The Artistry of Afro-Cuban Batá Drumming

The Artistry of Afro-Cuban Batá Drumming

Author: Kenneth Schweitzer

Publisher: Univ. Press of Mississippi

Published: 2013-02-01

Total Pages: 257

ISBN-13: 1617036706

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An iconic symbol and sound of the Lucumí/Santería religion, Afro-Cuban batá are talking drums that express the epic mythological narratives of the West African Yoruba deities known as orisha. By imitating aspects of speech and song, and by metaphorically referencing salient attributes of the deities, batá drummers facilitate the communal praising of orisha in a music ritual known as a toque de santo. In The Artistry of Afro-Cuban Batá Drumming, Kenneth Schweitzer blends musical transcription, musical analysis, interviews, ethnographic descriptions, and observations from his own experience as a ritual drummer to highlight the complex variables at work during a live Lucumí performance. Integral in enabling trance possessions by the orisha, by far the most dramatic expressions of Lucumí faith, batá drummers are also entrusted with controlling the overall ebb and flow of the four- to six-hour toque de santo. During these events, batá drummers combine their knowledge of ritual with an extensive repertoire of rhythms and songs. Musicians focus on the many thematic acts that unfold both concurrently and in quick succession. In addition to creating an emotionally charged environment, playing salute rhythms for the orisha, and supporting the playful song competitions that erupt between singers, batá drummers are equally dedicated to nurturing their own drumming community by creating a variety of opportunities for the musicians to grow artistically and creatively.


Book Synopsis The Artistry of Afro-Cuban Batá Drumming by : Kenneth Schweitzer

Download or read book The Artistry of Afro-Cuban Batá Drumming written by Kenneth Schweitzer and published by Univ. Press of Mississippi. This book was released on 2013-02-01 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An iconic symbol and sound of the Lucumí/Santería religion, Afro-Cuban batá are talking drums that express the epic mythological narratives of the West African Yoruba deities known as orisha. By imitating aspects of speech and song, and by metaphorically referencing salient attributes of the deities, batá drummers facilitate the communal praising of orisha in a music ritual known as a toque de santo. In The Artistry of Afro-Cuban Batá Drumming, Kenneth Schweitzer blends musical transcription, musical analysis, interviews, ethnographic descriptions, and observations from his own experience as a ritual drummer to highlight the complex variables at work during a live Lucumí performance. Integral in enabling trance possessions by the orisha, by far the most dramatic expressions of Lucumí faith, batá drummers are also entrusted with controlling the overall ebb and flow of the four- to six-hour toque de santo. During these events, batá drummers combine their knowledge of ritual with an extensive repertoire of rhythms and songs. Musicians focus on the many thematic acts that unfold both concurrently and in quick succession. In addition to creating an emotionally charged environment, playing salute rhythms for the orisha, and supporting the playful song competitions that erupt between singers, batá drummers are equally dedicated to nurturing their own drumming community by creating a variety of opportunities for the musicians to grow artistically and creatively.


Drumming for the Gods

Drumming for the Gods

Author: María Teresa Vélez

Publisher: Temple University Press

Published: 2000

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13: 9781439906156

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Book Synopsis Drumming for the Gods by : María Teresa Vélez

Download or read book Drumming for the Gods written by María Teresa Vélez and published by Temple University Press. This book was released on 2000 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Carlos Aldama's Life in Batá

Carlos Aldama's Life in Batá

Author: Umi Vaughan

Publisher: Indiana University Press

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 207

ISBN-13: 0253357195

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Batá identifies both the two-headed, hourglass-shaped drum of the Yoruba people and the culture and style of drumming, singing, and dancing associated with it. This book recounts the life story of Carlos Aldama, one of the masters of the batá drum, and through that story traces the history of batá culture as it traveled from Africa to Cuba and then to the United States. For the enslaved Yoruba, batá rhythms helped sustain the religious and cultural practices of a people that had been torn from its roots. Aldama, as guardian of Afro-Cuban music and as a Santería priest, maintains the link with this tradition forged through his mentor Jesus Pérez (Oba Ilu), who was himself the connection to the preserved oral heritage of the older generation. By sharing his stories, Aldama and his student Umi Vaughan bring to light the techniques and principles of batá in all its aspects and document the tensions of maintaining a tradition between generations and worlds, old and new. The book includes rare photographs and access to downloadable audio tracks.


