Gift Certificates

EditorsPick: 09/09/03 (Just in, this definitive text on Jazz in Cuba includes a forward by Paquito D'Rivera. Preface by the esteemed Raúl Fernández of the Smithsonian Institute. Translated to English by Daniel S. Whitesell. With many historic photos 288 pages, hardcover. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $29.95
Now: $25.46

Based on unprecedented research in Cuba, the direct testimonial of scores of Cuban musicians, and the author's unique experience as a prominent jazz musician, 'Cubano Be, Cubano Bop' is destined to take its place among the path-breaking classics of jazz history. The work pays tribute not only to a distinguished lineage of Cuban jazz musicians and composers, but also to the rich musical exchanges between Cuban and American jazz throughout the twentieth century. Cab Calloway, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughn, and Dizzy Gillespie are just a few of the great North American musicians who figure prominently in Leonardo Acosta's account of the influence of Cuban music on jazz. Leonardo Acosta is the author of more than a dozen books on music and literary criticism, as well as fiction and poetry. He lives in Havana, Cuba. Contents:
Foreward by Paquito D'Rivera
Preface by Raul Fernandez
1. Cuban Music and Jazz: First Encounters
2. The Twenties and the First Jazz Ensembles
3. The Big Bands and the Contradictory 1930s
4. The Forties: Bebop, Feeling, and Mambo
5. The Explosion of Cubop or Afro-Cuban Jazz
6. Havana in the 1950s
7. End of the Decade: The Club Cubano de Jazz
8. Musical Transition: 1959 and After
9. Irakere and the Takeoff of Cuban Jazz
Postscript, Notes, Glossary, Interviews and Conversations, & Index
288 Pages, hardcover.

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Original Price: $39.95
Now: $33.96

This is a CD and book (143 pages) package. It is the most comprehensive instructional text on Brazilian music that we have seen. This oversized book is extremely well written with background information, clear descriptions of music styles, and written notes for all instruments. The accompanying CD makes understanding the complexities inherent in this music a pleasurable experience. Nice photos, too.

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EditorsPick: 09/07/00 (This fine, large and heavy, import from Germany is an immense scholarly work and is, by far, the finest collection of transcriptions of the complete (275 songs) Cantos Lucumí, the religious songs of Santeria that we have seen. 306 pages. In English. Highly recommended.)
Original Price: $59.95
Now: $50.96

Cantos Lucumí - a Santeria Songbook (in English), presents 275 Afro-Cuban chants ot ancient Yoruba origin that are traditionally performed in a ceremonial context with percussion only (güiro, bembé, batá), along with dance. The vocal part is shared between a soloist (akpwón) and a responding chorus. The songs are transcribed and notated in combined systems that show the proper relation of the melodic phrase to the clave-pattern. I hope that this book will be a useful working aid for musicians, especially drummers and singers in the ceremonial folklore scene, and that the included material will be treated with respect for the religion of the Orichá and human sprituality.
-- Thomas Altmann Contents:
Cantos Lucumí, a Santeria Songbook (Preface)
The Emergence of this Work
The Material
Musical Features
Words and Translations: The Meanings of the Songs
Pronounciation
Selection of the Songs
Sources
The Relgion: conditio sine qua non?
Liturgical Order
Song Form Structure
Cantos a Los Orishas (275 songs)
Appendix
The Orichas
Feast Daysof the Orichas / Syncretized Catholic Saints
The Orichas and the Days of the Week
Alternative Names and Different Aspects of the Orichas
The Instruments of the musica lucumí
The Rhythms of the batá
Approximate Tempo Indications of the toques batá
The Clave
Glossary
Notes to the Songs

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EditorsPick: 01/28/01 (Fabio Bentancur Álvarez does an exemplary job articulating the history of Cuban popular music in this beautifully designed and printed book imported from the Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia. The history of the son and its influences, as well as its developments and connection to the chachachá, mambo, bolero, danzón and rumba are discussed in detail. Some beautiful photos are included in this rare find. We have a limited number of these books, so put your order in now. 259 pages, in Spanish.
Very Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $44.95
Now: $38.21

Desde la musica ritual negra hasta el jazz afrocubano de Machito, desde el son del Trio Matamoros, los sextetos y conjuntos, hasta las bandas - como la de Benny Moré, - hay una historia de contrapunto, de clave y de bongó; una historia de confluencias musicales entre Cuba y las demás regiones del Caribe, entre ellas Colombia. Sin clave y bongó no hay son explica porqué Cuba llegó a tener una identidad nacional en la música y a crear géneros como el bolero, el danzón, el son y la rumba, la guajira y la guaracha, el mambo y el cha cha cha. Además, mediante la hipótesis de un Caribe central y otro periférico, este libro - del cual presentamos la segunda edición - diferencia la música cubana de la música del Caribe colombiano, no obstante los punto de encuentro dados pro transculturaciones afines y por los antecedentes hispánico y africano comunes, que han dejado sus huellas en géneros como la cumbia, la gaita y el bullerengue. Sin clave y bongó...es, pues, un completo estudio de la tradición musical cubana y de la cultura musical del Caribe, tratadas en forma comparada en lo que se refiere a sus confluencias y raices musicales.

