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EditorsPick: 03/16/08 (Concise 16 page mini-book "Gig-Saver." Afro-Cuban Rhythms, Volume 1 is a collection of traditional rhythms ideal for a percussion ensemble or for the individual who wants to learn the authentic parts to each rhythm. All rhythms are easily adapted to conga drums and Afro-Cuban hand percussion. This series is presented in a brief, clear, and affordable manner. Volume 1 includes Clave, Tumbao for one and two drums, Yambu, Guaguanco (Havana ), Guaguanco (Matanzas), Rumba columbia, Conga (Havana), Conga (Matanzas) and Conga (Santiago). These volumes are designed for intermediate to advanced levels and assume the reader has some basic understanding of percussion notation. Recommended.)
Original Price: $3.95
Now: $3.36



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EditorsPick: 03/16/08 (Concise 16 page mini-book "Gig-Saver." Afro-Cuban Rhythms, Volume 2 is a collection of traditional rhythms ideal for a percussion ensemble or for the individual who wants to learn the authentic parts to each rhythm. All rhythms are easily adapted to conga drums and Afro-Cuban hand percussion. This series is presented in a brief, clear, and affordable manner. Volume 2 includes the rhythms of Bembé, Makuta, Yuka, Palo, Arará, Abakuá (Havana), Abakuá (Matanzas), Gaga, Vudu and Iyesá. These volumes are designed for intermediate to advanced levels and assume the reader has some basic understanding of percussion notation. Recommended.)
Original Price: $3.95
Now: $3.36



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EditorsPick: 01/12/02 (This straight-forward book's aim to to help you to understand the polyrhthmic structure of Afro-Latin rhythms, and to help the reader to develop his or her own polyrhythms based on this clarified understanding.)
Original Price: $14.95
Now: $12.71

The book & CD package is divided in two parts. Part 1 involves rhythms that can be played on any surface which provide two distinct tones. For example your thigh, abdomen, table, chair, cymbal, cowbell, drums rim/shell of drum etc. In learning these rhythms, it may be helpful to first learn the patterns separately, then try playing them together noticing when they occur together and in relation to each other.
All rhythm patterns are written in 3/2 clave although in musical application many are started in 2/3 clave (mambo, mozambique, etc.) After you have mastered the exercises as presented, practice starting on the second bar of the two bar pattern to become familiar with patterns 2/3 as well as 3/2 clave.
Part II contains more challenging and unusual combinations. Some of these rhythms incorporate two distinct tones with one hand, while playing one or two distince tones with the other hand. These rhythms are intended for percussionists or those seeking more advanced independence exercises.
Book/CD Package: 38 Pages.

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EditorsPick: 09/20/00 (Highly anticipated, more advanced, follow-up to Mr. Salloum's first nicely received instructional, The Bongo Book. Complete with 2 CDs. Recommended.)
Original Price: $29.95
Now: $25.46

I was encouraged tosly write a follow-up to 'The Bongo Book' after receiving letters and e-mail from drummers who had either just begun bongo drumming or had decided to learn the bongos more seriously...What they lacked was teaching material to guide them in the exploration of this fascinating instrument. 'Bongo Drumming' is simply another step in the educational development of the bongos and an attempt to increase the awareness of this seemingly simple, yet immensely complex instrument. I sincerely hope that those who explore these rhythms will share the same fascination that I have in producing Bongo Drumming. Contents include:
Early History of Son and Changüi
Bibliography
Legend (Key to types of Bongo strokes)
Martillo Excercises
Accent/Hembra displacement; Modified Mambo; One Beat Riff; Hembra-Macho
combinations; Left hand slap; Santiago Son; Four Bar Floreo
Combinations:
Bell-Bongo-Conga; Bolero; Bongo-Conga: Son; Guaguanco
Nengon
Changui
Rock
Odd Time Signature; 6/8; 5/4
Solo Transcription: Armando Peraza; "Big Noise From Winnetka"
Bongo Solos: Discography
Glossary
Resources
Index

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Original Price: $21.95
Now: $18.66

Fun With Bongos was written to provide a simple guide for someone without any musical experience who wants to learn to play the bongos. The book is designed to teach notation, basic bongo technique, simple rhythms and their application in addition to familiarity with construction, nomenclature, and characteristics of the bongos. Fun With Bongos is the first level in a series of books written by the author which presently includes the following Mel Bay Publications The Bongo Book CD (Intermediate level) and Bongo Drumming; Beyond the Basics/CD (Advanced level) CD included with 24 examples.

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Original Price: $17.95
Now: $15.26

This is the only instructional book (CD included) devoted entirely to the bongo. Highly recommended. Book contents include an explanation of the clave, strokes, rhythms, fills, exercises, ornamentations, and maintenance of your instrument. Included are interviews with four great bongoceros, Jack Costanzo, Armando Peraza, José Mangual and Candido Camero. The CD contents include the son clave, rumba clave, cascara, 6/8 bell, martillo variations, manoteo variations, jazz and rock rhythms, plus 15 other rhythms. Very Comprehensive!

