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Search Results for: Trumpet and Percussion

Vicente “Little Johnny” Rivero Conguero, Percussionist, Producer, Composer and Band Leader

“Tell me your name in leather, Little Johnny, Little Johnny” Hard Strike.

Conguero, percussionist, producer, composer, and conductor, Little Johnny Rivero has performed throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific.

Born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, Rivero was attracted to Latin jazz and the sounds and rhythms of the New York area rumberos as a child.

At age 10, Johnny began practicing percussion and joined his school band.

Conguero, percussionist, producer, composer and bandleader, Little Johnny Rivero has performed throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the South Pacific.
“Tell me your name in leather, Little Johnny, Little Johnny.”

Shortly thereafter, he took dance lessons, which eventually led him to stage performances with the bands of the time at such famous venues as the Manhattan Center, Colgate Garden, Copacabana, and the Palladium.

At age 14, Rivero joined Orquesta Colón, the youngest Latin band in New York City, and recorded two albums with them.

Shortly thereafter, he took dance classes, which eventually led him to perform on stage with the bands of the time in such famous venues as the Manhattan Center, Colgate Garden, Copacabana, and the Palladium.

In 1973, Rivero moved to Puerto Rico with his parents and joined Sonora Ponceña in 1974.

After playing bongos with them for a year and a half, he switched to congas, which rekindled the love he had for the instrument as a child.

Rivero attributes the rhythms and professional direction he learned from Quique Lucca and his son, Papo Lucca, as qualities that have made him what he is today.

During the 16 years that Rivero played with La Sonora Ponceña, he traveled all over the world and made 18 highly respected albums with them.

Rivero has recorded with producers such as Eddie Palmieri, Brian Lynch, and Dr. Lonnie Smith.

In May 1997, Rivero shared the stage with his inspiration and idol, José Mangual. Rivero’s credits also include work with Charlie Palmieri, Dave Valentín, Rubén Blades, Cheo Feliciano, Andy Montanez, Ismael Miranda, Celia Cruz, Giovanni Hidalgo, Ray Barretto, Patato Valdez, Changito, Tata Guines, John Santos, Sergio George, Bebo Valdes, Paquito D’Rivera, Tito Puente, and many other artists.

Rivero’s first solo effort, “Pasos Gigantes,” was well-received by critics and music fans.

He wrote and produced all the songs on that CD, showing off his skills as an arranger and musician.

He is currently working on his next CD, “Music in Me”, his first Latin Jazz album, which will include musicians, Brian Lynch on trumpet, Zaccai Curtis on piano and keyboards, Luques Curtis on bass, Louis Founche on saxophone, Andrei Matorin on violin, Ludwig Alfonso on drums, and Anthony Carrillo on bongo and bata drums.

Currently, Rivero is traveling internationally with Grammy Award winner Eddie Palmieri.

He also continues to record in-studio sessions and perform with many of the most respected acts in Latin music, including his own band.

Percussionist Johnny Rivero presents the album "Golpe Duro", with his band El Cartel de Nueva York.
Percussionist Johnny Rivero presents the album “Golpe Duro”, with his band El Cartel de Nueva York.

Legendary conguero, percussionist, producer, composer and bandleader Little Johnny Rivero is proud to present his latest album, Golpe Duro, with Anthony Almonte.

From New York and after moving to Puerto Rico, he spent sixteen years with the Sonora Ponceña band and recorded eighteen highly respected albums.

He has played with many of the biggest and most respected names in Latin music, including nine-time Grammy Award winner Eddie Palmieri.

During that same time, Little Johnny formed his salsa band and his Latin jazz band and continued to teach percussion at Kennedy High School in the Bronx, NY. It was there that Anthony Almonte, a high school student at the time, would become one of his music students.

Little Johnny has always had a passion for writing music and over the course of four years since his last album, he was inspired to write once again. He set out to create a danceable album that would highlight the roots of Son Montuno, Guaracha Mambo, and Latin jazz.