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Original Price: $29.98
Now: $25.48

Here's another first class product from Manhattan Music. Like the Malabe-Weiner instructional this too is a book/CD or book/cassette combination. "Funkifying The Cláve!" comes in a protective heavy plastic storage envelope. New for 1996 is the bilingual 90 minute video in which six tunes are used to demonstrate the following: clave and tumbao, songo, guaguancó, Afro-Cuban 6/8, cha-cha-cha, and Mozambique.

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EditorsPick: 11/18/99 (This great reference book is both educational and instructional. It was not available for some time, but has now been reissued as a book/CD package. Highly recommended.)
Original Price: $24.95
Now: $21.21

The sacred music of the Afro-Cuban Santería religion, a religion that has it's roots in Cuba, combining West African religious traditions with Catholicism. Music is central to the religious philosophy. In this illuminating guide the authors transcribe the concise, highly distilled musical prayers of ritual batá drumming. They also detail the belief system of Santería. This is the only English-language book on what has been a strictly oral tradition. Book & CD package.

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Original Price: $24.95
Now: $21.21

Most drumset players have an understanding of two of the three major African-derived rhythmic traditions: Cuban and Brazilian. Now, with the publication of 'Vodou Drumset', drummers can add the third African-derived tradition to their repertoire. Afro-Haitian rhythms provide an enormously rich, but often neglected, tradition that adds endless possibilities to a drummer's technique and creativity. This book offers a host of useful materials to: the drumset player, the drum loop designer, the aspiring ethnomusicologist, and any other person curious about the varieties of rhythm.
Including...
1. An explanation of the Vodou tradition
2. The historical and social background of Haiti
3. An overview of traditional Vodou drum ensembles
4. Basic ensemble transcriptions and recordings of the traditional Vodou styles Yanvalou, Ibo and Nago
5. Application of the traditional Vodou rhythms to the drumset
6. How to transition between Vodou rhythms and common drumset patterns.
And Much, Much More.....


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EditorsPick: 01/28/02 (This very well may be the only in-depth instructional resource for Latin violin...it is certainly the most comprehensive we have seen. Beautifully presented and well thought-out, this book/CD package is a must-have for students or professional violin players who want to grasp the technique and nuances of the masters. Highly recommended.)
Original Price: $24.95
Now: $21.21


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EditorsPick: 06/20/03 (Percussion instructional book and CD set.)
Original Price: $24.95
Now: $21.21

In his book, "Groovin' in Clave", Ignacio Berroa explored the concept of combining rock and funk with Afro-Cuban rhythms. He apporached this in a step-by-step manner, teaching fundamental coordination between snare drum, bass drum, and clave and then combining everything with groove exercises and charts. Besides exploring 4/4, he included Afro 6/8 and the shuffle. The book ended with the hint of what was to come, which was the movement back and forth between 4/4 and 6/8 feels. In this text, you will explore independence studies between hands and feet, in a jazz style, immediately juxtaposed with a clave style. The first solo in each section will do the same. The second solo is first played with a jazz feel and then combines the feels and helps you develop the movement back and forth from one to the other, similar to what "Groovin' in Clave" did in its last pages, moving back and forth from 4/4 funk to 6/8 shuffle.
By combining the elements in these two books, you should be able to move freely in all styles of music -- Jazz, Rock, Funk, and Latin-- adding an exciting depth to your playing by letting the musical styles be both separate and fused together, depending on the musical situation.
Take your time practicing and then combine everything with your own style. On the play-along tracks, Ignacio included one version with himself playing one version without drums for you to experiment and groove.
About the recording:
The first four exercises in each part are recorded to help you hear the sound and feel the patterns. You will first hear the jazz style, immediately followed by the rumba clave on the right hand page. All of the grooves are recorded the same way. The play-alongs give you a chance to hear some great playing and also allow you to become part of the band.

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EditorsPick: 06/20/03 (Percussion instructional book and CD set.)
Original Price: $24.95
Now: $21.21

Learn how to play and feel:
-clave
-Afro-Cuban Independence
-practical rock, funk and Afro-Cuban grooves
-shuffle
-combinations
This book will show you how to combine all styles of music. First you must learn clave and make it part of your internal musical vocabulary. Then you'll use it in practical grooves, add 6/8 rhythms, and finally combine all styles of music. You will be able to superimpose this feel in all styles of music and then incorporate your new music vocabulary in an actual playing experience with the CD.