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Original Price: $24.95
Now: $21.21

Fifteen years ago there were no drumset players playing in bands in Africa - only hand drumming. We're just starting to develop this art form. Maybe these rhythms seem complex, but the more that we play them the more it will become accepted. Just like in Cuban music, for instance, playing with the clave, it's not so easy but it can be learned. We're taking hand percussion rhythms, putting them on the drums, and creating a pocket. What I mean by "in the pocket" is that people can dance to it. - Mokhtar Samba
What may seem like a simple book is one of the most challenging projects I have ever been involved with. The concepts developed by Mokhtar represent over twenty years of serious study by an African musician in the competetive and constantly evolving European music scene. Thes are not rhythms you are born with. These are rhythms you learn.
Each Chapter contain two types of examples. The movements are exercises designed to develop the necessary coordination and mental dexterity to play the patterns. Approach the patterns after mastering the movements with a metronome. Each pattern is accompanied by CD tracks with and without the percussion tracks. Constantly refer to the CD tracks to see if your time, and feel, is moving in the right direction. Several times I felt I had the pattern confidently in my hands but got a rude awakening when I put on the CD. Mokhtar has amazing time and his groove is very clean, confident and direct. You'll see what I mean. As the African concepts become clearer, find the records that he plays on and listen with your new ears. Remember, it takes time. Remember, these rhythms are centuries old, and hve taken Mokhtar decades to develop on the drums. You're not going to master them in a matter of months. Finally, thank you Mokhtar for showing me these rhythms, and your patience while I learned them. - Dan Thress

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EditorsPick: 06/10/02 (This nice text opens with one of the most comprehensive and detailed histories of the congas that we have seen. Written by renowned Cuban musical historian, Dr. Olavo Alén Rodriguez, this seven page history is worth the price alone.
The book itself, written with the help of percussionist Chuck Silverman, is a good insight to Poncho Sanchez's method of playing.
The accompanying CD has play-along tracks and is performed by Poncho and his band. These playalongs have been crafted so that you may use them as "music minus conga" tracks.)
Original Price: $19.95
Now: $16.96

Poncho Sanchez' Conga Cookbook features all the essential styles you'll need to fulfill your role as a Latin percussionist. Included are many of the grooves that have made Poncho one of the world's most in-demand congueros.
Table of Contents include:
A History of the Congas
Notation Key
Conga Basics
Chachacha
6/8 Rhythms
Mambo
Merengue
Soloing
...plus a selection of recommended recordings.
52 pages. CD included.

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EditorsPick: 11/30/05 (The written music for Sandoval's "Trumpet Evolution" CD. Nineteen songs. A must for trumpet players.)
Original Price: $19.95
Now: $16.96



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Original Price: $24.95
Now: $21.21

This guitar workshop is a powerful learning tool that will you extend your stockpile of licks and fills and develop your improvisational skills. The combination of musical notation and guitar tablature in this book together with backing tracks on the CD gives you the opportunity to learn eight of Carlos Santana's tracks note for note and then jam with a professional session band. The track listing reflects some of Carlos Santana's most popular recordings providing something for guitarists to have fun with and improvise with, as well as something to aspire to. The first eight tracks on the CD are full length backing tracks recorded minus lead guitar. The remaining tracks feature the backing tracks with the lead guitar parts added. Although many of you will have all the original tracks in your own collection, we have provided them in the package for your reference. The 'JAM WITH...' series allows you to accurately recreate the original, or to use the transcriptions in this book in conjunction with the backing tracks as a basis for your own improvisation.

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Original Price: $19.95
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EditorsPick: 07/14/07 (Practical Applications seeks to bring the student of Afro-Caribbean music a better understanding of the applications of these rhythms on the drums set. Afro-Caribbean rhythms like mambo, 6/8 rhythms, samba, songo, and others can give the serious percussion student a great command of the language of the rhythm. Also, there is so much here in Practical Applications that can instruct you in the art of drumset artistry. The concept of coordination (sometimes referred to as independence) can be thoroughly addressed by studying these rhythms and how they apply to the drum set. Your actual grooves will develop in character and quality because the rhythms you are studying are rich in these important concepts. The rhythms will find their way into your playing, whether that playing is in rock, jazz, Latin, funk, or other styles. And development of all limbs will be enhanced, mainly because you will learn how to use all four limbs to emulate percussion instruments. Your "weak" hand will be developed and strengthened as you learn cowbell or tamborim patterns.
The best way to begin the study of these rhythms is with a brief history of each rhythm, provided for you in each section of this book. Of course, there are other sources of historical information, and this author suggests you delve a little deeper into this information because it can help you better understand the rhythmic and cultural roots of this wonderful music.
Cha Cha Cha / Bolero / Mambo / Merengue / Bossa Nova / Contemporary Brazilian Patterns / Samba / Cumbia / 6/8 Patterns / Mozambique / Songó / Contemporary Drumset Applications / Applying the Optional Cascara Pattern / Left Foot Clave Grooves & Excercises with Cáscara / With Mambo Bell / With Mambo & Bongo Bells / More Independence Excercises / Excercisis - Hand Patterns: Doubles & Paradiddle Combinations / Flam Taps and Swiss Triplets / Solo Transcriptions & Fill Ideas (Manny Oquendo, Changuito, Ray Barretto etc.)
155 Pages. Includes 2 audio CDs.)
Original Price: $36.95
Now: $31.41