The only thing missing was a singer. In a rehearsal, his friend and colleague Jeffery Lopez mentioned that there was a talented “new guy” on the block. He came down, and here he was, Anthony Almonte from Kennedy HS. As they say “the rest is history” and the result of their collaboration is Little Johnny’s latest album, Golpe Duro.

Website: Little Johnny Rivero

Article of Interest: Eddie Palmieri: A Memorable Career

Daniel Peña Grammy Winner 2012 and his new album entitled “Traigo Melao”.

 “Traigo Melao” his third and most recent production

The 2012 Grammy® winner and Dominican Percussionist based in Miami, Daniel Peña brings back a dream team for his new album titled “Traigo Melao” in a remastered and limited edition production available today on all digital platforms.

Daniel Peña “Traigo Melao”
The Grammy® winner in 2012

It is an album that contains 9 songs, it is very special for me, not only because of the musicians and singers that accompany me, but also because it includes important songs in my life such as ‘Lirio de los Lirios’ where there is a version played by my dad on acoustic accordion, remembering my childhood when he played it for me and my brothers, but there is also another version of this same song played by Bobby Cruz as a tribute to my father” expressed emotionally Daniel Peña who presents his third studio production.

This album was masterfully interpreted by artists Ismael Miranda, Meñique, Raulin Rosendo, Hector “Pichie” Perez, Odilio Gonzalez, Paquito Guzman, Bobby Cruz, José Alberto El Canario.

Ismael Miranda y Daniel Peña
Ismael Miranda y Daniel Peña

Among the top musicians that “Traigo Melao” includes along with its producer and percussionist Daniel Peña, Charlie “Bongo” Santiago, Charlie Sierra, Eddie Montalvo, Sammy García, Tito de Gracia, William “Kachiro” Thompson, Gamalier Reyes, José Madera, John “Dandy” Rodriguez Jr. and Juan Pablo Romero on percussion, while David Irrizary, Diego Giraldo, José Manuel Gutierrez, Johnny Silva, Gamalier Reyes, Jesús “Gumby” Navedo, León Cheva, José Arroyo, Paquito Gúzman and Cheito Quiñonez on backing vocals.

On piano were Gilberto “El Pulpo” Colón, Ricky González, Luis Marin, Óscar Hernández, Richie Ray, Andy Guzman, Carlos Infante and Antulio Mora, while on trumpets were Julián Cifuentes, Carlos De León, Dante Vargas, Ivan Alejandro Odio, Luis “Papo” Marquez and on trombones were Reynaldo Jorge, Daniel López, Alexander Zapata and José Berrios.

Also playing bass on the songs were the talented Salvador Cuevas, Maximo Rodriguez, Luis Rodriguez, Ramses Colon, Pedrito Pérez, Sergio Munera, José R. Santiago and José Velázquez.

First Class Percussionists Jimmie Morales (R.I.P), Richie Bastar and Daniel Peña
Jimmie Morales (R.I.P), Richie Bastar y Daniel Peña

The album featured mixing and mastering by Victor “Sonny” Hernandez, acoustic guitar by Rigo Irizarry, violins and string arrangement by Gerardo Aguillon, tres by Nelson Gonzalez, accordion by Maricarmen Vazquez and saxophones by Jose Heredia, Luis Disla and Ismael Vergara.

Daniel Peña is a Dominican producer and percussionist who began his musical career at an early age. During the course of his career he has had the opportunity to record with countless renowned singers and musicians such as: Ismael Miranda, Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Paquito Guzman, Tito Allen, Larry Harlow, Nicky Marrero, Oscar Hernandez, Willy Rosario among others.

In 2014 he presented his first album titled “Eleven” and in 2017 his second musical project titled “Sancocho” with which he obtained great reviews from the music industry for its quality and high care…

Daniel Peña
in 2017 his second musical project titled “Sancocho”

He was a 2012 Grammy® winner and is part of the Remo family featuring his custom congas courtesy of Remo. He is also endorsed by Vic Firth, Soultone Cymbals and Jorg Gray.