Book Synopsis Carlos Aldama's Life in Batá by : Umi Vaughan

Download or read book Carlos Aldama's Life in Batá written by Umi Vaughan and published by Indiana University Press. This book was released on 2012 with total page 207 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Batá identifies both the two-headed, hourglass-shaped drum of the Yoruba people and the culture and style of drumming, singing, and dancing associated with it. This book recounts the life story of Carlos Aldama, one of the masters of the batá drum, and through that story traces the history of batá culture as it traveled from Africa to Cuba and then to the United States. For the enslaved Yoruba, batá rhythms helped sustain the religious and cultural practices of a people that had been torn from its roots. Aldama, as guardian of Afro-Cuban music and as a Santería priest, maintains the link with this tradition forged through his mentor Jesus Pérez (Oba Ilu), who was himself the connection to the preserved oral heritage of the older generation. By sharing his stories, Aldama and his student Umi Vaughan bring to light the techniques and principles of batá in all its aspects and document the tensions of maintaining a tradition between generations and worlds, old and new. The book includes rare photographs and access to downloadable audio tracks.


The Music of Santería

The Music of Santería

Author: John Amira

Publisher:

Published: 1992

Total Pages: 152

ISBN-13:

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Revised edition of the only book to describe in detail the music and cultural context of Santeria bata drumming.


Book Synopsis The Music of Santería by : John Amira

Download or read book The Music of Santería written by John Amira and published by . This book was released on 1992 with total page 152 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Revised edition of the only book to describe in detail the music and cultural context of Santeria bata drumming.


Principles of Bata Drumming

Principles of Bata Drumming

Author: Eugenio Noa

Publisher:

Published: 2015-12-31

Total Pages: 56

ISBN-13: 9781519761095

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This is an instructional book designed to teach the fundamentals of bata drumming through transcriptions of patterns (toques) used in afro-Cuban folkloric music. The author is Cuban master percussionist Eugenio Arango, who has over 30 years of experience teaching orchestral and fokloric percussion in Cuba and performing around the world. This book is intended for musicians that want to learn the patterns associated with each of the three bata drums, and how such patterns align in the toques presented. This book is unique because: (1) it introduces a novel, uncomplicated notation designed by the author, which shatters the perceived difficulties associated with bata drumming, and (2) it is straightforward, to the point, and remarkably implementable.


Book Synopsis Principles of Bata Drumming by : Eugenio Noa

Download or read book Principles of Bata Drumming written by Eugenio Noa and published by . This book was released on 2015-12-31 with total page 56 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is an instructional book designed to teach the fundamentals of bata drumming through transcriptions of patterns (toques) used in afro-Cuban folkloric music. The author is Cuban master percussionist Eugenio Arango, who has over 30 years of experience teaching orchestral and fokloric percussion in Cuba and performing around the world. This book is intended for musicians that want to learn the patterns associated with each of the three bata drums, and how such patterns align in the toques presented. This book is unique because: (1) it introduces a novel, uncomplicated notation designed by the author, which shatters the perceived difficulties associated with bata drumming, and (2) it is straightforward, to the point, and remarkably implementable.


Bata Drumming

Bata Drumming

Author: Don Skoog

Publisher:

Published: 2015-06-20

Total Pages: 200

ISBN-13: 9780996226325

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Bata Drumming: the Instruments, the Rhythms, and the People Who Play Them is the most comprehensive study of this important Cuban musical tradition, and the first to explore the people who created it, how it developed in Cuba, and where it fits in relation to the other folkloric traditions on the island. Who were the slaves brought to Cuba? What belief systems did they carry with them? How did the various Afro-Cuban religions grow from these systems? What types of music evolved from these religions? What is Santeria, and how do the bata drums function within it? Part One answers these questions. Part Two examines the history of the drums: how they are taught, learned, and played, explaining their role in the ceremony and the structure of the music. These discussions incorporate the latest scholarship as well as the ideas and concepts of respected Cuban and North American bata drummers, resulting in a more complete study of the tradition as it is practiced today. The center piece of Bata Drumming is the Oru Seco, a set of playable, musical transcriptions of twenty-two rhythms dedicated to the Santeria gods. This transcription set accurately notates the rhythms of the Papo Angarica performance style, which is very influential in Havana-style drumming. Bata Drumming is the first book not only to notate the rhythms, but to connect them to the people who preserved and recreated them, "in the unrelenting face of displacement and oppression.""