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EditorsPick: 05/20/06 (One of the best instructional conga drum book/CD packages we have come accross.
Text from the cover...
The only method book specifically designed for intermediate to advanced conga drummers, "The Conga Drummer's Guidebook" is packed with exercises on every aspect of the craft. Includes complete chapters on: understanding clave, correct phrasing concepts, combining four and six feels simultaneously, revoicing ideas, concepts for quinto soloing, 12/8 coordination exercises, stamina exercises, agility exercises, heel-toe technique, and much more. Spiro goes behind the superficial licks and shows you how to approach any Afro-Latin rhythm with the right feel, i.e., he explains the concepts of HOW to play correctly, not just WHAT to play.
Spiro has recorded CDs or videos with Giovanni Hidalgo, Talking Drums (w/ David Garabaldi), Changuito, Ignacio Berroa, John Santos, Andy Narell, Mark Levine, Ray Obiedo, Grace Slick, and innumerable others.
"When I wanted to sudy Afro-Cuban music, everyone said, 'Go see Spiro', I took that advice and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. He is completely knowledgeable about his subject. - Dave Garibaldi
"A Great Book, including the clearest explanation of clave I've ever encountered--worth the price of the book just for that." - Mark Levine
"This is a breakthrough book for all students of the conga drum!" - Karl Perazzo "It is nice to see useful information on paper that can benefit both beginners and seasoned pros. But I expect nothing less from Spiro. Great job!" - Jesus Diaz, percussionist with Talking Drums, QBT, etc.
"A wonderful treasure trove of techniques written by someone who truly knows and loves this music! The 12/8 bell coordination exercises alone are worth the price of this excellent guide for congueros--and musicians- of all levels." - Rebecca Mauleon
"Michael Spiro is a great percussionist and educator; his knowledge about percussion and his musicality have always impressed me. Michael's book will greatly expand the knowledge of both students and professionals, and will help them to become great percussionists. - Ignacio Berroa
116 pages, with CD included in the book.)
Original Price: $28.00
Now: $23.80



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EditorsPick: 02/13/01 (By far the most detailed and thorough Latin bass instructional we have seen. A must-have if you are, or would like to be, a bass player with Latin chops. Click on the title for details of the contents.)
Original Price: $34.00
Now: $28.90

The role of the bass in Latin music is primarily to hold down the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of the tune. To the casual listener there is certainly a lot of repetition in most Latin bass lines. But if you listen closely you'll usually find a myriad of subtle variations that give the music an extra kick with without destroying the underlying groove. This book will show you how that is done.
"The Latin Bass Book" contains the most comprehensive study ever published of the main Afro-Cuban and Brazilian styles of bass playing, as well as shorter sections on other Caribbean and Latin American styles and also Latin jazz bass playing.
262 pages plus three CDs.
Contents:
Section One: The Tumbao Bass Line
The Basic Tumbao and its Main Variations
Combinations
Other Simple Tumbao Variations
The Bass in Relation to Clave
Advanced Tumbao Variations
Section Two: Other Afro-Cuban Styles
Ch-Cha-Chá and its Variations
Afro Lines in Six
Contemporary Cuban-Style Bass Lines
Section Three: Brazilian Bass Lines
Samba Bass Lines
Partido Alto, Baião and other Brazilian Styles
Section Four: Caribbean & Couth American Styles
Merengue, Reggae and other Caribbean Styles South American Styles
Section Five: Latin Jazz Bass Lines
Transcriptions of Recorded Bass Lines
Pedro Perez' bass line on "La Rumba Esta Buena"
Andy Gonzalez' bass line on "Little Sunflower"
Oscar Stagnaro's bass line on "Sin Saber Porque"
Andy Gonzalez' bass line on "Rainsville"
Andy Gonzalez' bass line on "Water Babies"

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EditorsPick: 11/21/04 (Oscar Stagnaro is one of Latin musics most sought after bassists. His new instructional book/CD package focuses on the slap and how it is played in Afro-Cuban music. Recommended.)
Original Price: $19.95
Now: $16.96

