Los Compadre's Bongocero

[FidelsEyeglasses]

That is definitely a bongo listen to this exclude the riff's that he does if he would stay on a straight marcha it would sound like a untuned conga listen at times when he stay's straight. On Los Compadre's the Bongo player just play straight no riff's.
http://youtu.be/U6C4Lm9F3k8
here is another that has some of the straight playing http://youtu.be/9In-XlvdpvM

Re: the video links you posted:
Those musicians are in 'Yateras', a municipality in the Guantánamo Province of Cuba,
the drummer is playing "bongó del monte" the "truer" and more 'orthodox' rhythmic form of Changüí.
(It's common that people often do not know that's what it's called)

What the percussionist is playing in the song "Yo Domino" is most definitely not the 'orthodox' rhythmic form of Changüí.
As I said, yes... he definitely is playing a pattern "derived from" Changüí.
But he's not playing what is called "bongó del monte".

Okay I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, lets say he is playing bongoes on "Yo Domino"...
I personally make a clear distinction between what I refer to as "band Changüí"
(played by conjuntos ie: Rumbavana, Maraca, Cubanismo as well as small trios/quartets etc.)
as opposed to the "truer orthodox root form" of Changüí which is called *"bongó del monte".

Listen to the song in question which was recorded in Havana not in Yateras/Guantánamo :
"Yo Domino"
http://www.divshare.com/download/15528995-f83

By the way Jorge.... I have recordings by Los Compadres where tumbadoras (congas to some folks) are used/played and not bongoes,
so they have recording where there are not using bongoes.

If anyone is truly interested in learning/studying how Changüí came about, the style "bongó del monte", the terminology etc.
go to the library or buy this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Origins-Cuban-Music-Dance-ChangY/dp/0810862042/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313440226&sr=8-1

M.

[blavonski]

Ok, I've listened to Yo Domino again and again and since I'm a Rookie and don't know what a low tuned Tumbadora (conga to some) sounds like, it's impossible for me to say. However, the sound of the instrument that is on Yo Domino, as well as other tunes by Los Compadres sounds, to my ears, like the instrument that the Changui Bongoceros are playing. And the reason I originally thought the rhythm might be Changui derived or related, was due to the below link that I saw and heard a few weeks ago.

http://youtu.be/N53o9rFn0EU

So, given the bennefit of the doubt that it maybe a Bongo on Los Compadres' "Yo Domino". Maybe, we can assume the Bongocero was playing a Traditional Changui Tack Bongo and that inturn affected what he played rhythmically. Just a uneducated guess.
That's a fascinating photo ( to an already fascinating subject) of that musician tuning down his Bongos with water.
I'll have to see if i can find me a pair of those Bongos. After all, it was their sound as much as the rhythm that stirred me. That way, when I want that low Bongo sound, I won't have to try to get my Meinl Marathons to sound like that.
Althoug, it seems a little intimidating attempting to learn that technique at this point. However, if it is, as it is some places written, the predescessor to son montuno; I suppose it can't hurt to try. But, I still can't even figure out where Pedro Mena begins his patterns in relation to the implied clave on "Yo Domino". Every time I focus on the Tres to get the clave, the bongo sounds like plums droppin', and I end up playing a Martillo and or a Quanguanco based on his tone mostly. But, I guess, if it's a Changui derived rhythm, then the clave won't neccessarily lead me to where he's going...If that makes any sense at all?
Yes, it is constant and uniform, a constant and uniform mystery, and that's what makes it so fascinating and enjoyable.

Muchos gracias

[Anonimo]

POST REMOVED BY THE AUTHOR

[FidelsEyeglasses]

Ok, I've listened to Yo Domino again and again and since I'm a Rookie and don't know what a low tuned Tumbadora (conga to some) sounds like, it's impossible for me to say. However, the sound of the instrument that is on Yo Domino, as well as other tunes by Los Compadres sounds, to my ears, like the instrument that the Changui Bongoceros are playing. And the reason I originally thought the rhythm might be Changui derived or related, was due to the below link that I saw and heard a few weeks ago.

