummer rather than a timbalero, so I’ll have to deal with the campaneo (maybe both - timbal & bongo - simultaneously), abanicos, etc... He seems interested in playing some latin jazz too, and asked me if I can do the "left foot clave" - which I can.

I reviewed some of my books: Frankie Malabe's, Maria Martínez, and Tito Puente / Jim Payne. I think the Puente/Payne is more appropriate when considering the musical situation because of the timbalero approach – it doesn't invades the conguero territory. I'll try to review the Chuck Silverman video too before the audition.

[dannydrumperc]

Tocandorumba,

I think you are hitting on something here brother
---staying away from the snare
---cascara and bell patterns on various cymbals, bells, cowbells cross sticks.
---bombo notes
---etc etc.

That's just what I was thinking to do. Thanks for the input, tocandorumba!

[tocandorumba]

Check out this video of Ignacio Berroa if you can find it. I have it on VHS:

Mastering the Art of Afro-Cuban Drumming

Particularly nice for clave & cascara technique. Peace!

[dannydrumperc]

That's a very good video. Pretty good ñañigo explanations. My school band had it on it's library along with Chuck Silverman's Practical Applications and the Dave Weckl & Walfredo Reyes Drums & Percussion - Working It Out part 1. I have the Silverman's, the Weckl/Reyes' (part 1 & 2) and something from El Negro, along with the already mentioned books.

But there is something you can't get from books or watching videos. And that is how to interact and communicate with the band while playing. It's like driving - you won't get it until sited behind the wheel.

I have my audition tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.

Thank you all, guys!