The bass is the beating heart of the Afro-Cuban groove. It drives the spirit and energy of this dynamic music-and you can, too, using this methodical approach to Afro-Cuban rhythms, master the slap articulations critical to achieving the right sound and feel, and then use these techniques to create authentic grooves of your own.
Whether you read tablature or tradtitional notation, this book will expand your Afro-Cuban vocabulary, helping you become a more versatile bass player.
Slap bass techniques you will learn include
*Thumb (Slap)
*Dead Note
*Hammer On
*Slide
* Thumb Up
*Pull Off
*Pull-Hammer
*Lift
The included CD features bass-guitar legend Oscar Stagnaro demonstrating each technique. Listen to the full performance tracks, and then hook up with Oscar's band using the play-along tracks.
Contents:
Introduction to Afro-Cuban Styles
Slap Technique
Lessons...
Cha Cha Cha
Son Montuno
Songo
Timba
Afro-Cuban 6/8
Latin Jazz
Latin Jazz in 7
About the Author

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EditorsPick: 10/26/01 (This is one of the clearest, most concise celebrations and explanations of Afro-Latin tropical musical forms. If you are looking for a good starting point to make sense of the infectious rhythms of the Caribbean, look no further. Ms. Steward, one of the UK's most knowledgeable salsiologists, guides us on a colorful tour that outlines the history and lineage of salsa, in both time and geography, in a manner that is fun to read and informative.
Perfect for your reference library. Makes a wonderful gift as well. Highly recommended.
***Note:
The book contains some factual errors that we had hoped would be corrected in a revised edition. This edition is still the original. Therefore we will attempt to create a corrections page to be included in future sales of this book.)
Original Price: $22.95
Now: $19.51

Salsa, the sexy dance music of the Spanish-speaking world, is making its way into the lives of millions around the globe. But the term "salsa" actually describes a multitude of different Latin music styles, including son, guaracha, mambo, rumba, merengue, and Latin jazz. ¡Musica! tells the fascinating story of salsa's origins and charts its journey from Cuba to New York's barrio, Miami Beach, and beyond.
In more than fifty biographies and portraits, ¡Musica! celebrates such Latin music legends as Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, the king and queen of salsa; Ruben Blades, one of the music's great poets; and Gloria Estefan, who brought the Latin sound of Miami into the international pop mainstream. A discography guides you to the hottest recordings by these and other artists. Illustrated with vintage and contemporary photographs, ¡Musica! captures the irresistible appeal of salsa music and the passion of those who create it.
176 Pages with black and white and color photographs

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EditorsPick: 06/30/04 (A groundbreaking account of the history, influence, and importance of Cuban music
"Ned Sublette is widely regarded as one of Cuban music's most knowledgeable and passionate experts. As enthralling as it is comprehensive, his book breathes life and fire into the whole history of Cuban music." -Bonnie Raitt
This entertaining history of Cuba and its music begins with the collision of Spain and Africa and continues through the era of Miguelito Valdés, Arsenio Rodríguez, Benny Moré, and Pérez Prado. It offers a behind-the-scenes examination of music from a Cuban point of view, unearthing surprising, provocative connections and making a case for Cuba as fundamental to the evolution of music in the New World. Revealed are how the music of black slaves transformed 16th-century Europe, how the claves appeared, and how Cuban music influenced ragtime, jazz, and rhythm and blues. Music lovers will follow this journey from Andalucía, the Congo, the Calabar, Dahomey, and Yorubaland via Cuba to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Saint-Domingue, New Orleans, New York, and Miami. The music is placed in a historical context that considers the complexities of the slave trade; Cuba's relationship to the United States; its revolutionary political traditions; the music of Santería, Palo, Abakuá, Vodú, and much more.
Ned Sublette is the cofounder of the Qbadisc record label. He has coproduced the public radio program Afropop Worldwide for seven years and traveled frequently to Cuba since 1990.
Pages: 688
Book Type: Cloth
Size: 6 x 9
ISBN: 1556525168
B&W Photos: 60 )
Original Price: $36.00
Now: $30.60



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EditorsPick: 01/01/07 (Now available in paperback! A groundbreaking account of the history, influence, and importance of Cuban music
"Ned Sublette is widely regarded as one of Cuban music's most knowledgeable and passionate experts. As enthralling as it is comprehensive, his book breathes life and fire into the whole history of Cuban music." -Bonnie Raitt
This entertaining history of Cuba and its music begins with the collision of Spain and Africa and continues through the era of Miguelito Valdés, Arsenio Rodríguez, Benny Moré, and Pérez Prado. It offers a behind-the-scenes examination of music from a Cuban point of view, unearthing surprising, provocative connections and making a case for Cuba as fundamental to the evolution of music in the New World. Revealed are how the music of black slaves transformed 16th-century Europe, how the claves appeared, and how Cuban music influenced ragtime, jazz, and rhythm and blues. Music lovers will follow this journey from Andalucía, the Congo, the Calabar, Dahomey, and Yorubaland via Cuba to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Saint-Domingue, New Orleans, New York, and Miami. The music is placed in a historical context that considers the complexities of the slave trade; Cuba's relationship to the United States; its revolutionary political traditions; the music of Santería, Palo, Abakuá, Vodú, and much more.
Ned Sublette is the cofounder of the Qbadisc record label. He has coproduced the public radio program Afropop Worldwide for seven years and traveled frequently to Cuba since 1990.
Pages: 672
Book Type: Paperback
Size: 6 x 9
B&W Photos: 60 )
Original Price: $19.95
Now: $16.96