Source:

WebSite: Daniel Peña

Official Release https://www.notaoficial.com/s/2021/06/08/daniel-pena-presenta-traigo-melao/

Daniel Peña y El Rey del Bajo Bobby Valentin
Daniel Peña y El Rey del Bajo Bobby Valentin

By: Diana Marie Miami Correspondent for International Salsa Magazine.

Article of Interest: Roniel Alfonso Mella Music Producer, Orchestrator, Composer and Instrumentalist

Salsa Superior
Salsa Superior Award
Diana Marie
Lady of Salsa 2021

International Salsa Magazine

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Alicia Muñoz, composer and vocalist extraordinaire from the island of Encanto

Greetings, consistent salsomanos and regular readers of International Salsa Magazine / www.salsagoogle.com, for us it is an honor to be with you again and on this occasion a pleasure to introduce you to an extraordinary composer and vocalist from the island of Borinquen, Alicia Muñoz.

Welcome, Alicia to International Salsa Magazine / www.SalsaGoogle.com, where we are constantly projecting and promoting the artists that stand out in our Latin music and we would like to share and learn more about your career and projects.

composer and vocalist extraordinaire from the island of Borinquén, Alicia Muñoz.
Alicia Muñoz Composer and vocalist from the Isle of Enchantment.

Thank you very much Carlos, for giving me this wonderful opportunity to be present in this media, where great exponents of salsa have interacted with special affection and shared their experiences.

Alicia, previously you told us that you were born in the town of San Sebastián de las Vegas del Pepino, in Puerto Rico, a region of great art on the island of enchantment?

Indeed, Prof. Carlos, I was born in that wonderful place, famous for its handicrafts, its Maguey hammocks and also recognized for being the birthplace of artists such as Sophy Hernandez, Alfonso Velez, Nito Mendez, as well as the composer Angel Mislan.

Amiga Alicia, we would like to know about your beginnings in music and when you started to develop your artistic career, and why your inclination for the musical genre of salsa?

In 2013, specifically on April 8, I debuted my album "Sin dudas" at the Luis Aymat Cardona Coliseum in the event "Jugando con las estrellas", along with renowned artists, among them: Michael Stuart, Abraham Velasquez, Bangi (Grupo Mania) and Boxing champion Tito Trinidad.
Alicia Muñoz Composer and vocalist from the Isle of Enchantment.

Wuaoo! of course, well professor, let me tell you that at the age of 4 years, my teacher, knowing the initial talent I had for singing, accompanied me and looked for places for me to sing, such as patron saint festivals, family events, and festivals, such as the now-defunct festival of San Sebastian, I had a great satisfaction thanks to God almighty, to win many awards for my voice, even as a little girl and I got to sing with the traditional group “Estampas Pepinianas”; but always salsa, as a good Puerto Rican I carry it in my veins.

Interesting start, and could you tell us when you begin to venture into the professional field and especially your first recordings?

Well, in 2013, specifically on April 8, I debuted with my album “Sin Dudas” in the coliseum Luis Aymat Cardona in the event “Jugando con las Estrellas”, along with renowned artists, including Michael Stuart, Abraham Velasquez, Bangi (Grupo Mania) and Boxing champion Tito Trinidad; there in that show I was cheered by the sovereign and with good praise for my musical work, let me tell you Carlos that my first musical production entitled “Alicia 2004”, had a very good acceptance Connecticut and then in Springfield Massachusetts. Later in 2009, I recorded my second production, which for personal reasons I did not release, but it sounded and sounds in radio stations and dance clubs; and among these songs are: “Que lloren” by Yvy Queen, “Bandido” by Ana Barbara, “Todos me Miran” by Gloria Trevi, “Báilalo, Báilalo” of my authorship, “Condenada a Tu Amor”, “Perdida a tu Amor” and “Cuéntale”. All of them were played on radio stations in Colombia, Uruguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, France, Spain, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Ah! Friend Carlos, let me tell you that on February 14, 2015, a compilation of my previous musical productions was released, entitled “Que me pasa”.

