Congas Tumbadoras - Your Basic Conga Repertoire - Reseña

Latin Beat Magazine, April, 2000 by Rudy Mangual

By Birger Sulsbruck

The Association of Music Teachers in Denmark

Folkeskolens Musiklaererforening

150 pages/2 CDs

This book and CD combination is a study of the conga drum -- its rhythms and techniques that the author recommends as the basic repertoire for the all-around conga player. Written as a step-by-step system, the book starts with the basic strokes used on the congas, followed by an extensive coverage of many of the important rhythms and styles of music which use this popular percussion instrument. Elegantly printed and composed, this book is an excellent tool for any percussionist. From Cuban music and salsa to rock, jazz and samba, this book will help the reader achieve technical and musical versatility, the ability to compose their own rhythms and the freedom to choose a personal style of playing. Part 1 of the book commences with preparatory exercises, maintenance of the hands, and practicing techniques. By Part II, emphasis is on the right way of producing the correct strokes on the conga drums, learning to play the tumbao on one, two, and three drums, variations on rhythms, playing salsa music, fusion, and much more. Part III takes you to new tumbaos and more contemporary variations of rhythms, plus playing in 6/8 time and other Afro-Caribbean rhythms like abakua, bomba, plena, cumbia, and merengue. With the aid of two CDs for a total of 170 instructional tracks, dozens of charts and photographs, this guidebook is an eminently good foundation for anyone seeking knowledge on the conga drums (tumbadoras).