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Original Price: $42.95
Now: $36.51

Followers of Danish musician/teacher Birger Sulsbrück (Salsa Na Ma) will be pleased to know that we now carry this in-depth (184 pages) high quality book and 3-cassette package (sold separately) companion to Birger's video. This material, by the way, goes beyond Cuban instruments to include those of Brazil. As you would expect from Mr. Sulsbrück, the different band types and their respective rhythms are clearly explained. Includes photos and text as well as written music. A really nice job. Revised editions.

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EditorsPick: 06/06/07 (Transcriptions of the Oro Seco This 116-page book of transcriptions offers the most detailed and complete documentation of the fundamentals of Matanzas-style drumming ever produced. It was designed to accompany El Lenguaje del Tambor: Bata Rhythms from Matanzas, Cuba, a 2-disc set of instructional DVDs that presents the Oro Seco as played at the Cabildo Santa Teresa in Matanzas, Cuba. The 19 rhythms in this book were transcribed by classically-trained musician Neraldo Duran and internationally-acclaimed percussionist Bill Summers, who has studied with both Esteban "Chacha" Vega Bacallao (who consecrated him to the sacred drums) and Daniel Alfonso, master drummer and the instructor on the DVDs. Michael Spiro, world-renowned Afro Cuban percussionist and teacher and long-time student of Chacha's and Daniel's, reviewed the transcriptions and offered suggestions at every stage of their development. Two of Daniel's other long-time students, Kevin Repp and Vanessa Lindberg, painstakingly reviewed the transcriptions with Daniel and made final corrections.
Each transcription presents, to the greatest extent possible, the rhythm as it is played by Daniel on the DVDs. Explanatory notes identifying the changes in individual rhythms match and amplify the subtitles presented on the discs. See also the complete 2 DVD & book package set. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $39.95
Now: $33.96



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EditorsPick: 10/21/07 (Revised edition. In-depth book on the life and work of legendary salsa singer Héctor Lavoe. With some amazing early photos as well. In Spanish, 350 pages. Hardcover. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $39.98
Now: $33.98

El autor Jaime Torres Torres descubrió la obra de Héctor Lavoe durante su niñez. En su adolescencia, adquirió sus discos y pocos años después se vio inmerso en una investigación sobre la vida y trayectoria musical de El Cantante de los Cantantes.
El libro "Cada Cabeza en un Mundo: La Historia de Héctor Lavoe" es el resultado de una investigación periodística seria, prolongada durante casi quince años.
- ¡El libro que los productores de la película quisieron usar como referencia!
- ¡La historia completa del cantante más transcendental de la salsa!
- Galería fotos inéditas.
- Análisis sociológico de sus soneos.
- Discografía detallada.
- Su Jerga.
- Anecdotario.
- ¡Su Historia verdadera!
- 350 pages, hardcover.

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EditorsPick: 08/09/07 (Back in stock! In-depth book on the life and work of legendary salsa singer Héctor Lavoe. With some amazing early photos as well. In Spanish, 298 pages. Softcover. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $24.98
Now: $21.23

Jaime Torres Torres en un joven periodista puertorriqueño con mas de veinte años en el practica de su profesion. Al momento de la publicacion de la presente obra, se desempeña como reportero del periodico El Nuevo Dia, en el cual escribe desde 1986, especializandose en temas tales como como cultura popular, espectaculos,interes humano y otros.
Graduado con honores de la Escuela de Communicacion Publica de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, Torres Torres ha incursionado con exito en la radio, como procutor y conductor de espacios como "Tropicalisimo" y "Leyenda de nuestra musica", transimitidos por Radio Universidad, "Swing Tropical" por Sensacion 99 y "La Hora del Amor" y "De frente con la Verdad" por WKVM.
Su trabajo de excelencia en los medios ha sido reconocido por el Overseas Press Club, Morality in Media, el Instituto Teleradial de Etica de Puerto Rico, los Premios Paoli, Encuentro, Communidad Inc., Quiujote, Club Civico de Damas de Caguas y la Comision Puertorriqueña de la Juventud, entre otros. Su carrera como escritor apenas comienza, con "Cada Cabeza es un Mundo" y en su agenda tiene obras sobre sus experiencias como seguidor de Cristo asi como otros sobre la Trompeta Nacional de Puerto Rico, Juancito Torres, la historia de la salsa y una novela de un argumento nunca enfocado en la literatura hispanoamericana.

