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Posted: **Sun Feb 19, 2006 3:26 am**

Is it same to assume one of the forum members is playing this solo? Whoever it is, I like it!

I don't remembere where I got this...please confess if this is you.

very cool solo

If this didn't upload, Please let me know.

Edited By bongoron on 1140319906

Posted: **Sun Feb 19, 2006 5:30 pm**

The solo is "ok" nothing to write home about. I cant say to much for his techique. when one is improvising keep in mind that you are trying to "talk" on the drums,have a conversation, that people will be able to understand... all flash and no burn,doesn't cut it...."JC" Johnny Conga...

Posted: **Sun Feb 19, 2006 5:59 pm**

Bongoron,
I try not to be critical of other plavers, but Johnny is right. This don't heat my grease too much. Percussionist need to hear the bigger musical picture and try to play melodically. Rhythm and speed alone won't cut it with us experienced oldtimers. Better you should wait for Johnny's video. Trust me, you'll learn a few things from him!

Saludos,

Berimbau

Posted: **Sun Feb 19, 2006 10:32 pm**

I AGREE A SOLO IS A WORK OF ART, NOT A CHANCE TO TRY TO SHOW OFF!!!

Posted: **Mon Feb 20, 2006 2:58 pm**

??? ??? ???

Are we seeing the same clip here Bongoron? Sorry to be critical, but extemely poor technique, no heart or sabor, typical tippy tap hippy drum circle like player.
Didnt dig it at all.
If you dig that clip, then you need to get out and see more players doing there thing... :;):

Posted: **Mon Feb 20, 2006 9:54 pm**

Unfortunately there is no "out" to get to around here. Maybe you guys could post one of your videos up so I could see/hear what you're talking about. Frankly, I hear many different tones when I listen to this with my eyes closed. Also many different intensity levels. Since he is unaccompanied, why does he need a melody? The other two guys are just waiting to come in. What is wrong with speed? I'm just curious...looked like some skill to me. Please be specific on his technical flaws, and on what I've missed by enjoying this short clip...a video clip from one of you guys perhaps?

Actually, never mind. I just listened to a hildalgo clip (without video) from the LP site. His is just as random and only has a couple of melodic spots that don't repeat throughout the solo. He isn't using only two drums either. I guess I just have a different musical taste...I like them both, and appreciate the efforts of both (I'm not putting that guy equal to hidalgo). I do like a variety of clearly audible tone differences, though. Just loud and fast and mostly slaps on the quinto, with occaisional sloppy open tones isn't good enough for me either. I do hear the variety I like in the clip I posted...heel-tip, closed slaps, open tones, slaps, muted tones, whatever..would like more bass tones, but that's just me. That's what I hear...eyes closed.

If you want to post your own, go ahead. Maybe I can see/hear what you're talking about. Otherwise, I won't get it. I watched (and saved) Abakua's video with the short solo toward the end...Seemed short, fast, and very bland to me. No offense, but with my eyes closed..that's what I hear. I'm interested in the finer technical aspects, but not if they require me to hate what looks and sounds like playing from the heart.

I just made a video with just Abakua's solo and the other one back to back. This allows a close comparison of one following the other. My daughter picked the other one, and so did her friend. Although one of them is a "tippy tap, hippy drum circle " player, the other isn't, and both were disinterested observers. Since they basically acted in a "audience" role...I guess the performance really depends on the audience. Clearly, a paying audience will attend the style it prefers.

My original question was regarding the identity of this player. Thanks for the other comments, but without some video examples, I guess I remain ignorant of what "Real" conga playing is, and I still like it. I guess you guys must really hate Pete Lockett!

Edited By bongoron on 1140476285

Posted: **Tue Feb 21, 2006 12:18 am**

Sobre los gustos no hay nada escrito.
ie There is nothing written about taste.

If you like it (the clip), then you like.

Im no Hidalgo or Anga, lol, but to compare my drumming to the guy in that clip? Dude I havent laughed that hard in while.

Attitude, machismo, call it what you will, in the real world when you are competing against every other established and 'coming up' drummer, you need it along with every bit of skill you got.

I mean no insult to you, but from your comments you sound like a begginner in the world of congas. I do not try to discourage you, in fact I encourage you to reach for your best and be the best that you can be.

*ps the clip you saw of me where you say my solo was short and bland ??? was from a 3 minute promo of the 2hr auditorium show project I also work with where my solo actually goes for around 5-7 minutes with crowd participation. I can try to email you the complete section if you like.

Also, check out som of the cool clips available to you here:
http://congahead.com/Movies/menu.html

Some highlights to check out include:

Pedro Martinez w/ His Cuban Friends & special guest Little Johnny Rivero - "Timbasa"

Tambo Jazz "The Bronx Zoo"

Tony Escapa & Friends "Escape From Whitestone" (this brother on congas has got great hands)

And of course obviously the several Giovanni Hidalgo ones and Samuel Torres one also.

For a full listing of all their movies you can also check out here: http://congahead.com/Movies/menu_list.html

Posted: **Tue Feb 21, 2006 2:05 pm**

ABAKUA wrote:I can try to email you the complete section if you like.

That would be awesome! Thanks.

Incidently, the "conga snobbery I was refering to in the other thread was not in this thread. It was a discussion between a couple of guys that was "culture" related regarding origins of certain rhythms. Just wanted to be clear.

Yes, I will make sure and PM my email adress to you. I'd appreciate that clip alot.

God bless!

-Ron

Posted: **Tue Feb 21, 2006 5:24 pm**

No problem bro!

You also have PM.

Posted: **Tue Feb 21, 2006 5:54 pm**

Soloing has to start from someplace and go to some place. Soloing is being able to have a "conversation" on your drums and having your audience respond to it, by virtuosity, skill, technique, and multiple "ideas" expressed on the drum. This takes time
to learn. I have literally learned how to make an "audience" respond to my playing and even get a standing ovation. That takes a lot of skill and time to be able to do. Remember "personality" is also key. There are drummers out there that are "self-centered" and dont care about the audience,only what they do, and how they do it, matters to them, and not even if they get a postive response or not. so remember when it comes time to solo ...start simple and build your solo within the time frame given. The object is to "excite" a response from the listeners,and in return, you get rewarded with "applause" and "recognition"......"JC" Johnny Conga....

...ps..I tried to download my solo on Siempre Me va Bien from my first Cd but it's not downloading....sorry....

Posted: **Tue Feb 21, 2006 5:55 pm**

Cool. Thanks for trying.

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