Excellent Alicia, And as for these last 5 years, you have made recordings for the salsa and dancing public?

in 2018, I presented the singles: "Fácil" and "Pido Señor"; in 2019 "Cruzando Fronteras" and in 2020, "Salsa para el Cielo".
Blessings to all, I love you all very much, your friend, Alicia Muñoz

Indeed, in 2017, I released my single “Te Pido Señor”, which quickly climbed to the top of the Hit Parade of Latin music, then in 2018, I presented the singles: “Fácil” and te “Pido Señor”; in 2019 “Cruzando Fronteras” and in 2020, “Salsa para el Cielo”.

We understand Alicia, that a few days ago, you released your first single “Mi Lugar”, where you manage to mix the freshness of your angelic voice with the swing and flavor of good salsa for music lovers and dancers, tell us about it:

Very well, friends International Salsa Magazine / www.SalsaGoogle.com, and thanks to you, professor Carlos Colmenárez, I want to present you, my new song “Mi Lugar”, which is a composition by Jorge del Valle, arrangements and musical direction by Víctor Gámez, mixed and mastered under the hands of Jose Guerrero from Josmastering Studios Venezuela and with the masterful instrumentation of different musicians such as Luis Ruiz on trumpets, Johan Escalante on trombones, Euro Zambrano on percussion, Victor Gamez on piano, Chelo Bolivar on bass and Venezuelan Marcial Isturiz, on backing vocals; by the way, this work was recorded at A & R Recording Studio, M.A; so I hope it is to your liking and you can enjoy it on digital platforms.

And finally, friend Alicia, we want to wish you the best of success in your excellent and ascending artistic career and to our readers, we recommend you to follow your songs, which are full of message and Latin flavor. From Venezuela and all over the world we send you our sincere congratulations for your perseverance, professionalism, and interpretative quality; you are a pride of Puerto Rico…

Very grateful for those words, Carlos, and a big kiss to all those readers International Salsa Magazine / www.SalsaGoogle.com, which, I will carry in my heart through my melodies that with much affection I bring to enhance our Latin music; for bookings and contact you can do it through my representative Alicia Muñoz from New York City, at + 1 (203) 632-7427.

Blessings to all, I love you all very much, your friend, Alicia Muñoz.

Article of Interest: Gerson Aranda “La Tabla de Caracas”

By: Carlos Colmenárez Correspondent in Venezuela

International Salsa Magazine

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From Aruba and for the World Anoushca Jeandor Noush and Robert Jeandor

It is for me more than a pleasure and great honor to make this release of this song “Me Muero” taken to the rhythm of Merengue. Originally from the 5th Station.

Noush was born in Aruba as Anoushca Jeandor.

Being daughter of the International singer musician Robert Jeandor, she was raised in a musical environment, during her early years she started singing in a choir until beyond her teenage years, after that she was given the opportunity to perform in a local casino as a singer.

She became more popular when she won one of the biggest Carnival Music Contest, which made her the first female overall winner. She has also performed in the Netherlands and Miami.

What started as a hobby, turned into a passion, and is nowadays her living, singing different genres as R&B, Reggae, House and Latin.

From Aruba Anoushca Jeandor Noush
From Aruba Anoushca Jeandor Noush

I thank Jaime Querol, producer/arranger for his excellent musical work. Thanks to you from SalsaGoogle.com (ISM) for this opportunity.

And there will be many more.

I am a singer since my childhood. I come from a musical family. My dad’s name is Robert Jeandor.