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Original Price: $39.95
Now: $33.96

This is probably the most in-depth instructional book/CD package that focuses exclusively on Afro-Cuban percussion. Background information is provided that details musical developments from the Caribbean, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and New York. All of the percussion instruments and their rhythmic patterns are reviewed and exercises are provided for each. The clave, palitos, bombo, cowbells, conga, bongos, timbales, guiro, maraca, shekere, tambora, etc. are all included. Many, many rhythms, both popular dance structures as well as folkloric and religious rhythms, are covered in detail. Included are the tumbao, son, cha cha, bolero, guajira, pachanga, danzón, mambo, rumba (guaguanco, columbia, yambú), conga y comparsa, Mozambique,pilón, abakuá, bembé, guiro, songo, merengue, bomba, plena, calypso and more. Arrangments, charts, notation, and terminology are here, too. There is a fantastic glossary and a great audio CD included. It also includes rhythm section parts for bass, piano, guitar, horns & strings. 328 pages (plus CD). Recommended.

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Original Price: $24.95
Now: $21.21

This material is a formal organization of musical styles that have survived and progressed from generation to generation through an oral tradition. It is not music that evolved from, or was taught through formal education. This is the study of folklore. Part 1 deals exclusively with the percussion instruments. There is an individual section for each instrument that includes a description of the instrument and its traditional uses, the techniques of playing it and various rhythmic patterns for the more common styles. These include various styles of Samba, Balao, Choro, Frevo, Maracatu, Afoxe and others. Applications of these instruments and rhythms in styles such as jazz and funk area also included. Part II addresses the drum set. Each rhythm is presented separately with some background information preceding the musical examples and exercises. In addition, there are short rhythm section examples included for you to see what the other instruments play in these styles. Book with CD or cassette package.

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EditorsPick: 05/07/03 (Good biography of La Reina, Celia Cruz. 177 Pages, paperback.)
Original Price: $19.98
Now: $16.98

Guillermo Cabrera Infante, en el texto Salsa para una ensalada, una reflexion sobre el Caribe, escribio en 1982; "Valverde es el leviatan que lleva musica adentro, como el ballenato que canto en la opera. Su onda no es solo la de David; son muchas ondas: son las ondas del mar Caribe y ha hecho nacer de entre ellas una Venus negra, una Venus afro, a la que el llama Reina Rumba: a Celia Cruz." En una carta que dirigio el erudito Guillermo Cabrera Infante a Umberto Valverde, fechada el 6 de enero de 1982, que posteriormente se convirtio en el prologo de la segunda y las siguientes ediciones de esta novela, afirmo: "Es un reportaje, una entrevista, una biografia, una autobiografia, una confesion y a la vez un poema. No habia visto nunca antes una aproximacion tan total de la musica cubana - excepto, claro, en ciertos musicos de salsa. Pero no como musica vivida, como literatura. A pesar de mi larga frecuencia con el jazz yo no he podido hacer remotamente siquiera lo que tu has hecho."
177 Pages, paperback.

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Original Price: $29.95
Now: $25.46

The story of La Sonora Matancera, the oldest continually performing musical group in the world, and one of the most beloved. The book contains over two dozen interviews with many of the key figures in the history of the band including Celia Cruz, Mario Bauzá, Daniel Santos, Bobby Capó, Vicentico Valdés and numerous others. With a discography and black and white photographs. In Spanish.

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EditorsPick: 09/17/00 (So you think you're a Van Van fan, eh? Do you have this book/CD package? No? This import is the best Van Van fan-book we've seen, with great vintage photos of Juan Formell and the boys, as well as recent photos of Mr. Formell at home with his family. Very cool. Comes with a best-of Van Van CD compilation. 50 pages, in color. Recommended.)
Original Price: $29.95
Now: $25.46

Album Memoria de la musica cubana, se complace en ofrecer al gran publico de nuestros ritmos, esta Obra Literaria dedicada a JUAN FORMELL y Su ORQUESTA LOS VAN VAN, su propia historia, sus bailables, sus conciertos, y sus sentimientos, que bailados y escuchados, forman nuestra inseparable y alegre naturaleza. Este Album contiene una singularidad que lo hace inigualable, y es que la historia es contada por su propio protagonista, que ahora nos confia testimonios, en muchos casos, nunca antes revelados. Lleno de presentes y recuerdos, vistos a traves de fotos insopechadas, fotografias que quizas siempre imagino y nunca espero ver; unas, pujantes en su actualidad y colorido, otras, vestidas de ese matiz de tiempo, de cuando se origanaron quienes ahora son parte inseparable de la vida cubana y mundial, JUAN FORMELL y su ORQUESTA LOS VAN VAN . Esta es una obra, para quien sienta nuestra musica como suya, para recordar y volver a vivir, bailando o escuchando, nuestros sentimientos de ahora y siempre. En esta edicion se incluye un POSTER de Juan Formell y un DISCO COMPACTO promocional titulado "ALBUM MEMORIA"; una recopilacion excelente de 12 de sus memorables canciones: las mas bailables, y sus estribillos mas pagados.