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EditorsPick: 11/21/04 (Excellent new Afro-Cuban drumming instructional book/CD package by one of the hottest Cuban drummers. With 65 minute audio CD with 97 tracks. Recommended.)
Original Price: $19.95
Now: $16.96

The New Method for Afro-Cuban Drumming features Jimmy's unique approach to playing contemporary Latin rhythms on the drumset. The material represents a fusion of his experiences growing up in Cuba and shows how he applies this knowledge when he got to the United States and began performing. Everything in this book has practical applications to many styles of music. Jimmy covers:
-Getting the right sound
-Bongo bell patterns and the drumset
-Bass drum variations
-Hi-hat variations
Patterns include: clave, cáscara, bombo, guaguancó, cha cha cha, and Afro-Cuban 6/8. Jimmy also contains a section on soloing ideas.
The 65-minute audio CD contains 97 tracks that demonstrate all of the patterns contained in the book and played at a tempo that is easy to follow. There are also play-along tracks with a band so you can apply t he examples in a musical setting and begin to develop a real feel for playing this music.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Words of Advice
Technique Tips
Notation Key
Chapter 1 - The Clave
Chapter 2 - The Cáscara
Chapter 3 - The Bombo Note
Chapter 4 - Hi-Hat Variations
Chapter 5 - The Bongo Bell
Bass Drum Combinations
Chapter 6 - Ideas for Soloing
Chapter 7 - Guaguancó
Chapter 8 - Cha Cha Cha
Chapter 9 - Afro-Cuban 6/8
31 pages


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Original Price: $29.98
Now: $25.48

These are the complete and detailed original charts for the songs on their "Catch the Feeling" CD. Musicians take note! Get your copies today!

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Original Price: $29.98
Now: $25.48

These are the complete and detailed original charts for the songs on their "Catch The Feeling" CD. Musicians take note! Get your copies today!

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Original Price: $29.98
Now: $25.48

These are the complete and detailed original charts for the songs on their "Catch The Feeling" CD. Musicians take note! Get your copies today!

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Original Price: $29.98
Now: $25.48

These are the complete and detailed original charts for the songs on their "Catch The Feeling" CD. Musicians take note! Get your copies today!

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Original Price: $29.98
Now: $25.48

These are the complete and detailed original charts for the songs on their "Catch The Feeling" CD. Musicians take note! Get your copies today!

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Original Price: $29.98
Now: $25.48

These are the complete and detailed original charts for the songs on their "Catch The Feeling" CD. Musicians take note! Get your copies today!

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Original Price: $29.98
Now: $25.48

These are the complete and detailed original charts for the songs on their "Catch The Feeling" CD. Musicians take note! Get your copies today!

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EditorsPick: 01/12/02 (This unique book and CD package is one of only a few available instructional guides directed specifically to help you develop an improvising, or soloing, vocabulary on the conga drum. Very well thought out. Recommended (Also check out Vol. 2))
Original Price: $29.95
Now: $25.46

This book and 2-CD package offers a unique self-teaching method for Afro-Cuban drumming. Mr. Brooks has developed a teaching method that 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.
By learning how to read the written "pattern diagrams", you will be able to play and memorize the three types of Afro-Cuban syncopated "expressions" transcribed in this book. Each expression has been recorded, enabling you to hear while you read or play them. They begin with a very simplified drill form of timing and hand coordination exercises, and progress through the three types of expressions in this course. The three types of expression are:
the "Quinto Ride"
the "Quinto Phrase"
the"Quinto Solo"
The sections of this course include
Timekeeping Lines Concept
Timing and Hand Clap Exercises
Hand Coordination and Reading Exercises
Quinto Ride Patterns
Quinto Phrases
Quinto Solo
Book & 2-CD package: 75 Pages

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EditorsPick: 05/13/07 (My teaching method brings together two different learning approaches for Aro-Cuban Drumming. The first approach is to lean by way of reading written notation; the second is to lean solely by listening and feeling.
You will memorize the three types of Afro-Cuban syncopated expressions transcribed in this book. Each expression has been recorded, enabling you to hear while you read or play them. They begin with a very simplified drill form of timing and syncopated exercises, and progress through the three types of expressions in this course.
The first type of expression is called the "Quinto Ride", a quinto "lick". it is a simple and short rhythm with a very syncopated feeling. The second type of expression is what I call a "Quinto Phrase", a quinto "lick" which has a "forward driving attack" when played. The third type pf expression is called the "Quinto Solo". This is where you express all the feelings you wish to communicate, in the same way a poet expresses his/her poem.
- Cliff Brooks
Overview of Lessons:
Section 1: New To My Method?
Section 2: Clave Timing Exercises
Section 3: Clave Quinto Rides
Section 4: Downbeat & Clave Quinto Phrases
Section 5: Downbeat & Clave Quinto Solo
Section 6: The Guaguanco Quinto Phrases, Ride Flow and Quinto Solo Pages.
106 page plus 2 audio CDs.
(Also check out Vol. 1)
Original Price: $29.95
Now: $25.46



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EditorsPick: 12/06/05 (Here's a wonderfully conceived and handsomely designed book on the history of and influence of salsa in Panama. The author, Francisco Buckley "Bush" is the perfect candidate to write such a book... Bush y Su Nuevo Sonido was a band he formed in Panama in the late '60s, and he has helped salsa rise to prominence in that country and elsewhere for the following four decades.
Mr. Buckley delves deep into the origins of salsa and how it influenced popular culture in his country through radio and television. He discusses, in detail, the major - and peripheral players - of the genre. The national combos, composers and personalities like Pedrito Altamiranda, Rubén Blades, Benito Guardia, Marcos Barraza, Armando Boza, Clarence Martin, the carnavales, and the important bands of the 60s, 70s 80s and 90s are all explored. There's even an encyclopedia-like section where a paragraph of text is devoted to each figure important to salsa in Panama.
Beautifully printed on coated stock paper, this 292 page reference should be on every salsa collectors bookshelf.
Imported from Panamá.
In Spanish, hardcover.
Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $34.98
Now: $29.73

