A "natural"? - What's your definition of one?

[Chapo]

This term is used when describing an athlete in a certain sport. How would you define a natural conguero or percussionist?

Thanks
Luis

[Sakuntu]

Someone who plays musically, for the song, not just for himself. Someone who knows how to fit in with other musicians in a musical setting. Someone who plays with Heart and soul. Someone who is able to get the sounds quickly without trying to hard. these are what come to mind for me when I think of a "Natural"

[JohnnyConga]

Someone born with 'rhythm' and 'time' with no difficulties towards application/playing and just seems to know what it's all about.....Johnny Conga.....

[windhorse]

When they play,, it makes you smile inside ---- every time.
:;):

[bongosnotbombs]

This lil' guy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v....search=

[Congadelica]

yup thats Lil guy has to be the most natural around .
Do we know this guy , does his papa post on here?

cute

marco

[Mike]

A-B-S-O-L-U-T-E-L-Y M-I-N-D--B-O-G-G-L-I-N-G!

I bow my head to this kid!

[windhorse]

:D

[Congadelica]

I been thinking about this question, An I have come up with the conclusion that it would be a miracle for someone to be a total natural . Im thinking some people will have natural talent but you cant get around hours of painstaking practice , can you ?
I consider myself to have an element of natural talent and people have told me I have a natrual rythm etc.....
But I would not call myself a natrual it would be quoted wrong context , But Ill live with being natural .
Im sure there are many others who have this natural talent Ive gone through phases of thinking Im the one etc..... im sure if othere were honest they would also admit to this mind set . When the ego kicks in it can leave you thinking your invincible , cant it master your ego your half way there . This applys to life in general if you want greatness and blessings in life.

But I am often humbled by meeting other players who have put many years of time into the drum , To them and all i Take my Kangol off to you .

Marco



Edited By Congadelica on 1192800329

[burke]

As noted there are lots of elements that have been and could be listed. But the one least empathised but most appreciated by other musicians is Time. A good internal mentronome is really valued - there is reason for those jokes.

How do you know a drummer is at your door?
The knocking keeps speeding up.

The other aspect not empathised that much is listening skills.

[congamyk]

...



Edited By congamyk on 1192828505

[congamyk]

Obviously his father teaches him every day and he's soaking it up.

I think "a natural" is someone that grows up in an environment of music and people that love music. A natural isn't born...he grows into being a natural. Music becomes a part of him, and not just rhythm, melody, harmony, etc. It is also loved by those around him and he becomes "naturally" a part of music. This is why many times the best musicians play more than one instrument, they love music of all types and appreciate the beauty of art in general.

The little boy in the video is becoming an excellent conguero because of the overall environment that he is in. His family is passionate and serious about music and they show him that on an everyday basis. No doubt there is music in the home all of the time. The kid is like he's at conga camp 24/7!

[Chapo]

The kid is in the perfect environment and is very good but, as incredible as it might seem there are others like him spread out around the Carribean Islands that we may never hear or see. There is an old Tata video with a few kids burning it up...they're a little older but not by much. Fun to watch. I wish him and his family all the best.

Luis

[jmdriscoll]

I agree, with you congamyk. It is the classic nature -vs- nurture argument. While there is a certain amount of nature involved.. "example: Some people are born with the 24 pack of crayons while others are only born with the 10 pack" (quote from waking life). It's just as much about eye hand coordination as it is about daily practice and conditioning from your environment and world around you. But then again, if somebody were born with only the 10 pack of crayons, can years of practice bring overcome this?

I almost wonder how much it has to do with utilizing both the right and left hemispheres of your brain equally. There is a LOT of technical skill involved, but then there is also just as much artful thinking... call and response phrasing, bursts of tasteful color and flair, etc.. But then again, does this question point back at the crayon box analogy.

So basically it would seem that an extension of the question would be, if you were not born with the 24 pack and not raised in an environment where it is part of your daily life can this be overcome through intensive practice?

I think that no matter what the answer, it will be an opinion. Do an internet search on nature versus nurture and those arguements are directly related to the questions of whether somebody is born a natural or not. I think that it's a combination of both.

edit - I NEVER proofread before posting.. All of my posts are edited!!



Edited By jmdriscoll on 1192845683

[jmdriscoll]

but yeah, that freakin kid is pretty amazing!!