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EditorsPick: 04/30/01 (This gorgeous 2-CD set, with its impeccably printed 91 page book, is one of the most lavishly produced packages we have seen. This is a wonderful primer for understanding the traditional Cuban son, bolero, and guaracha. Highly recommended. )
Original Price: $27.98
Now: $23.78

Vieja Trova Santiaguera is one of the most successful traditional Cuban music groups. Its producer, Manuel Dominguez, tells of the creation of the veteran quintet's first recordings in Cuba in 1993 from his perspective, and of the first concerts in Europe up to the last works with the original members. The musicians also speak proudly and humorously of their "dual life" of craftsman and musicians. The fully illustrated 90-page book is accompanied by two CDs. On the first CD, the combo has collected the most popular sons, boleros and guarachas. The other CD contains partly unreleased recordings, demos and concert excerps.

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EditorsPick: 12/29/04 (A very insightful compendium of essays and interviews about the cultural impact of salsa, and the marketing of its virtues. "With contributions from a dozen leading scholars, experts, and musicians, including a piece by revered salsa composer Tite Curet Alonso, this book traces the myriad ways in which salsa music has moved beyond its Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican roots to become an international musical commodity." From the liners. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $30.95
Now: $26.31

This collection represents the first comprehensive consideration of salsa music and its social impact from a transnational perspective. Consisting of 13 essays, this volume explores the diffusion of this popular sound from its Hispanic Caribbean origins to audiences around the world. With contributions from a dozen leading scholars, experts, and musicians, including a piece by revered salsa composer Tite Curet Alonso, this book traces the myriad ways in which salsa music has moved beyond its Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican roots to become an international musical commodity. SITUATING SALSA will prove to be the definitive guide for students, scholars, and anyone who would understand salsa's global impact.
Contributors: Catalino "Tite" Curet Alonso, Frances R. Aparacio, Medardo Arias Satizabal, Marisol Berrios-Miranda, Juan Flores, Shuhei Hosakawa, Steven Loza, Robin Moore, Patria Romain-Velazquez, Wilson A. Valentin Escobar, Christopher Washburne, Lise Waxer. The late Lise Waxer was Assistant Professor of Music at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. She has wrote extensively on salsa music, its roots, and its international diffusion. She also wrote 'The City of Musical Memory', a social history of salsa in Cali, Colombia. 335 pages. Softcover.

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EditorsPick: 04/11/05 (Here's a fun concept: It's a compilation of some of the most memorable Latin music album cover art of the past 50 years in a comfortable 8"x8" book format. Broken up into genres like Mambo, Cubop, Salsa, Latin Soul/Boogaloo, Brazilian etc., this well thought out project by Pablo Yglesias features genre overviews that places the album art of each section into an historic and musical context. There's also a well-done foreword written by veteran album cover artist Izzy Sanabria. He's best known for his designs of the Fania covers of the '70s.
The books features covers of albums by Tito Puente, Beny Moré, Joe Cuba, Alegre All Stars, George Shearing, Patato, Larry Harlow, Joe Bataan, Héctor Lavoe, Ruben Blades, Eddie Pamieri and Los Van Van - to name but a few.
Good for your own collection, but would make a great gift as well. Highly Recommended.)
Original Price: $19.95
Now: $16.96

From the foreword by Izzy Sanabria: At a time when CD covers are being produced on computer, the handwork crafted for Latin music lovers of the 1960s and 1970s is now rightfully considered and recognized as an art form, or at least as "Latino Pop Art." For early LP designers like Ely Besalel, Abel Navarro, Walter Velez, and myself, it is a matter of great pride to have our work reproduced in a book, and to be applauded for our endeavors in giving Latin music its visual identity. It is especially gratifying that the recognition comes from a fellow Latino artist of a younger generation.
Setting aside the personal glory now being bestowed upon us in our golden years, there is a much greater significance to this book. For the first time the commercial art created for Latin music is being documented for its visual as well as sociological contribution to our music and culture. Pablo covers a lot of ground in this book both before and after my heyday, as well as the work of Brazilian artists. Just as the great works of art reflect social, religious, and political views at different periods of history, these covers reflect fifty years of Latin cultural history through the lens of our music. The covers created in New York during the 1960s and 1970s, for example, helped define Nuyorican culture before it came to the attention of television, film and print media. This book should not only be pleasing to the eye, but provoke questions about the nature of Latin culture and identity. Through it, future generations of artists will have an opportunity to appreciate, learn from, and perhaps even be influenced by our craftsmanship and creativity.
207 Pages, in color. Softcover.

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Original Price: $17.95
Now: $15.26

This book is a guide to some of the techniques needed for "Getting Into Latin Guitar." There are 5 independent sections:
1. References and definitions of terms
2. Exercises and/or pieces which demonstrate various guitar techniques.
3. Examples of common Rasgueado patterns.
4. "Riverboat Suite" - studies for developing rhythmic ability and appreciation.
5. Pieces in a variety of different Latin styles.
The CD, used in conjunction with the written notation and tablature, gives a clear idea of what is required for players and teachers of all levels. It is assumed that the reader is familiar with guitar and music notation, but glossaries of terms are included for reference.