Aquí está todo. Aquí realmente está todo lo realacionado a la historia de la música que conocemos como salsa en Panamá. Además de relatarnos las experiencias vividas con su orquesta, Francisco "Bush" Buckley generosamente nos habla sobre casi todas las otras agrupaciones de música popular panameña. Aquí encontramos a todos los protagonistas: los músicos, los disc-jockeys, los historiadores, los periodistas, los animadores, los promotores y todos aquellos que de una manera y otra han colaborado con el desarrolo de la música popular en Panamá. Este es un consulta para las generciones presentes y futuras.
Eric E. González
Los Angeles, California
Latin Weekly Review

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EditorsPick: 11/06/00 (This is a very nice addition to Mr. Campos' body of instructional book/CD packages. This one, focusing exclusively on Latin jazz piano is a must-have for both aspiring students and seasoned Latin jazz pianistas.)
Original Price: $22.95
Now: $19.51

Many musicians find that Latin Jazz and Salsa are still very difficult to feel and play in an authentic, relaxed way. This type of music with its unique rhythmic concept presents quite a challenge for the aspiring young performer. Mr. Campos breaks new ground by presenting eight different songs in eight different authentic latin styles such as Salsa, Mambo, Nanigo, Cha Cha, Bolero, Songo, Merengue and Baiáo. Each selection has been beautifully recorded and contains a note for note musical transcription of both the piano comping section and the piano solos.
The songs included are all classics in the Latin Jazz vernacular and are based on the chord progressions of each tune. Titles included are "A Night in Tunisia", "Manteca", "Afro Blue", "Song for my Father", "Bésame Mucho", "On Green Dolphin St.", "April in Paris"and "St. Thomas".
85 pages plus CD.

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Original Price: $24.95
Now: $21.21

"Salsa & Afro-Cuban Montunos For Piano" by Carlos Campos is an extremely informative 100 page book containing over 400 musical examples showing you how to play in these aforementioned Latin styles. Mr. Campos who teaches a course in Latin piano styles at the Berklee School of Music originates from Lima, Peru and has studied Latin music for over 20 years. This book contains great study material for learning the various techniques and rhythms used in playing Latin piano styles. It can be used as a source to practice reading syncopated rhythms. A cassette of Latin percussion rhythm tracks to play along with accompanies the book. Now available as Book/Cassette or Book/CD package.

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EditorsPick: 06/24/99 (Finally, and good helpful excercise guide for guitars plays who want to apply their instruments to salsa and Afro Cuban rhythms.)
Original Price: $24.98
Now: $21.23

Mr. Campos' first two books, "Salsa: Afro-Cuban Montunos for Piano" and "Salsa: Further Adventures in Afro-Cuban Music" are terrific tools for the piano/keyboard player. With this new book, he extends these excercises and expands the area of salsa studies to include all guitar players and students. Book and CD package. 1. Introduction
2. The Clave
3. Modes
4. Dominant 7th
5. Progression: I-IV-V-IV
6. Progression: I-IV-V-IV-V-IV-I-IV
7. Progression: I-IV-V7-I
8. Progression: I-II-V7-I
9. Progression: II-V-I
10. Half Step Descending Progression
11. Whole Step Descending Progression
12. Son Montunos
13. Standard Progression in 2/3 Clave
14. Standard Progression in 3/2 Clave
15. Discography
16. CD Track List

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Original Price: $24.98
Now: $21.23

This book "Salsa, Further Advenures In Afro Cuban Music For Piano" is the follow up book to Carlos Campos's previous work, the highly successful "Salsa And Afro Cuban Montunos For Piano". This book was inspired by the questions asked frommany of his students attending his salsa piano class at the Berklee School of Music and also in his private teaching practice in Los Angeles. During his classes, every problem that arose, presented Carlos with the opportunity to develop new excercises geared towards solving those problems. One of the most recurring challenges for the salsa piano student is to learn to feel this type of music and to be able to develop the very strong sense of inner pulse needed to be able to experience flow while playing the montunos. Rhythmic exercises at the beginning of this book help to develop this inner pulse. Numerous students have asked Carlos to write full arrangements of Salsa songs with all the parts transcribed. In the book there are 4 fully transcribed pieces, the accompanying CD enable the student or musician to hear the full band arrangement as well as playing along with the full band, with the us e of different mixes, giving the student or musican an excellent way of seeing and hearing how everything is put together. Many students have also asked for transcriptions of different percussion patterns to show how they all work together to create that ultra tight salsa ensemble sound. There is a section in the book covering many of the commonly used percussion patterns and along with the accompanying audio tracks will help most students understand how this specific style works. The many montuno patterns in the first part of the book is written in both 2/3 and 3/2 clave with almost every example writen in montuno style (for ensemble playing) and in montuno/tumbao style (for solo playing).