Book Synopsis Bata Drumming by : Don Skoog

Download or read book Bata Drumming written by Don Skoog and published by . This book was released on 2015-06-20 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bata Drumming: the Instruments, the Rhythms, and the People Who Play Them is the most comprehensive study of this important Cuban musical tradition, and the first to explore the people who created it, how it developed in Cuba, and where it fits in relation to the other folkloric traditions on the island. Who were the slaves brought to Cuba? What belief systems did they carry with them? How did the various Afro-Cuban religions grow from these systems? What types of music evolved from these religions? What is Santeria, and how do the bata drums function within it? Part One answers these questions. Part Two examines the history of the drums: how they are taught, learned, and played, explaining their role in the ceremony and the structure of the music. These discussions incorporate the latest scholarship as well as the ideas and concepts of respected Cuban and North American bata drummers, resulting in a more complete study of the tradition as it is practiced today. The center piece of Bata Drumming is the Oru Seco, a set of playable, musical transcriptions of twenty-two rhythms dedicated to the Santeria gods. This transcription set accurately notates the rhythms of the Papo Angarica performance style, which is very influential in Havana-style drumming. Bata Drumming is the first book not only to notate the rhythms, but to connect them to the people who preserved and recreated them, "in the unrelenting face of displacement and oppression.""


Rumba - Afro Cuban Conga Drum Improvisation, Volume 2

Rumba - Afro Cuban Conga Drum Improvisation, Volume 2

Author: CLIFF BROOKS

Publisher: Mel Bay Publications

Published: 2011-01-24

Total Pages: 112

ISBN-13: 1610658582

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This book is designed to take your soloing ability from 0 to 90 MPH on the quinto, conga drum, bongo or timbales while mastering the clave rhythm at the same time. It is rich with authentic phrasing. Volume 2 has much to offer for beginners and veterans alike. the book will widened your soloing horizons, and is something you will continually refer back to for ideas and inspiration. You will enjoy learning many of these unique and interesting flavorsThis teaching method brings together two different learning approaches for Afro-Cuban Drumming. the first approach is to learn by way of reading written notation; the second is to learn solely by listening and feeling. Three types of Afro-Cuban syncopated expressions are transcribed in this book: Quinto Ride, Quinto Phrase, and Quinto Solo. the helpful companion CDs allows one to hear these expressions ensuring proper comprehension of the concepts taught in this lesson.


Book Synopsis Rumba - Afro Cuban Conga Drum Improvisation, Volume 2 by : CLIFF BROOKS

Download or read book Rumba - Afro Cuban Conga Drum Improvisation, Volume 2 written by CLIFF BROOKS and published by Mel Bay Publications. This book was released on 2011-01-24 with total page 112 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is designed to take your soloing ability from 0 to 90 MPH on the quinto, conga drum, bongo or timbales while mastering the clave rhythm at the same time. It is rich with authentic phrasing. Volume 2 has much to offer for beginners and veterans alike. the book will widened your soloing horizons, and is something you will continually refer back to for ideas and inspiration. You will enjoy learning many of these unique and interesting flavorsThis teaching method brings together two different learning approaches for Afro-Cuban Drumming. the first approach is to learn by way of reading written notation; the second is to learn solely by listening and feeling. Three types of Afro-Cuban syncopated expressions are transcribed in this book: Quinto Ride, Quinto Phrase, and Quinto Solo. the helpful companion CDs allows one to hear these expressions ensuring proper comprehension of the concepts taught in this lesson.


Afro-Cuban Rhythms

Afro-Cuban Rhythms

Author: TREVOR SALLOUM

Publisher: Mel Bay Publications

Published: 2016-09-07

Total Pages: 32

ISBN-13: 1619116871

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Afro-Cuban Rhythms: Gig Savers Complete Edition combines both of Trevor Salloum's popular previous editions. The material is designed for the intermediate to advanced percussionist who has some basic understanding of percussion notation. Part one is a collection of traditional rhythms ideal for a percussionensemble or for the individual who wants to learn the authentic parts of each rhythm. The material is presented in a concise and user-friendly style. Part oneincludes information on Clave, Tumbao for one and two drums, Yamb£, Guaguanc¢ (Havana), Guaguanc¢ (Matanzas), Rumba columbia, Conga (Havana), Conga (Matanzas) and Conga (Santiago). Part two is structured just like part one, but covers a different set of rhythms: Bembe, Makuta, Yuka, Palo,Arar†, Abaku† (Havana), Abaku† (Matanzas), Gag†, Vud£ and Iyesa. All rhythms presented in this edition are easily adapted to conga drums and Afro-Cuban hand percussion.