Includes audio CD 96 pages

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EditorsPick: 11/30/05 (Ten jazzy Bossa Nova songs for B, E, and C instruments.)
Original Price: $14.95
Now: $12.71



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EditorsPick: 04/30/01 (What a fantastic collection of Puerto Rican musical gems this is. Besides the wonderful selections on the four CDs (100 songs!), there is a 191 page book (in Spanish) with detailed biographic information on important artists and lyrics to their songs. A collectors delight.
Recommended.)
Original Price: $69.96
Now: $59.47



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EditorsPick: 06/20/03 (Percussion instructional book and 2-CD set.)
Original Price: $24.95
Now: $21.21

Written by Kim Plainfield, Frank Katz, Adriano Santos, Chris Lacinek, Maciek Schejbal and Memo Acevedo.
This book is about the wonderfully rich music which is derived from the fusion of the cultures of West Africa, Europe, and the indigenous Indian cultures of the Caribbean region. Most of the rhythms presented here have evolved from their original multiple percussion origins, and have been applied to the drumset, while others were created specifically for the drumset. As a whole, the material in this book represents years of work on the part of many talented Collective faculty members, who have had the experience of teaching these styles to literally thousands of young drummers over the last twenty-five years.
Each style contains:
-Historical references and background
-Useful information and explanations about the style and the sub-styles
-Notated musical examples of the style for percussion and drumset
-Detailed points about "feel"
-Important performance tips
-Extensive discographies and bibliographies
-The biography of the faculty member teaching the style
Two CDs with over 140 minutes of demos and playalongs!


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Original Price: $16.95
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Original Price: $12.95
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The JAZZ PLAY ALONG SERIES is the ultimate learning tool for all jazz musicians. With musician-friendly lead sheets, melody cues and other split track choices on the included CD, this first-of-its-kind package makes learning to play jazz easier than ever before. For Study, each tune includes a split track with: *Melody cue with proper style and inflection *Professional rhythm tracks *Choruses for soloinjg *Removable bass part For Performance, each tune also has: *An additonal full stereo accompaniment track (no melody) *Additional choruses for soloing

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Original Price: $19.95
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One dozen popular and jazz standards done in the Latin jazz style. The Latin influence has been a part of the jazz scene since its earliest days. Working with this recording should give musician's a better feel for the idiom and provide ideas for adding variety to standard arrangements.

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EditorsPick: 02/24/00 (A wonderful play-along for musicians of all levels. Very authentic rhythm structures and styles including Guaracha, Bomba, Songo, Cha Cha Chá, Afro-Cuban 6/8 and Timba-Funk. Top musicians participated in the making of this play-along, making this a very important study tool.)
Original Price: $18.00
Now: $15.30

Over 70 minutes of smokin' Latin grooves! Stereo seperation so bass or piano can be eliminated. Practice with the masters! This CD and book packages demonstrates the delicate balance which exists in Afro-Caribbean music between stability and variation, so that any intrumentalist (or even vocalist) could not only play along, but feel free to improvise. As you listen, imagine the possibilities: add a melody, a coro or a moña, or get up and dance! Complete with a mini-glossary of terms. Bi-lingual book is 50 pages.

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Original Price: $14.95
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Piano solo song-book. 87 Pages.

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This 50 page book comes with either a CD or cassette that has the rhythm section accompaniment to the 13 written tunes from the book. Very well done. Complete with chord/scale progressions and tuning notes.

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Original Price: $14.98
Now: $12.73

Bachata - La version de blues de la Republica Dominicana, la bachata se convirtio en la decada del 30 en un genero de ritmo cauteloso sazondado con un poderoso rentintin de guitarras. Los cantantes de bachata cantan tipicamente en un tono muy alto acerca de situaciones melancolicas y romanticas. Dos excepciones optimistas a la bachata son Juan Luis Guerra y Victor Victor, cada uno de ellos echo sus parabolas musicales en luces mas esperanzadas.

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Original Price: $14.95
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Cumbia - An immensely popular idiom that took root in Colombia in the 17th Century, Cumbia has spread to Mexico and the Southwestern U.S. Cumbia is derived from flute and clarinet-like instrumentation of Colombia's Indians, syncopated African cadences and percussion, and Spanish verse. But unlike Mexican-influenced Cumbia, which is played at a reggae-style pace, Colombian Cumbia often reveals a quicker tempo, robust clarinet lines, and puncy brass interludes.

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Pura Salsa: 25 Exitos. For Piano, Canto, Guitarra

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Vallenato - Dismissed as rural music of unsophisticates for most of its 100-plus years of existence, Vallenato is now known throughout much of latin America because its robust, accordion-powered sound has been melded with salsa, merengue, pop and rock grooves. Also featured with the accordion is a small drum called a caja, a scraper made of bamboo called a guarachaca, and the flute- like gaita.

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