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Original Price: $22.95
Now: $19.51

Ultimate Latin Riffs for Piano/Keyboards is a book written by the internationally renowned authors/educators Carlos Campos and Andrew D. Gordon. This book provides an exensive study into the various piano/keyboard Latin styles including: Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Calypso, Cha Cha, etc. These exciting 50 examples will have you spending many enjoyable hours learning the intricacies of Latin piano/keyboard playing. The book is transcribed note for note from the superbly recorded audio CD. Each example is recorded twice, the first version with piano, bass and drums and the second version with just bass and drums so that the pianist/keyboardist can practice along with the rhythm section.
MIDI files for all the examples are available separately from ADG Productions.

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Original Price: $19.95
Now: $16.96

This package features the music and performances of Dave Samuels' Caribbean Jazz Project. A totally authentic Latin jazz fusion set.

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EditorsPick: 12/19/05 (Afro-Cuban Drumming: A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional And Contemporary Styles by Glen Caruba
The popularity of the auxialiary percussionist is growing year after year. The sounds most prominent in Latin and South American music are now incorporated into Rock, Jazz, Country and R&B styles of today's music. Since congas are the foundation for most percussionists, I decided to write a comprehensive guide to start the novice on the right track and to possibly aid the professional as a manual for new rhythms and ideas.
[from the liners])
Original Price: $19.95
Now: $16.96

The field for today's percussionist is constantly expanding, leaving lots of room for creativity. Being creative and developing your own style will help to set you apart from the best. Use this book as a guideline to the rules. In time, when you feel comfortable, expand and create rules of your own. Listening to other players is also a great tool in the learning and understanding of the lessons provided in this book. A few of my favorite players that I listen to for inspiration are Poncho Sanchez, Mongo Santamaria, Ray Barretto, Tito Puente, and Ruben Blades among many others.

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EditorsPick: 05/24/98 (Changuito, one of Cuba's master percussionists and originators, shares his wealth of knowledge on how to master the timbales. Topics discussed include sections on: the History of Timbales; Setup and Tuning; the Clave; Timbales with Cowbells; Independence Exercises; Fills; and much more. Styles covered are: danzón, abanico, cha cha chá, mambo, pilón, Mozambique, merensongo, conga, 6/8 rhythms, timba songo laye. Written in collaboration with percussionist Chuck Silverman, the 112 page book includes a glossary of terms and a CD.)
Original Price: $24.95
Now: $21.21



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EditorsPick: 09/12/06 (Detailed transcriptions by Adrian Coburg, one of the most dedicated scholars and percussionists of Afro-Cuban Lucumí / Santeria. Mr. Coburn worked tirelessly with master percussionist and akpwon (singer) Awó Chadée, Julio Davalos of Havana to create one of the most extensive bodies of transcriptions and scores of Afro-Cuban material that we have come across. For the collector, practitioner, connoisseur, teacher or student of Afro-Cuban folkloric material, this is must-have material. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $35.00
Now: $29.75

54 pages

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EditorsPick: 09/12/06 (Detailed transcriptions by Adrian Coburg, one of the most dedicated scholars and percussionists of Afro-Cuban Lucumí / Santeria. Mr. Coburn worked tirelessly with master percussionist and akpwon (singer) Awó Chadée, Julio Davalos of Havana to create one of the most extensive bodies of transcriptions and scores of Afro-Cuban material that we have come across. For the collector, practitioner, connoisseur, teacher or student of Afro-Cuban folkloric material, this is must-have material. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $55.00
Now: $46.75

91 pages

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EditorsPick: 09/12/06 (Detailed transcriptions by Adrian Coburg, one of the most dedicated scholars and percussionists of Afro-Cuban Lucumí / Santeria. Mr. Coburn worked tirelessly with master percussionist and akpwon (singer) Awó Chadée, Julio Davalos of Havana to create one of the most extensive bodies of transcriptions and scores of Afro-Cuban material that we have come across. For the collector, practitioner, connoisseur, teacher or student of Afro-Cuban folkloric material, this is must-have material. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $60.00
Now: $51.00

119 pages

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EditorsPick: 09/12/06 (Detailed transcriptions by Adrian Coburg, one of the most dedicated scholars and percussionists of Afro-Cuban Lucumí / Santeria. Mr. Coburn worked tirelessly with master percussionist and akpwon (singer) Awó Chadée, Julio Davalos of Havana to create one of the most extensive bodies of transcriptions and scores of Afro-Cuban material that we have come across. For the collector, practitioner, connoisseur, teacher or student of Afro-Cuban folkloric material, this is must-have material. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $70.00
Now: $59.50

128 pages

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EditorsPick: 09/12/06 (Detailed transcriptions by Adrian Coburg, one of the most dedicated scholars and percussionists of Afro-Cuban Lucumí / Santeria. Mr. Coburn worked tirelessly with master percussionist and akpwon (singer) Awó Chadée, Julio Davalos of Havana to create one of the most extensive bodies of transcriptions and scores of Afro-Cuban material that we have come across. For the collector, practitioner, connoisseur, teacher or student of Afro-Cuban folkloric material, this is must-have material. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $75.00
Now: $63.75

137 pages

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EditorsPick: 04/07/08 (A *new* entry into the growing collection of Adrian Coburg's superb Lucumi series of books. View his entire collection here. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $85.00
Now: $72.25

