by Thomas Altmann » Sun Feb 04, 2007 4:30 pm
Niall & Facundo,
thanks also to you! It was very satifying for me to see that my playing seemed to project a great deal of my general concept to those who can evaluate that style. However, how much I succeed in living up to this concept, is still subject to daily shape, unfortunately.
After having theorized about soloing in an earlier thread, I am glad to clearly demonstrate what I was trying to explain.
It is impossible for any conga player today to bypass Changuito, Giovanni, Richie Flores, or Paoli Mejia (another guy of the modern school I like).
But that doesn't mean every conguero has necessarily to try and emulate what these guys are doing. Always remember that the bottom line is musical expression, which ultimately goes back to the individual (human) musician. If you have to play fast double rolls to express yourself, you've got to go for it. If not, don't worry. Find your own way. It's true, that I was influenced by "old school" drummers in my formative years. For the simple reason that I just don't hear any of that modern stuff inside myself, consequently I cannot play it, and I don't see any artistic reason to try, other than exercise (which I did for quite some time).
It's true that one determining factor is the composition you are complementing with your solo. To play a giant "fireworks" solo before a contemplative tune like the one that can be heard following (clave hazzle there), would be plainly unmusical. That's what I like about the concept of someone like Mel Lewis in Jazz, for instance. Like him, I refuse to deliver something spectacular at any cost.
On the other hand I have to admit, that I do feel uncomfortable with the expectation to play a high energy solo all by myself. I don't know if I ever did, or if I could fulfill such an expectation at all. I am more of an ensemble player, anyway, and I prefer soloing in a traditional, accompanied context. Only since I am playing with those Jazz guys, they don't stop exposing me to this kind of situation. But in most instances the crowd liked what I was doing.
Usually I kind of go into another state when I have to do this; I do not consciously realize what I'm doing. It's only when I leave that space that I notice the reaction of the "world outside".
Thanks again,
Thomas