Tag: conga
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Mano Secreto; Demystifying the secret hand technique for conga drums
Have you heard of the Mano Secreto? It is the secret hand technique used and first made popular by percussion legends Changuito and also Giovanni Hildago. Prior to these great conga players there was another player named tat Guines in Havana Cuba who was developing this technique. Why is it secret? Because until recently (well… Read More »
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My new DVD, How to Play Afro Cuban Congas has been released today on earthcds.com
My latest instructional DVD, “How to Play Afro Cuban Congas” has just been relased today on earthcds.com. This DVD features almost everything I have learned in the last 25 years or more studying, learning, teaching and performing conga drums around the world. There is in depth looks at all the major rhythms with break down… Read More »
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How to Play Hand Drums: Getting the Bounce technique
My first drum teacher used to chant repeatedly, “minimum input maximum out put” when it came to the topic of playing techniques and how to hit the drum. It was true over 30 years ago and it is still true now. What he was talking about is that it is not important how hard you… Read More »
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When and when not to play drums
Respect yourself, respect others. Sometimes if you are new to an area and trying to break into an unfamiliar world music scene or drumming situation a subtle approach is better then an aggressive approach. Read More »
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Playing cold at a hot gig in Bali, Indonesia
What do you do when you are completely cold and suddenly have to play hot? Last night the islands best trumpet player performed with his band at Bali’s version of Yoshis called interestingly enough, Ryopshi’s! Any coincidence? Great sushi and great tunes. Rio Sadik, the trumpet player, singer and “star of the show”, ( as… Read More »
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My djembe and conga training program for developing your drumming skills quickly
People often ask me about a training program. What could they do to improve their drumming and or improve more rapidly? I put together the following suggestions based on my own training program that I have followed for many years. Those of you who know me personaly know I am a bit of a fanatic… Read More »
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Avoiding injuries playing hand drums
Injuries while playing drums can happen to anyone from the most beginning player to the most advanced. One of my […] Read More »
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How to Play Congas: Very basic technique, position and tones
“With out strong framework the house will collapse’. In this ‘follow along” video/ conga lesson we will begin to explore […] Read More »
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Toca Elite Pro wood conga drum review
These are really nice , sweet sounding drums, and the finish is beautiful as well. They come as a set with a nice folding stand which is great if you are playing in a band. I also tried the Tumba which has a deep, rich bass tone. The drums come in a choice of two… Read More »
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The late Great Pello EL Afrokan, our teacher
In 1985 we traveled to Cuba to learn about Cuban culture, study the music and experience the Cuban lifestyle. […] Read More »
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How to Play Congas: Very basic technique, position and tones
“With out strong framework the house will collapse’. In this ‘follow along” video/ conga lesson we will begin to explore […] Read More »
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Bali: Afro Cuban Folkloric drumming “comparsa” conga drum class
Excerpt from a recent Afro Cuban conga drum and percussion class given by Michael Pluznick in Raymond Rauchs art studio […] Read More »