Introduction The book Cantos Especiales Volume III contains Cantos de Bata, Guiro y Bembe. The cantos are written in different keys. The Akpwon (leadsinger) chooses his key
to sing a song. Feel free to sing the songs your way.
Legend
A. Akpwon - Akpon=Leadsinger
C. Choir
F. Cantos de Fundamentos
C. Cantos de campo
Introduccion
El libro Cantos especiales Volume III contiene cantos de Bata, Guiro y Bembe.
Los cantos estan notados en varias tonalidades.
El Akpwon (cantante) busca su tonalidad para cantar un canto.
Sientese libre de cantar los cantos de su manera.
Leyenda
A. Akpwon - Akpon=Cantante
C. Coro
F. Cantos de Fundamento
C. Cantos de campo

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EditorsPick: 06/05/07 (Detailed transcriptions by Adrian Coburg, one of the most dedicated scholars and percussionists of Afro-Cuban Lucumí / Santeria. Mr. Coburn worked tirelessly with master percussionist and akpwon (singer) Awó Chadée, Julio Davalos of Havana to create one of the most extensive bodies of transcriptions and scores of Afro-Cuban material that we have come across. For the collector, practitioner, connoisseur, teacher or student of Afro-Cuban folkloric material, this is must-have material. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $15.00
Now: $12.75

Cantos a Eggun: *Laumba Wuaori, Omo Iogwuo
*Aye Aye Leri Leyo, Okokan Lamiwuaye
*Laye Lagba Labishe, Kosi Olodumare
*Laye Lagba Lafisi
*Mambo Niboshe
*Ayaba Ese, E Iki Ambelawo
*Aka Ye I Ye, Mofoyuborere
*Ile Losun Baire, Farakunfara
*E Iku Oni Oba, Awua Male
*Asho Kuelo Kuelo Niya, Iya Kambele
*Ogogo, Awuan Kuniki Olofin
*Dendela Egue, Shon shon shon kuami

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EditorsPick: 09/12/06 (Detailed transcriptions by Adrian Coburg, one of the most dedicated scholars and percussionists of Afro-Cuban Lucumí / Santeria. Mr. Coburn worked tirelessly with master percussionist and akpwon (singer) Awó Chadée, Julio Davalos of Havana to create one of the most extensive bodies of transcriptions and scores of Afro-Cuban material that we have come across. For the collector, practitioner, connoisseur, teacher or student of Afro-Cuban folkloric material, this is must-have material. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $35.00
Now: $29.75

51 pages

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EditorsPick: 06/05/07 (Detailed transcriptions by Adrian Coburg, one of the most dedicated scholars and percussionists of Afro-Cuban Lucumí / Santeria. Mr. Coburn worked tirelessly with master percussionist and akpwon (singer) Awó Chadée, Julio Davalos of Havana to create one of the most extensive bodies of transcriptions and scores of Afro-Cuban material that we have come across. For the collector, practitioner, connoisseur, teacher or student of Afro-Cuban folkloric material, this is must-have material. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $10.00
Now: $8.50

Cantos a Osain: *Mariwo Osain, Ewue Masiboroyu
*Mamura Mofiyen
*Borotitilawua, Osain Seisemi
*Tiwui Tiwui, Benebenito Bleo, Adadara
*Aberaberama

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EditorsPick: 09/12/06 (Detailed transcriptions by Adrian Coburg, one of the most dedicated scholars and percussionists of Afro-Cuban Lucumí / Santeria. Mr. Coburn worked tirelessly with master percussionist and akpwon (singer) Awó Chadée, Julio Davalos of Havana to create one of the most extensive bodies of transcriptions and scores of Afro-Cuban material that we have come across. For the collector, practitioner, connoisseur, teacher or student of Afro-Cuban folkloric material, this is must-have material. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $65.00
Now: $55.25

124 pages

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EditorsPick: 09/12/06 (Detailed transcriptions by Adrian Coburg, one of the most dedicated scholars and percussionists of Afro-Cuban Lucumí / Santeria. Mr. Coburn worked tirelessly with master percussionist and akpwon (singer) Awó Chadée, Julio Davalos of Havana to create one of the most extensive bodies of transcriptions and scores of Afro-Cuban material that we have come across. For the collector, practitioner, connoisseur, teacher or student of Afro-Cuban folkloric material, this is must-have material. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $35.00
Now: $29.75

54 pages

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EditorsPick: 09/12/06 (Detailed transcriptions by Adrian Coburg, one of the most dedicated scholars and percussionists of Afro-Cuban Lucumí / Santeria. Mr. Coburn worked tirelessly with master percussionist and akpwon (singer) Awó Chadée, Julio Davalos of Havana to create one of the most extensive bodies of transcriptions and scores of Afro-Cuban material that we have come across. For the collector, practitioner, connoisseur, teacher or student of Afro-Cuban folkloric material, this is must-have material. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $12.00
Now: $10.20

17 pages

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EditorsPick: 11/30/05 (Features the written music and lyrics for fifteen of Celia best loved hits like: "Bemba Colora," "Cao, Cao Mani Picao," "Cucala," and "La Vida Es Un Carnaval." For piano, vocals and/or guitar.)
Original Price: $16.95
Now: $14.41