Book Synopsis Afro-Cuban Rhythms by : TREVOR SALLOUM

Download or read book Afro-Cuban Rhythms written by TREVOR SALLOUM and published by Mel Bay Publications. This book was released on 2016-09-07 with total page 32 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Afro-Cuban Rhythms: Gig Savers Complete Edition combines both of Trevor Salloum's popular previous editions. The material is designed for the intermediate to advanced percussionist who has some basic understanding of percussion notation. Part one is a collection of traditional rhythms ideal for a percussionensemble or for the individual who wants to learn the authentic parts of each rhythm. The material is presented in a concise and user-friendly style. Part oneincludes information on Clave, Tumbao for one and two drums, Yamb£, Guaguanc¢ (Havana), Guaguanc¢ (Matanzas), Rumba columbia, Conga (Havana), Conga (Matanzas) and Conga (Santiago). Part two is structured just like part one, but covers a different set of rhythms: Bembe, Makuta, Yuka, Palo,Arar†, Abaku† (Havana), Abaku† (Matanzas), Gag†, Vud£ and Iyesa. All rhythms presented in this edition are easily adapted to conga drums and Afro-Cuban hand percussion.


Afro-Cuban keyboard grooves

Afro-Cuban keyboard grooves

Author: Manny Patiño

Publisher: Alfred Music Publishing

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 84

ISBN-13: 9781576239117

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This book will help any musician unlock the secrets of the Afro-Cuban rhythmic feel. By clearly demonstrating the underlying pattern called the Clave and the comping patterns called Tumbaos that are played over the Clave, this book will help every keyboard player learn these fundamental Latin rhythms. [Matching bass book (EL9707CD) also available.]


Book Synopsis Afro-Cuban keyboard grooves by : Manny Patiño

Download or read book Afro-Cuban keyboard grooves written by Manny Patiño and published by Alfred Music Publishing. This book was released on 1997 with total page 84 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book will help any musician unlock the secrets of the Afro-Cuban rhythmic feel. By clearly demonstrating the underlying pattern called the Clave and the comping patterns called Tumbaos that are played over the Clave, this book will help every keyboard player learn these fundamental Latin rhythms. [Matching bass book (EL9707CD) also available.]


Ancient Text Messages of the Yoruba Bata Drum

Ancient Text Messages of the Yoruba Bata Drum

Author: Amanda Villepastour

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2016-12-05

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 1351958437

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The bata is one of the most important and representative percussion traditions of the people in southwest Nigeria, and is now learnt and performed around the world. In Cuba, their own bata tradition derives from the Yoruba bata from Africa yet has had far more research attention than its African predecessor. Although the bata is one of the oldest known Yoruba drumming traditions, the drum and its unique language are now unfamiliar to many contemporary Yoruba people. Amanda Villepastour provides the first academic study of the bata's communication technology and the elaborate coded spoken language of bata drummers, which they refer to as 'ena bata'. Villepastour explains how the bata drummers' speech encoding method links into universal linguistic properties, unknown to the musicians themselves. The analysis draws the direct links between what is spoken in Yoruba, how Yoruba is transformed in to the coded language (ena), how ena prescribes the drum strokes and, finally, how listeners (and which listeners) extract linguistic meaning from what is drummed. The description and analysis of this unique musical system adds substantially to what is known about bata drumming specifically, Yoruba drumming generally, speech surrogacy in music and coded systems of speaking. This book will appeal not only to ethnomusicologists and anthropologists, but also to linguists, drummers and those interested in African Studies.


Book Synopsis Ancient Text Messages of the Yoruba Bata Drum by : Amanda Villepastour

Download or read book Ancient Text Messages of the Yoruba Bata Drum written by Amanda Villepastour and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2016-12-05 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The bata is one of the most important and representative percussion traditions of the people in southwest Nigeria, and is now learnt and performed around the world. In Cuba, their own bata tradition derives from the Yoruba bata from Africa yet has had far more research attention than its African predecessor. Although the bata is one of the oldest known Yoruba drumming traditions, the drum and its unique language are now unfamiliar to many contemporary Yoruba people. Amanda Villepastour provides the first academic study of the bata's communication technology and the elaborate coded spoken language of bata drummers, which they refer to as 'ena bata'. Villepastour explains how the bata drummers' speech encoding method links into universal linguistic properties, unknown to the musicians themselves. The analysis draws the direct links between what is spoken in Yoruba, how Yoruba is transformed in to the coded language (ena), how ena prescribes the drum strokes and, finally, how listeners (and which listeners) extract linguistic meaning from what is drummed. The description and analysis of this unique musical system adds substantially to what is known about bata drumming specifically, Yoruba drumming generally, speech surrogacy in music and coded systems of speaking. This book will appeal not only to ethnomusicologists and anthropologists, but also to linguists, drummers and those interested in African Studies.