Re: CONGA CAMP - Study with Johnny Conga
Postby JohnnyConga » Fri Jun 01, 2012 7:25 pm
Latest critique from my last Conga Intensive with Daniele Besana from Italy...
After 2 years talking by e-mail with JC, I finally had chance to meet
him and join a 3 days intensive Conga Camp in Seattle!!
What a GREAT experience!
We all know that a great player is not necessary a great teacher, right?
Well, JC is not only a great player AND a great teacher, he's also a
great guy with so much passion and knowledge on Congas and Latin music
that he could inspire to play even a horse (yeah, pretty interesting
hands!)
Going to a Conga Camp is not "only" about taking Conga lessons.
It's a serious full-immersion, living for 3 days side-by-side with a
real expert and patience teacher, in a basement full of congas, music
instruments, old LPs, CDs, videos of Cuban rumba and books about music
to keep you busy days and nights.
I've been "playing" congas since 3 years now, and I really felt like I
needed to fix my technique and get working towards the next level.
I sent JC a video from the last performance I did here in Amsterdam
with my band and his critique was merciless but very honest and
clear.... I had A LOT of work to do!
We started the 3 days with the foundations - going through the
different tones with a focus on technique and sound development.
I've learn about the five points of the hand, how to balance the
hands, and how to practice to make the most out of the time I exercise
on the drum.
JC filled in 6 papers of exercises to develop both sound and hands
movement, to be integrated in my practice routine.
We moved on to a great number of rhythms, from different Tumbao
variations to Guaguancó, Pilon, Mozambique, Yambu, Bambiche, Bomba,
Plena, Cumbia.... so many! Don't forget your camera, JC was recording
every rhythm for me so I can work on them later on.
We also played along with the music or the great Mongo Santamaria
(JC's favorite!) and Ray Barretto, that was good practice as well as
good fun.
JC played too and it was amazing to see what he could do on Congas!
I DEFINITELY recommend planning to attend a JC Conga Camp, what you
learn there is PRICELESS.
it's an amazing experience and what you learn in few days will keep
you inspired & busy improving for a very loooong time!
Many thanks JC... you're THE MAN!
Daniele, from
www.percussionconga.com chek this site out guys!...
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