http://youtu.be/N53o9rFn0EU

So, given the bennefit of the doubt that it maybe a Bongo on Los Compadres' "Yo Domino". Maybe, we can assume the Bongocero was playing a Traditional Changui Tack Bongo and that inturn affected what he played rhythmically. Just a uneducated guess.
That's a fascinating photo ( to an already fascinating subject) of that musician tuning down his Bongos with water.
I'll have to see if i can find me a pair of those Bongos. After all, it was their sound as much as the rhythm that stirred me. That way, when I want that low Bongo sound, I won't have to try to get my Meinl Marathons to sound like that.
Althoug, it seems a little intimidating attempting to learn that technique at this point. However, if it is, as it is some places written, the predescessor to son montuno; I suppose it can't hurt to try. But, I still can't even figure out where Pedro Mena begins his patterns in relation to the implied clave on "Yo Domino". Every time I focus on the Tres to get the clave, the bongo sounds like plums droppin', and I end up playing a Martillo and or a Quanguanco based on his tone mostly. But, I guess, if it's a Changui derived rhythm, then the clave won't neccessarily lead me to where he's going...If that makes any sense at all?
Yes, it is constant and uniform, a constant and uniform mystery, and that's what makes it so fascinating and enjoyable.

Muchos gracias

Okay, let me just clear up my previous posts in this thread... I'm not saying the fellow in "Yo Domino" is "not" playing Changui, I'm saying he is playing
a rhythmic pattern "derived" from "bongó del monte" a.k.a. Changüí bongo playing. (because you initially asked "what is he playing?")
He may very well be playing low tuned bongoes... though I doubt in 1949-'51 (in Havana) they were/looked like the typical traditional Yateras/Guantanamo "bongó del monte" drums.
Most probably the fellow purposely tuned them that way to get that Changüí-ish sound, I have tuned my Requena bongoes like that myself to play on occasion.
And it's commonly done for recordings in Cuba when one does not have a true pair of "bongó del monte" drums.
I have owned that CD that "Yo Domino" is on for years... I gave it a good listening to today, not every song has bongoes being played... the ones that do definitely sound
like bongoes.... but that one song.. "Yo Domino" the drum/s used sound nothing like the bongoes sound on the other tracks.
To my ear only that "1 song" has something that sounds unlike what I hear played in all the other tracks.

These are my "bongó del monte", brought back from Cuba mid 1990's:
http://www.mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/download/file.php?id=5277&mode=view&sid=5f2fc441461d19b8e1442847986f3fe6

This is the Los Compadres CD that "Lo Domino" on:

[Anonimo]

POST REMOVED BY THE AUTHOR

[blavonski]

Ok, I've listened to Yo Domino again and again and since I'm a Rookie and don't know what a low tuned Tumbadora (conga to some) sounds like, it's impossible for me to say. However, the sound of the instrument that is on Yo Domino, as well as other tunes by Los Compadres sounds, to my ears, like the instrument that the Changui Bongoceros are playing. And the reason I originally thought the rhythm might be Changui derived or related, was due to the below link that I saw and heard a few weeks ago.

http://youtu.be/N53o9rFn0EU

So, given the bennefit of the doubt that it maybe a Bongo on Los Compadres' "Yo Domino". Maybe, we can assume the Bongocero was playing a Traditional Changui Tack Bongo and that inturn affected what he played rhythmically. Just a uneducated guess.
That's a fascinating photo ( to an already fascinating subject) of that musician tuning down his Bongos with water.
I'll have to see if i can find me a pair of those Bongos. After all, it was their sound as much as the rhythm that stirred me. That way, when I want that low Bongo sound, I won't have to try to get my Meinl Marathons to sound like that.
Althoug, it seems a little intimidating attempting to learn that technique at this point. However, if it is, as it is some places written, the predescessor to son montuno; I suppose it can't hurt to try. But, I still can't even figure out where Pedro Mena begins his patterns in relation to the implied clave on "Yo Domino". Every time I focus on the Tres to get the clave, the bongo sounds like plums droppin', and I end up playing a Martillo and or a Quanguanco based on his tone mostly. But, I guess, if it's a Changui derived rhythm, then the clave won't neccessarily lead me to where he's going...If that makes any sense at all?
Yes, it is constant and uniform, a constant and uniform mystery, and that's what makes it so fascinating and enjoyable.

