by blango » Tue Aug 21, 2007 3:17 pm
interesting topic
yes, in most settings playing loudly is not cool, or needed.
But often, in a folkloric setting, one needs to play with force and violence. Play a Palo softly and you will be tossed, quickly.
This is directly from the lips of Regino Jimenez. If you dont know who he is, look into him.
that reminds me. the best tact i have taken in this tradition, and i highly recommend it, is:
only listen to those who have learned from the great players in Cuba, or the masters themselves. All others have questionable information.
This is a big problem in this tradition, as there are many ways to skin a cat, even in Cuba. All kinds of people told me all kinds of silly things from peeing on my hands for my health, to drilling holes in my tubs to cut a ring ! (yes i know giovanni likes to pee on his hands)
I only listen to those who have studied directly with the masters of Cuba. If you dont have access to such info, do your own thing and take all advise with a grain of salt.
Hope that helps,
Tony