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EditorsPick: 07/13/04 (The authorized, posthumous autobiography of the Queen of Salsa's extraordinary---and, until now, largely private life. For most Latinos under seventy, there has never been a time without Celia Cruz. After her recent death, nearly half a million people stood in line for hours, filed past her casket, and paid their respects to the legendary and beloved woman in both Miami and New York. Only an adored queen has this kind of power---to summon the masses on such a grand scale.
From her modest childhood in Cuba to her exile years in Mexico to her remarkable career and life in America, Celia was a woman of contrasts. Her flamboyant costumes juxtaposed her simple and straightforward demeanor. She was open and accessible to her fans but staunchly private in her personal life. She was uninhibited without decadence; honest without offense; confident but not arrogant; and generous without fault. But above all, Celia was authentic and it was this authenticity that resonated so deeply with her public.
Based on more than 500 hours of taped video interviews recorded just months before her death, "Celia" includes never-before-published personal pictures and anecdotes, letting fans celebrate a life filled with heartbreaking setbacks as well as glorious triumphs.
-- from the book jacket
Written with Ana Cristina Reymundo, with a forward by Maya Angelou. 304 Pages, hardcover. In English.
Finally, Celia's life as told by the Queen herself. A very interesting and entertaining read, filled with back-story details about the salsa industry that only Celia would know.
Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $24.98
Now: $21.23



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EditorsPick: 07/11/06 (In limited supply. Wonderful biography of Celia by enthusiastic writer Juan Moreno Velázquez who recently also wrote the definitive book on La Lupe. With many rare photos - including Celia's birth certificate - and printed on coated stock, the design and writing style of La Reina Es La Rumba project an almost fanzine sensibility, making it more fun to read than some of the more academic books of Ms. Cruz' life. 363 pages, in Spanish. Recommended. )
Original Price: $32.98
Now: $28.03

Juan A. Moreno-Velazquez es un periodista galardonado que se especializa en el campo del entrenimiento dentro de la comunidad latina. Sus precisos reportajes investigativos le ganaron un primer premio de la Asociación Nacional de Publicaciones Hispanas First Prize Award, for Outstnding Reporting on the Hispanic Community, durante el año 2001 por la serie La Leyenda de La Lupe, que sirvió de inspiración para la obra teatral La Lupe: Mi Vida, Mi Destino. En el 2002 Moreno-Velazquez repitió la hazaña, nuevamente ganando el galardon de enretenimiento con su historia, Los Pleneros del la 21. En el 2003, Juan recibió otro Primer Premio, esta vez en la categoria de Negocios, rompiendo nuevos territorios periodisticos con una profunda historia sobre Arbitron. El auto ademas recibio el prestigio sopremio Hispanic Media Top 100 en el año 2002.
Graduado con honores del Colegio de la universidad de Nueva York, ya la Escuela Graduada de Comunicaciones en la Universidad de Fordham; el autor es reconocido internacionalamente por su investigacion sobre la industria musical y es considerado un musicologo de renombre, especializandose en la musica afro caribeña.
Moreno-Velazquez fue profesor de Comunicaciones y Mercadeo en la Universidad del Sagrado Corazon en su natal Puerto Rico.
Una autoridad en el campo del Entretenimiento, el autor ha participado en television haciendo comentarios sobre los premios Grammy para la cadena Fox. Moreno-Velazquez fue el experto invitado para cubrir la transmision televista de las ceremonias durante el fallecimiento de "La Reina de la Salsa", por estacion de noticias neoyorquina NY1.
Como periodista Juan ha sido el Editor de Entrenimiento en el diario/La Prensa, y por años mantuvo la popular columna Cuadrando el cuadrante, donde sus comentarios sobre la radio eran muy bien recibidos por la critica. Es el autor del criticamente aclamado Desmitificación de una diva: la verdad sobre La Lupe, un libro lanzado en febrero del año 2004, y el guion de cine A fall to Grace, una adaptacion de su investigacion sobre la vida de la Lupe.
Adicionalmente, Juan es el editor del libro The Life and Times of the Legendary Joe Cuba, A contemporary Music icon, un libro que relata la vida del popular director de orquesta.
Al presente Moreno-Velazquez es consultor al presidente de JKH Entertainment en Miami, y EMUSICA, comañia que adquirio el catalogo musical de Fania. 363 pages. Complete discography, too.

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Original Price: $6.95
Now: $5.91

Very early in the 20th century, Jelly Roll Morton spoke about "that Latin tinge" in American music. Today, more and more Latin American elements are present in contemporary music around this world of ours. Articulation is a very important factor in those 'South of the border' rhythms. With this book, you can exercise your instrumental technique in all keys while becoming familiar with some of those paterns as they apply to the modern jazz language. I recommend to begin practicing these exercises slowly. Gradually speed up, but only to the point that you can play them with clarity and artistry. As the great virtuoso saxophone-clarinetist Al Gallodoro wisely remarks, "Every single not has a meaning". Remember that music is an art and not a sport. Great artists make hard passages seem and sound easy, and not the other way around. Otherwise, it's a circus. Muchas gracias, Paquito D'Rivera