My father worked with great musicians, he was invited by Johnny Ventura to go to the Dominican Republic to live, where he worked daily with hundreds of renowned musicians such as Juan Luis Guerra, Wilfrido Vargaz, Alex Bueno, Manuel Tejada, Jaime Querol, Ramon Orlando and many more.

I am a singer by profession, I have several productions of my own in different genres.

Today I launch myself with a musical theme that thanks to Mr. Jaime Querol for his invitation to make an international production withmy father.

Noush was born in Aruba as Anoushca Jeandor
Noush was born in Aruba as Anoushca Jeandor

This beautiful song in merengue version is for you and I hope that this to your liking Thank you very much and God bless you all.

Follow me:

https://linktr.ee/noushmusicaruba

Robert Jeandor and his Solo Banda Show

A live music band from Aruba founded by the famous Aruban musician Robert Jeandor. Known for playing different genres of music, but mostly Latin music.

Without a doubt, maestro Robert Jeand’or is the most Dominican Aruban we have ever known.

Since he settled in the Dominican Republic, where he arrived thanks to the efforts of a giant of merengue, Johnny Ventura, this singer, musician, arranger, composer, music producer and orchestra leader only made contributions to the rhythm commanded by the güira and the tambora and the one that best identifies the idiosyncrasy of the Dominicans.

Without a doubt, maestro Robert Jeand'or is the most Dominican Aruban we have ever known. Since he settled in the Dominican Republic, where he arrived thanks to the efforts of a giant of merengue, Johnny Ventura, this singer, musician, arranger, composer, music producer and orchestra leader only made contributions to the rhythm commanded by the güira and the tambora and the one that best identifies the idiosyncrasy of the Dominicans
Robert Jeandor and his Solo Band Show

Always gentle, humble and with a soul devoid of pettiness, this gentlemanly artist put his talent at the service of merengue and, therefore, of all the gear that drives it.

Robert Hubert JeanD’or Bermudez was born on May 10, 1954, in Aruba, a territory that until 1986 was part of the Netherlands Antilles and today is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He was the son of Francisco Reinier JeanD’or from Curazaleño and Cecilia Bermudez from Aruba, who worked in the Aruban aqueduct and hospital, respectively. Don Francisco died in 1972 and Doña Cecilia in 2005.

Notice that I have written JeanD’or and not Jeand’or, because the first is the correct surname of this family, but for artistic management purposes Robert was given Jeand’or. And lucky he was that they did not remove the apostrophe and left it only as Jeandor!

His inclination for music came from his father, who guided him when Robert took his first steps in musical studies.

“My dad was my first music teacher: he wrote down for me all the chords in a notebook and there, when I was barely six years old, I started learning to play the Venezuelan cuatro and, after some time, the guitar,” he recalled.

But it was not only in Robert’s veins that musical talent ran, but also in his siblings Francisco (Frank), who played guitar and mandolin, Marlene and Percey were equally talented guitarists, Robertina and John sang, Ismael was a trumpet player and Michael was a percussionist. Several of Robert’s siblings are now deceased: Ismael and Sofia (2010), Frank (2013) and John (2014).

In the neighborhood where he was born, called Madiki, he could very often see his brothers playing almost every night, together, as a family, with his dad leading, and so he was caught by the desire to join the family clan as a musician and that led him soon after to play the guitar.

“One night my brother Frank came home and told me that there was an aguinaldo group that needed a cuatrista to reinforce. The group was called Las Blancas Palomitas and was led by Severiano Luidens, with his relatives Evelien and Jossy Luidens also standing out,” recounted Robert Jeand’or, who was only eight years old at the time and, bursting into laughter, added that the only negrito was him.

He told that his relationship with the bass happened in a fortuitous way, because during a presentation of the group the bass player did not show up, due to lack of transportation, and then Robert, being a child of about nine or ten years old, assumed to play the powerful string instrument and solved the problem generated by the absence of the titular instrumentalist.