Muchos gracias

Okay, let me just clear up my previous posts in this thread... I'm not saying the fellow in "Yo Domino" is "not" playing Changui, I'm saying he is playing
a rhythmic pattern "derived" from "bongó del monte" a.k.a. Changüí bongo playing. (because you initially asked "what is he playing?")
He may very well be playing low tuned bongoes... though I doubt in 1949-'51 (in Havana) they were/looked like the typical traditional Yateras/Guantanamo "bongó del monte" drums.
Most probably the fellow purposely tuned them that way to get that Changüí-ish sound, I have tuned my Requena bongoes like that myself to play on occasion.
And it's commonly done for recordings in Cuba when one does not have a true pair of "bongó del monte" drums.
I have owned that CD that "Yo Domino" is on for years... I gave it a good listening to today, not every song has bongoes being played... the ones that do definitely sound
like bongoes.... but that one song.. "Yo Domino" the drum/s used sound nothing like the bongoes sound on the other tracks.
To my ear only that "1 song" has something that sounds unlike what I hear played in all the other tracks.

These are my "bongó del monte", brought back from Cuba mid 1990's:
http://www.mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/download/file.php?id=5277&mode=view

This is the Los Compadres CD that "Lo Domino" on:

Ok, the picture is becoming clearer, thanks!
BTW: The other tunes that have a similar Bongo sound,("Mi Son Oriental" for example), that I mentioned above are on a compilation CD I have, I don't have the original CD that you show here.

Below is, I think, a nice ritualized Changui performance where the Bongocero is visible through out.

http://youtu.be/_z7JzUiZAyg

As far as Bongó del Monte are concerned: In the case of my finding or coming across a set, is there any particular characteristics that will identify them as being authentic? ...will check site for related threads in mean time.

Mucho gracias!!

[jorge]

Below is, I think, a nice ritualized Changui performance where the Bongocero is visible through out.

http://youtu.be/_z7JzUiZAyg

As far as Bongó del Monte are concerned: In the case of my finding or coming across a set, is there any particular characteristics that will identify them as being authentic? ...will check site for related threads in mean time.

Mucho gracias!!

I don't know who those guys are but that is not changui. Not even close.

[Anonimo]

POST REMOVED BY THE AUTHOR

[JohnnyConga]

Leedy u know this guy?....

http://www.youtube.com/

this is a comment from my buddy in Miami ...
Javier Antonio Quinones-Ortiz

Comment on your comment on the so-called King of Bongos You Tube link: There's such a thing as over playing and this guy might very well be the epitome of it, with Richie Flores being a close second on congas! I, for example, wouldn't hire him for a salsa band and one has to wonder how far his concept would go in a different context, jazz group, etc. Being able to do something doesn't mean it fits or even enhances a musical concept, aside from the fact that there's such a thing as excessive and undisciplined talent (I am not accusing this guy in particular of that, but I just don't see him being able to simply play afincao, ditto Richie Flores). This is something many musicians just don't understand about how talent fits into ensemble playing, i.e., the fact that someone might be hypertalented doesn't mean that that person can actually play well or might even be someone you want to play with or hire to play in your group.

[Tonio]

There's such a thing as over playing and this guy might very well be the epitome of it, with Richie Flores being a close second on congas!

Gotta agree w/ you JC !!

Just catching up ( been through hectic time) on a great thread.

T

[Anonimo]

POST REMOVED BY THE AUTHOR

[blavonski]

Ok, I've listened to Yo Domino again and again and since I'm a Rookie and don't know what a low tuned Tumbadora (conga to some) sounds like, it's impossible for me to say. However, the sound of the instrument that is on Yo Domino, as well as other tunes by Los Compadres sounds, to my ears, like the instrument that the Changui Bongoceros are playing. And the reason I originally thought the rhythm might be Changui derived or related, was due to the below link that I saw and heard a few weeks ago.

