Horacio 'El Negro' Hernandez in Australia
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Horacio 'El Negro' Hernandez in Australia
by pavloconga » Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:25 am
Hi everyone,
Yesterday I had the great pleasure of hearing live in Australia for the very first time, the incomparable Horacio 'El Negro' Hernandez (he's currently touring Australia with drummers Mike Mangini and Billy Ward - they were really great too, but for me "El Negro' was the standout...)
I've never seen such an impressive performance on the drumset: he played with total precision and fluidity, while simultaneously articulating complex Afro Cuban rhythmic concepts and seemingly effortless solos. Quite often he would solo while holding the clave with his left foot. He displayed a master's complete dexterity, incredible four way independence and a great depth of knowledge.
El Negro also demonstrated playing clave in unusual and innovative ways: playing the first 2 notes in '4 feel' with the remaining 3 notes in '6 feel' and vice versa. And this was a mind blower: playing the first note of rumba clave in '6 feel', the 2nd note in '4 feel', the third note in '6 feel', the 4th in '4 feel' and the 5th in '6 feel' - while simultaneously playing the corresponding time signature subdivisions with his right hand. This had to be seen and heard to really appreciate!
More than anything, I think, his 'feel' and complete mastery on the kit was really something to behold, stretching and bending time and time signatures in new ways.
After the gig a few buddies and I met, chatted and hung out with him for a little while. Like a true maestro he was a completely humble, friendly and down to earth guy. It was an honor and privilege to meet him.
What a day!
cheers
Pavlo
some pics (kind of low quality tho) attached from my camera phone:
Yesterday I had the great pleasure of hearing live in Australia for the very first time, the incomparable Horacio 'El Negro' Hernandez (he's currently touring Australia with drummers Mike Mangini and Billy Ward - they were really great too, but for me "El Negro' was the standout...)
I've never seen such an impressive performance on the drumset: he played with total precision and fluidity, while simultaneously articulating complex Afro Cuban rhythmic concepts and seemingly effortless solos. Quite often he would solo while holding the clave with his left foot. He displayed a master's complete dexterity, incredible four way independence and a great depth of knowledge.
El Negro also demonstrated playing clave in unusual and innovative ways: playing the first 2 notes in '4 feel' with the remaining 3 notes in '6 feel' and vice versa. And this was a mind blower: playing the first note of rumba clave in '6 feel', the 2nd note in '4 feel', the third note in '6 feel', the 4th in '4 feel' and the 5th in '6 feel' - while simultaneously playing the corresponding time signature subdivisions with his right hand. This had to be seen and heard to really appreciate!
More than anything, I think, his 'feel' and complete mastery on the kit was really something to behold, stretching and bending time and time signatures in new ways.
After the gig a few buddies and I met, chatted and hung out with him for a little while. Like a true maestro he was a completely humble, friendly and down to earth guy. It was an honor and privilege to meet him.
What a day!
cheers
Pavlo
some pics (kind of low quality tho) attached from my camera phone:
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pavloconga - Posts: 546
- Joined: Mon Dec 26, 2005 12:41 am
- Location: Australia
Re: Horacio 'El Negro' Hernandez in Australia
by tocandorumba » Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:33 am
Man, El Negro is great, but I wish he would play the clave part (with his foot pedal) on a wood block- even a LP Jam Block. The bell sounds monotonous after a while. Respect though- he is one of the best and happiest drummers I have ever seen.
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tocandorumba - Posts: 66
- Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 11:41 pm
- Location: Bay Area, CA
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