What to play with Jazz standards?

[spiritdrum]

Hi,

I've been invited to sit in with a band that playing jazz standards. The main conga player is often the one holding the time when there is no kit drummer. He usually plays either chacha or the swinging/blues feeling tumbao (slow).

I'm still a little hesitant to sit in for the conga player, but would like to bring a tumba, he plays a quinto and conga.

Does anybody have any ideas what I could play on the low drum for this style of music that would complement the main congero. I was thinking something off the bombo.

any ideas are appreciated.

[bongosnotbombs]

hey Lisa, I have this one, but I admit to not trying it out yet, still it looks okay.



Edited By bongosnotbombs on 1184694188

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... patato.jpg

[spiritdrum]

Hey Gordie,

can wait to try this one out. thanks. peace Anga is a monster no the dvd

[pavloconga]

Hi guys,
the rhythm above I wrote out from another thread is from Changuito's video "Evolution of the Tumbadoras". If you can get hold of a copy from somewhere he gives some examples of patterns that can be played in jazz styles (incl. those above). It would help to hear it so you can get the correct feel.

As for what to play on a tumba to accompany the other conga player on quinto & conga, I would suggest not duplicating what the other conga player is doing.

If he's playing a tumbao you could play something opposite to that so it creates a melodic effect. Usually 2 conga players in a jazz band would not happen, but hey, jazz is famous for experimentation. Give it a go.

Pavlo

[yambu321]

:cool:



Edited By yambu321 on 1196046868

[bongosnotbombs]

Hi guys,
the rhythm above I wrote out from another thread is from Changuito's video "Evolution of the Tumbadoras". If you can get hold of a copy from somewhere he gives some examples of patterns that can be played in jazz styles (incl. those above). It would help to hear it so you can get the correct feel.

As for what to play on a tumba to accompany the other conga player on quinto & conga, I would suggest not duplicating what the other conga player is doing.

If he's playing a tumbao you could play something opposite to that so it creates a melodic effect. Usually 2 conga players in a jazz band would not happen, but hey, jazz is famous for experimentation. Give it a go.

Pavlo

Hey Pavloconga,
Sorry for not giving you credit for the transcription, I had forgotten
where I had gotten it from......

[Quinto Governor II]

spiritdrum, yambu321 made some good points, however;if the band is comfortable with your abilities, then, don't worry about that issue. The venue in which you are playing would determine, for me, if it would be appropriate, so to speak, for a person of limited abilities to get on the bandstand or stage and play. I had reservations about playing before an audience also. I've been studying the conga seriously for about 7 years now, and have only been fooling around with the set drums about 3 years. I've had very little formal instruction on set drum, but have been shone some stuff by some more experienced conqueros. I can't read much at all, but musicians that hear me play compliment me and I get an occasional offer to play with some prospective bands. I'm the only percussionist in my band. I play congas on some tunes and on others, a ride symbol ,and or snare and a small tom on other tunes. All of the venues we play are not what I would consider jazz audiences, so the pressure is not so great on me. To play a strictly jazz club or a concert, which I don't think is likely to happen for us, would be different. Then yambu321's point would come into play for me. At Most of our gigs, we are supported mainly by family and friends, or we are just being booked for background music. My experience has been that the casual listener is not that critical. So go for it. My suggestions are, can you play bongo instead of the tumba? Have you talked it over with the conguero. Maybe he can suggest something for you to play. Maybe try playing the quinto and the conguero use the conga and the tumba. Wish I had more advise to offer. Keep it simple and relax as best you can. Stay focused but be open,and let the music inspire you, and hopefully, things will come to you. Good luck! Let us know how it worked out

[Charangaman]

Greetings,

Why not take a bongo and riff off the Conga player?

[Garvin]

I played congas in a big band for a year or so as well as in some quartets and quintets. It was definately swinging. I basically played tumbao with a swing feel and did very little in the way of melodic embellishments. They would give some solo space for the drummer and I or the piano player and I, which generally constituted me playing a bit louder and riffing a little bit and then ending the solo with a sort of call and response simple clave break. It's a lot different than playing in a son or salsa group because your part is rather amorphous. There is some space in there, but you are not gonna be out front by any stretch of the imagination. Cha-cha, and tumbao might be all you really need to play. It might be a good idea to have some idea of a simple bembe or other 6/8 thing in your hip-pocket because chances are at least some of the tunes will have a 3 feel in them. Good luck!

Oh, I'm a jazz-kit player as well so it was hard for me not to react like I would on kit in those tunes. I had to be very careful not to step on the drummers set-ups (leads into changes) or hits. You have to be on your toes, and don't overplay.



Edited By Garvin on 1184765595

[spiritdrum]

Thanks to everyone that replied to my post. Your responses have been really helpful.

I agree with Pavloconga that two conga players in a jazz band is not so common. I believe the environment of this situation is very experimental, relax and with family and friends, much like QuintoGovernor mentioned. On any given evening, diffferent musicians sit in, including dumbek, electric violin, oboe, etc. It really varies depending upon the evening. Many of the horn players are students of the leader (sax). It is a great welcoming environment for me learn how to play with other musicians within a jazz format.

Coming from a rumba environment, I appreciate this welcoming envirnoment. I am continually standing up for myself and putting myself out their at my local rumba. That being said, it is very draining to my spirit. So, I am excited about pursing this welcoming opportunity more.

Oh, I should mentioned that I've played several times before with this ever evolving group of musicians, a couple of times alone playing two drums, but usually quinto. The ideal is to give the main congero a break. He wants me to, but I am still having confidence issues on two drums within this style. At a rumba or with a funk band, no problem. I guess I can play quinto or bongo... .Just thought that a low drum would help me stay more grounded.... toward more confidence to sit in for the congero.

Thanks again,

Lisa



Edited By spiritdrum on 1184778977

[zaragenca]

Spiritdrum,..I disagree with you in the musical statement..the one which would hold the time ,(when not drum/set),would be the bass player..Cha Cha for jazz?..well the articulation for jazz would depend in what is the type of jazz which is played…standards is not necessary and specific style,..it means outstanding songs which are very known to the jazz players.Dr. Zaragemca

[Mike]

How come I kinda expected this, Mr. Z ?

[109-1176549166]

Mike,

Ha, ha, ha! :laugh:

Spiritdrum,

Man, Mike just made me think of the Jazz standard song, "It Had To Be You". :laugh:



Edited By mjtuazon on 1184785419

[bongosnotbombs]

How come I kinda expected this, Mr. Z ?

Word!

[spiritdrum]

Spiritdrum,..I disagree with you in the musical statement..the one which would hold the time ,(when not drum/set),would be the bass player..Cha Cha for jazz?..well the articulation for jazz would depend in what is the type of jazz which is played…standards is not necessary and specific style,..it means outstanding songs which are very known to the jazz players.Dr. Zaragemca

That just show you how like I really know about jazz!!!