congaplace.com

Why do some Arara songs start on the 5th beat of the one side of the clave.

It works great when playing with hand claps , but is kind of wierd to sing to the bell and drum parts.

Do most songs start on the 5th beat (ie. Eyatimbo yatambo, Agomado, Saragode ) ?

I know Merewotimbo starts on the Bombo .
I have yet to see one song starting on the 1 LOL

I always thought the intent was to play the bell pattern one full time to set the cadence for
everyone, and then the drums and song begin?

I did not know that , yet don't you think that the 5th beat of the 1 side is a weird place?

It's a little unusual, I think it depends on where the drums start to speak,
or play their open tones.

...

Oh shit????

Is that Bush plotting a Dr invasion for 2012 . LOL

We sing the Asoyin - Agomado and Sarago songs starting on the first double of the bell, or the 3 pulse.

Interesting that you're saying it's on another beat.
One of my favorite mind benders comes from the CD Asyoyi by Lazaro Ros - trying to sing Ferekete Mayinoma Mayinokan Ferekete.... So that it starts on the four pulse. Ouch! It hides the one so well, that if you're playing bell, the four becomes your one.. Totally deadly.. I love it!

So, in support of the question in the original post, that's one of the most intriguing reasons for my own pursuit in attempting to learn this music.
The rhythmic tricks played by all of the parts, including the song and how they hide or diversify the beat. It's so wonderful,, Each song is like a diamond!

Arara songs are like Canary Diamonds huh?

Yo , I love your web page w/ the Cuban and Haitian transcriptions , it brought back great memories of John Amira lessons.

flaco999 wrote:Arara songs are like Canary Diamonds huh?
Yo , I love your web page w/ the Cuban and Haitian transcriptions , it brought back great memories of John Amira lessons.

Yes they are Flaco! Thanks for noticing the stuff on my site. You never know what people take from them. I figure it's worth it if even one person benefited.
Here's a sound clip I made today of Ferekete transcribed from Lazaro Ros's Osayin.
You were pointing out about song starting on the 5th strike of of the 7 strike 6/8 bell, and here's a good example. I sang it with the bell once, then dubbed the 3rd, 5th, and akpon last.

http://mrcrowder.us/cong/Ferekete.mp3

Windhorse,
That was nice !!!
I havn't heard that song , but that song might go with Arara Majino ?
I learned it from John Amira and it comes from the Baro family in Matanzas who are famous for playing Arara.

Great vocals!!!