“I grabbed the bass, without ever having played it before and as the strings are tuned in the same order as the guitar, I said I was going to play it and so I played that night and that’s how I started to play it and to this day it is my greatest pleasure,” he recalled.

The lanky artist said that he entered a music academy to study bass and singing, being instructed in both subjects by the now extinct Aruban professor Rufo Odor and in harmony with the also deceased Argentinean professor Eddy Bennet.

In his youth and as a cuatro player and singer, he briefly played with pianist Albert Dieffenthaler, with whom he performed in several television programs, hotels and bars.

In the early 70’s, he joined Los Juveniles, which was the first orchestra where he participated as bassist, singer, composer and arranger. With this group, with which he became famous in his native land, he won in three consecutive years (from 1976 to 1978) the Tumba award, an annual celebration that is part of the carnivals of Aruba. Incidentally, Jeand’or would later win this award again two years in a row (1990 and 1991).

In 1978 Robert Jeand’or was crowned King of Tumba, after performing the song “Bolombonchi”, authored by Vicente Kelly, Victor Oduber and Jeand’or himself, which was later recorded by popular Colombian artist Joe Arroyo, who died in 2016. That impactful performance was seen by Johnny Ventura, who also performed there with his orchestra and El Caballo Mayor approached the Aruban singer to see if he would be interested in trying his luck abroad.

While that experience unfolded, Jeand’or did not stop his desire to add to his musical knowledge and expand the knowledge he already possessed in harmony and composition.

His inclination for music came from his father, who guided him when Robert took his first steps in musical studies.
Without a doubt, maestro Robert Jeand’or is the most Dominican Aruban we have ever known.

In the first five years of the 70’s, he released his first recording, composed and arranged by the artist himself: “Ta di nos e ta”, a phrase that translated into Spanish means “It’s ours”.

During 1979 he released with his orchestra La Nueva Fuerza the musical production entitled Rey Di Tumba 1976-77-78, recorded in his native island and with the support of Aruba Recording Studio, where he experimented with Latin, folk and country genres, giving us songs such as “Ban bonse”, “Ata mi cos”, “Manera un wiei”, “Slip’e”, “Bolombonchi”, “Pusha bai aden”, “M’y yega”, and “Canta cu mi awor”.

Many people don’t know that Robert Jeand’or was just a few minutes away from joining the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, after the departure of Andy Montañez. Jeand’or took the stage with La Universidad de la Salsa, during a presentation at the Caiquetio club, and performed “El barbero loco”, “Las hojas blancas”, “Pin pin pin” and other songs that Montañez vocalized. His voice impressed Don Rafael Ithier and the staff of the famous group. After Montañez moved on to La Dimensión Latina, Ventura called maestro Ithier and recommended Jeand’or to fill the position of El Niño de Tras Talleres, to which Ithier replied that yes, he knew him, but he had already recruited Jerry Rivas. It is said that there was also a delay with the American visa.

It was not long before Jeand’or became part of La Dimensión Latina, because both when Oscar de León left this orchestra and when Andy Montañez also left, the name of the Arubeño was mentioned to join this Venezuelan group. In fact, they went to look for him where he worked, but he was already in Santo Domingo with Los Hijos del Rey.

Likewise, during a visit of Larry Harlow to the island of Aruba, El Judío Maravilloso saw Jeand’or singing and told Vicente Kelly, recently deceased this year (2020) and compadre of the popular singer, bassist and arranger, that he would take the Aruban singer to New York, because he needed someone to fill the void left in his orchestra by Junior González (who died on May 10, 2012) and Kelly responded positively, but that promise was never fulfilled.

In the midst of all that, the Aruban artist opted to join the Los Hijos del Rey orchestra in 1979 and settle in Santo Domingo.

Robert Hubert JeanD'or Bermudez was born on May 10, 1954.
Robert Hubert JeanD’or Bermudez was born on May 10, 1954.

