book reviews - Reseña

Latin Beat Magazine, March, 2001 by Rudy Mangual

THE LATIN BASS BOOK: A PRACTICAL GUIDE

By Oscar Stagnaro and Chuck Sher

262 pages / 3 Play-Along CDs

Sher Music Co. / 2001 / ISBN # 1-883217-11-3

This latest publication from Sher Music Co. in Petaluma, CA., The Latin Bass Book: A Practical Guide, underscores the musical talents of Oscar Stagnaro. Originally from Peru, Oscar Stagnaro has been a professor at Berklee College of Music since 1988, where he teaches workshops on the art of playing the bass. As a professional bass player, Stagnaro is currently a member of Cuban saxophonist/bandleader Paquito D'Rivera's group. He has recorded, played and toured with the United Nation Orchestra, Dave Valentín, Charlie Sepúlveda, The Caribbean Jazz Project, and many others.

The Latin Bass Book contains one of the most comprehensive studies published on Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian styles of bass playing. The book serves as a practical guide for students who are motivated in learning to play in the numerous styles of Latin music. Emphasis is placed on the primarily role of the bass within various Latin rhythms, and the addition of some unique variations that give the music that extra kick and overall dimension.

Chapters one through five set the pace with the simplest version of the basic Afro-Cuban bass line, the tumbao. Exercises include the main variations of the tumbao, combinations, advanced tumbao forms, and the bass in relation to clave. Chapters 6, 7, and 8, introduce the student to other Afro-Cuban styles such as the chachachá and contemporary Cuban-style bass lines. Chapters 9 and 10 focus on Brazilian music. Caribbean and South American styles of playing are covered in chapters 11 and 12, to include the rhythms of the merengue, calypso, reggae, and joropo, among others. The final chapter is dedicated to Latin jazz bass lines. Transcriptions of popular recorded bass lines include the works of bassists Andy González, Pedro Pérez, and Oscar Stagnaro. Together with the 3 play-along CDs, this book is a must for any serious student of the bass.

TITO PUENTE'S DRUMMING WITH THE MAMBO KING

By Tito Puente and Jim Payne

192 pages/Audio CD (75-minutes)

Hudson Music/2000 / ISBN# 0-634-01956-1

This book and audio instructional package, written by the late master percussionist/bandleader and international musical icon, Tito Puente, with drummer/music educator Jim Payne, features instructions covering the spectrum of Latin rhythms and patterns applicable to the timbal and the drum set.

The learning experience begins with an opening chapter covering the legendary 50-year plus career of the King of Latin Music, as well as a brief history of this wonderful music. Dozens of classic photographs and album covers fill this commendable educational book. With the aid of a 75-minute audio CD and numerous example charts in the book, one can play along and learn from the great Tito Puente. The book focuses on the proper way of drumming and approaching different Latin rhythms (both on the timbal and the drum set) such as mambo, montuno, chachachá, danzón, bolero, and other popular Afro-Cuban styles. The history of the music and its rhythms is constantly referred to throughout the book. Twelve original complete T.P. recording charts are also included, featuring such Puente classics as Ran Kan Kan, Oye Como Va, Timbalero, and Mambo Beat, among others. Highlighting this drumming extravaganza are six transciptions of some of T.P.'s most famous timbal solos. A creditable glossary, endnotes, bibliography, and discography of Tito Puente complete this excellent learning tool.