http://youtu.be/N53o9rFn0EU

So, given the bennefit of the doubt that it maybe a Bongo on Los Compadres' "Yo Domino". Maybe, we can assume the Bongocero was playing a Traditional Changui Tack Bongo and that inturn affected what he played rhythmically. Just a uneducated guess.
That's a fascinating photo ( to an already fascinating subject) of that musician tuning down his Bongos with water.
I'll have to see if i can find me a pair of those Bongos. After all, it was their sound as much as the rhythm that stirred me. That way, when I want that low Bongo sound, I won't have to try to get my Meinl Marathons to sound like that.
Althoug, it seems a little intimidating attempting to learn that technique at this point. However, if it is, as it is some places written, the predescessor to son montuno; I suppose it can't hurt to try. But, I still can't even figure out where Pedro Mena begins his patterns in relation to the implied clave on "Yo Domino". Every time I focus on the Tres to get the clave, the bongo sounds like plums droppin', and I end up playing a Martillo and or a Quanguanco based on his tone mostly. But, I guess, if it's a Changui derived rhythm, then the clave won't neccessarily lead me to where he's going...If that makes any sense at all?
Yes, it is constant and uniform, a constant and uniform mystery, and that's what makes it so fascinating and enjoyable.

Muchos gracias

Okay, let me just clear up my previous posts in this thread... I'm not saying the fellow in "Yo Domino" is "not" playing Changui, I'm saying he is playing
a rhythmic pattern "derived" from "bongó del monte" a.k.a. Changüí bongo playing. (because you initially asked "what is he playing?")
He may very well be playing low tuned bongoes... though I doubt in 1949-'51 (in Havana) they were/looked like the typical traditional Yateras/Guantanamo "bongó del monte" drums.
Most probably the fellow purposely tuned them that way to get that Changüí-ish sound, I have tuned my Requena bongoes like that myself to play on occasion.
And it's commonly done for recordings in Cuba when one does not have a true pair of "bongó del monte" drums.
I have owned that CD that "Yo Domino" is on for years... I gave it a good listening to today, not every song has bongoes being played... the ones that do definitely sound
like bongoes.... but that one song.. "Yo Domino" the drum/s used sound nothing like the bongoes sound on the other tracks.
To my ear only that "1 song" has something that sounds unlike what I hear played in all the other tracks.

These are my "bongó del monte", brought back from Cuba mid 1990's:
http://www.mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/download/file.php?id=5277&mode=view

This is the Los Compadres CD that "Lo Domino" on:

blavonski
I Found out what it is being used definite not a bongo it's what call a Marimbola . Check out this other vídeo I found . viewtopic.php?f=13&p=68402#p68402

Hi Leedy,
I appreciate the after thought concerning "Yo Domino", but honestly, I have to agree with your first suggestion and am convinved it is a Bongó, or Bongó del Monte. I actually practiced to the tune today and it was the first time that I've felt very close to matching the pattern being played. Also, I have yet to recognize a Marimbula on any of the Los Compadres Songs on the compilation I have, but that doesn't mean it isn't there.

With regards to drummers playing too much: That's so correct that the drummer is prominantly a Rhythm/time keeper, whether it be hand your trap drums; but many drummers, particularly young or those with out much experience have a hard time grasping that and want to be center stage themselves, doing every little trick they've learned, so they solo all the time when they should be keeping time, and basically getting all in the way of the melody and or the improvising soloist and then if they get to solo, it's bang, bang, bang. Noise and speed without even thinking about the melody...

"A drummers job is to keep time, if he can do other things besides that, that's nice."-Elvin Jones

good vibrations,
Blavonski

[TONE74]

For those trying to understand changui there is a guy named Benjamin Lapidus that really breaks it down. Think he wrote a book on it. I have a recording of him speaking about it and if I remember correctly he said that the tres is not played the same as in son in relation to clave and the bongo is also played differently. The guy went to guantanamo and did a lot of research, is worth a listen..


I think this link has an interview

http://www.timba.com/artists/tje/mp3/01.m3u

[bongosnotbombs]

"That's what the drummer is supposed to do: keep the time," Elvin said. "If you can do something else besides that, fine. That's another contribution. But the time is essential. That is nonnegotiable."

http://www.moderndrummer.com/drum-gods/

[Anonimo]

POST REMOVED BY THE AUTHOR