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EditorsPick: 05/24/98 (This volume is a play-a-long CD with book included that is intended for all instruments. In Paquito's own words "the following work does not pretend to be a complete study on the vast world of styles and rhythms of Latin America, but only a small example of some of those rhythms and their application to the contemporary jazz language.")
Original Price: $19.95
Now: $16.96



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Original Price: $15.00
Now: $12.75

The great John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie has on many occasions expressed that "Latin American musicians understand our music better than we understand theirs." There is no doubt that Dizzy has been a key figure int he development of what we now refer to as "Latin jazz." But in reality if several generations of musicians from "south of the border," such as Claudio Roditi, Michel Camilo, Mario Rivera, Monty Alexander, Mario Bauza, Ignacio Berroa (Dizzy's drummer of many years), Jorge Dalto, Alex Acuna, Lalo Schifrin, Eddy Gomez, Carlos Franzetti, Chico O' Farrill and Danilo Perez, have achieved distinguished positions in the competitive field of American music, it is not precisely because they have been bestowed with any special power of understanding superior to that of those born "north of the border," but because all of them have dedicated years and years of profound and systematic study of the music of this country, from Jelly Roll Morton to the present, by way of Ellington, Gershwin, Copeland, Waller, Berlin, Porter, Bernstein, Bird, Monk, Trane and of course Gillespie. On the other hand, the majority of North American musicians that have approached Latin American music have done so in a very suerficial way, and, films have saturated the international market with mediiocre recordings that, rather than further the understanding of Latin American art, only serve to confuse those who might wish to learn something about it. I have been a victim of this superficiality in regard to Brazilian music, and I would like to give my appreciation to Roditi, Portinho, Leny Andrade, Brandao, Flora and Airto for having helped me to better understand a culture that my family and I have come to love so much. Now I would like to share with you what they have so generously taught me. As I stated in the first volume of Music Minus Me (Latin Jazz), this work does not pretend to be a complete study of the vast world of Brazilian music, whose cultural panorama is as gigantic as the map itself of that enormous country, but only a small example of some basic rhythms and their application to the language of contemporary jazz. Sincerely, Paquito D'Rivera (40 page book plus CD)

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Original Price: $15.00
Now: $12.75

The following work does not pretend to be a complete study of the immense world of styles and different Latin American rhythms, but only a small example of some of our rhythms and application to the jazz language. Jazz and Latin American music have common roots, with the difference being, that while the poor Black slaves, destined to work at the cotton fields, had their cultural objects and instruments ripped away from them, those that arrived to the Latin American coasts, and specially the Caribbean and Brazil, were permitted to play their drums on Sundays and holidays. It is for this precise reason that our music is rhythmically richer. Since the beginning of the 20th Century, Jelly Roll Morton spoke of the "Latin Tinge" in American music, and throughout all these years, many names of Latin origin such as Alberto Socarras, Mario Bauza, Fats Navarro, Juan Tizol, Machito, Gato Barbieri, Chico O'Farrill, Tito Puente, Chano Pozo, Ram Ramirez, Jorge Dalto and so many others have made a valuable contribution to the art and culture of this country. To allof them I dedicate this modest effort and hope that the fruits of my labor serve to help North Americans finally discover the fascinating world that exists much further away from "La Cucaracha", "La Bamba" and the Carmen Miranda films, the Marvelous World of Latin Jazz. Sincerely, Paquito D'Rivera (32 page book plus CD)

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Original Price: $24.95
Now: $21.21

A dance book designed for the beginning social dancer, it provides the novice with a working knowledge of the language of music and dance. Included are drawings of couples demonstrating the basic steps of the fox trot, waltz, swing, cha cha, mambo, tango and samba plus photos of the basic body motions--foot, arm and body dance positions. In addition, it provides the basic information needed to succeed in a mainstream dance studio, whether it be for private-teacher or group class lessons.

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Original Price: $9.95
Now: $8.46

The piano plays a very important role in Latin music, for the chords are broken in continuous homophonic unison. This is called "montuno-guajeo" or "tumbao" in the Latin vocabuluary. Montunos are usually performed with both hands in unison, left hand coupled with right hand on the octave. Harmony chord structures are written the same as in jazz. This book will explain to the student how to play Latin rhythms from any particular chord inversion, according to the melody, whether instrumental or vocal. For best results, any indivdual or class using this book should listen to as much Latin music (both live and recorded) as possible. Mr. Diaz studied at the Berklee College of Music, earning a Bachelor's in Composition, and the Manhattan School of Music, and holds a Master's in Jazz Studies. He has performed on the piano in New York and on the West Coast with such artists as Tito Puente, Willie Bobo, Celia Cruz, Johnny Pacheco, Willie Colon, José Fajardo, Luis Ramirez, the Afro-Cubans, Mario Bauza's Big Band, Paquito D'Rivera, Victor Paz, Daniel Ponce and many others. Mr. Diaz still plays in the New York area with many different Latin and jazz bands. 37 Pages.

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Original Price: $9.95
Now: $8.46

The purpose of this second volume is to provide the student with real Latin piano forms for comping and playing montunos. The student will practice these forms (or styles) by playing these arrangements of standards and jazz songs.

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