“It was Johnny Ventura who talked to me so that I could travel to the Dominican Republic as a musician, and getting there was a great experience. Once in the Dominican capital, the first recording I made was for a commercial and the person who called me for that job was a very respected musician, his name is Jorge Taveras,” he said.

With Los Hijos del Rey, an orchestra then led by maestro Dioni Fernández, he recorded merengues such as the emblematic “Yo me dominicanizo”, by the prolific Puerto Rican composer Catalino Curet Alonso, affectionately known as Tite, “La pilandera” and “La vacuna”, by Porfirio Ruiz, among others, as well as the salsas “El viento”, by Joe Nicolás, and the successful “Puchula”, by Ramoncito Díaz.

While he was performing in Puerto Rico with Los Hijos del Rey, an orchestra that was in conflict with another faction for the use of the name, Jeand’or, who in the middle of that was in a kind of limbo, received a call from composer Curet Alonso (died in 2003), who mediated for him to sing with Roberto Roena & Apollo Sound, and the artist told him that he would think about it because he had to talk first with Ventura, who has always been his advisor.

Another situation that put Jeand’or on the verge of joining a salsa orchestra: in the middle of a tour in Puerto Rico, trumpeter Nelson García, of Los Hijos del Rey, talked to maestro Bobby Valentín to include the arubeño in his orchestra and the Puerto Rican star liked the singer’s voice very much, but then he had Cano Estremera as his star sonero and everything came to nothing.

Source:

Facebook: RobertJeandor

Diario Digital Dominicano

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Learn to play the percussion with Giovanni “Meñenguito” Hidalgo

A video tutorial by musicians for musicians

Virtuous percussionist, Giovanni “Meñenguito” Hidalgo, proves his talent in the video tutorial entitled Conga Virtuoso. In this masterclass, you will learn about rhythm, technique and improvisation to develop your percussive talents.

Throughout this video, you will observe the legendary Maestro Hidalgo accompanied by Changuito, Ignacio Berroa, Ray Romero, Eric Figueroa, John Benitez, Danilo Perez and David Sanchez issuing instructions in both languages (English and Spanish).

Also, you will be able to recognize the Tumbadora as a non-handed percussion instrument, that is to say, you will learn to play the tumbadora like a right-handed musician even as a lefty and the Maestro Hidalgo with more than three decades of experience teaches you that.

The legendary and multi-talented Puerto Rican musician, Giovanni Hidalgo, a outstanding percussionist, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on November 22, 1963.

Today he is known as one of the best congueros of his generation in the world.

Giovanni “Meñenguito” Hidalgo
The virtuoso percussionist, Giovanni “Meñenguito” Hidalgo, demonstrates his talent in the Conga Virtuoso video tutorial.

And quite possibly one of the fastest of all known congueros. Through International Salsa Magazine, I introduce a tutorial method where Maestro Hidalgo gives a master class on rhythms, technique and improvisation; Method that, by the way, you can get in full on the YouTube channel entitled: “Conga Virtuoso”; which is bilingual in English and Spanish and is distributed by Warner Bros. Publications; it is notable that, in the tutorial, Giovanni Hidalgo is left-handed and the examples are written for people who use the right hand.

The tumbadoras as protagonists

Examples of three tumbadoras, including the position of the drums can be played the same way, even if one is right-handed.

Evolution of the tumbao: Around 1940, the bandleader Arsenio Rodriguez began to incorporate a tumbadora (conga), a bongo, a bell, two trumpets, a piano, and a tres (derived from Spanish guitar, but with three double strings and triple voices three).

In the late 1940s, Frank “Machito” Grillo also added the tumbadora to the Afro Cubanos Orchestra, thus achieving the percussion section composed of bongos, tumbadora, and timbales. At that time, the “conguero” performed with a single drum.

Different sounds were produced by dry beats, muffled beats (mute), open tones and deep tone (created with the palm of your hand).

