Conga for Latin Jazz Combo - Conga or Tumbadora/other suggest?

[kenmatthews]

Hello Conga Board,

I stumbled onto this site today via Google. I have struggled with the percussion component in my various jazz quartets and have decided to move towards latin jazz. This is primarily due to ease of setup/breakdown and the space a traditional percussion set takes up.

Are there any basics to consider with this arrangement (sax, acoustic bass, guitar, conga)? My thoughts are 1 conga with a set of bongos on stands to "repicar" at end of phrasing. Does this sound like a reasonable approach? I'm curious to know if anyone has tried something similar. I want to balance between what's reasonable to expect from a conguero and also not go overboard and make the poor guy bring out his whole set each time. Minimalistic is important. Style of music I am focusing on is latin jazz, cuban son montuno, cha-cha, and boleros.

Many thanks and kind regards,

KEN

[ralph]

That one conga, bongo set up, should be able to cover the gamut of whatever you want to do.

[Mundo]

.. sir just to respond to you question..:.. i am a leader of a Latin jazz ensemble, i play all percussions such as djembe cajon. congas bongo, bell and shakers. i have 2 sets of congas
my first set 3 L.P Patato model. i have 2 congas and a tumbadora with remo nuskyn. in Latin Jazz there is no need for a quinto . i use these drums to play more in a out=door venue or any club where the music is unplugged, and the room is carpet these drum have a very loud projection. i always felt that the Patato model is the best fiberglass drum around for years is this particular drum that set the standard for all the other fiber-glass drums to follow.. i also have a pair of wood drum by Pearl. conga- tumbadora with mule head skins.i use these drum for rehearsals and very small intimate gigs such as supper clubs. they sound awesome and they have a very warm sound... i think most working percussionist alway should have 2 set of congas a pair of fiber-glass and wood. one thing i have notice that when playing the fiber=glass drums with the remo head you really have to control the sound due to overtones,but the more you play the better you get in terms of your dynamics.

mucho ache!
Michaelangelo