Giovanni Hidalgo explains all these sounds in this YouTube video “Conga Virtuoso”. As Giovanni says, the traditional way of playing only with a tumbadora comes from 40s.

Although he begins almost all examples in lifting (with upbeats) on beat 4, the beginner should know that he starts on beat 1 in most musical situations, without lifting.

Another factor to remember is to use an open tone at the beginning of the first bar, as Giovanni demonstrated by Giovanni.

This initial open tone helps to “anchor” and synchronize the rhythm section in the first measure.

And quite possibly one of the fastest of all known and through International Salsa Magazine, I present, specifically, the introduction of a tutorial method, where the Maestro Hidalgo
Giovanni “Meñenguito” Hidalgo is known today as one of the best congueros of his generation.

This initial open tone helps to “anchor” and synchronize the rhythm section in the first bar.

It is eliminated by repeating the pattern and replaced by a left clap (P). Caption: O = open tone. P = with the palm of your hand, which is similar to the bass sound. B = deep sound (with the palm of your hand). S = dry. T = with the tip of your fingers. M = “muffled” note. It is accomplished by pressing the leather down with the same hand (cover). Two tumbadoras: the first step in the evolution of the tumbao was to perform with a drum.

The second phase incorporated the use of two tumbadoras. It was during this stage that the art of playing the tumbadora upgraded to a higher level.

Some of pioneers of the style with two tumbadoras are: Carlos “Patato” Valdez, Mongo Santamaría, Cándido Camero, Tata Güines, Francisco Aguabella, Armando Peraza, and Ray Romero. In the examples, Giovanni plays a “seca´´ (term to refer to a dry sound) in the later half of the third beat of the first bar.

This is a light “seca´´ as opposed to the most pronounced. By adding the bass: This is a modern approach to how you play the basic tumbao with two tumbadoras.

This pattern uses the bass sound in the fourth bar. Giovanni lifts the tumbao minimally with his legs while playing the bass sound in the fourth bat. He lifts the drum and lets the sound out of its lower part. He also adds the timbales and bongos: This section demonstrates how the tumbadoras, the timbales and the bongos work together in a section.

The pattern for the tumbadoras is the tumbao with variations combining both ancient and modern styles, as Giovanni mentioned. The rhythm of timbales is based on a shell pattern played on the cáscara (the sides of the timbales).

The bongo drum plays the basic pattern called “martillo” with improvised phrases called “chime”

Another factor to remember is that an open tone should be used at the beginning of the first bar, as Giovanni demonstrates.
The tumbadoras as protagonists

The bongo drum plays the basic pattern called “martillo” (the most important bongo pattern in Afro-Cuban music, which means “hammer” in English) with improvised phrases called “chime”.

When repeated, the first open tone is replaced by a left clap (P). Example of bongos: “Little” Ray Romero starts chiming immediately.

These phrases must also comply with the clave. The first example is the basic “martillo”, which is the basic function of the bongo drum in a section. The second example is a transcript of the chimes played by Ray Romero. Basic Martillo: T = fingertip. TH = thumb side. O = open tone on the bass drum (female).

Pattern for timbales: the changuito plays a shell pattern on paila (sides of the timbales) in a 2-3 clave.

In addition, he has a bass drum to which is added a pattern as would a drummer. The fingers from the left hand play the “Ghosts” notes while the right hand plays the bass drum. He also plays an open tone with the third finger from the left hand on the bass drum (female) in the first bar. This creates a melody line between the bass drum and the “hembra”. Also, Giovanni Hidalgo explains the rhythms from Puerto Rico, such as: jíbara, quás, plena, bomba, yubá and Dutch music. To conclude, we invite you to watch the videos “Conga Virtuoso” by Maestro Giovanni Hidalgo in full, which will be very useful for both beginners and advancing musicians.

Video: Conga Virtuoso Giovanni Hidalgo

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International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication about Salsa activities around the world, that has been publishing since 2007. It is a world network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. We are working to strengthen all the events by working together.