Exploring World Music Styles

All right, so here we are! We're going to discuss and study three different styles of world music that you will likely have an opportunity to play at some point or another:

• Caribbean Music
• Afro Cuban Music
• South American Music (Samba)

Samba

The samba is from Brazil and is played in the Brazilian equivalent of Mardi Gras, which is called Carnival.

Cultural Context

• Carnival is a cultural event in predominantly Catholic Brazil.
• After Ash Wednesday, everyone gives up something for Lent.
• Samba schools made up of street bands perform during Carnival.

Key Elements

• Surto: A large bass drum resembling a kettle drum, provides the typical rhythm.
• Basic Surto Rhythm:
  • "1, 3, 1, 3" with a slide accent on three.
• Samba Bass Line:
  • Translates to "Boom ba boom. 1 and 3. 1 and 3. 1 and three."

Important Notes

• See if you're emphasizing the eighth note, it may sound like a rock line, rather than a samba.
• Minimize the accent on the eighth note; this gives the samba its characteristic feel.
• Practice at 60 beats per minute.

Example:

• "Hiccup for the pickup."

Playing the Changes

• We'll perform a tune called "Samba These Days" at 60 beats per minute.

1. Felt good going to quarter notes.
2. You can let the rest of the band handle upbeat accents.

Now, let's try it a little brighter at 80 beats per minute!

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Afro Cuban (Salsa)

Now let's move to Cuba and Puerto Rico to study a style called Afro Cuban or Salsa.

Rhythmic Foundations

• Clave: This rhythm is crucial in Afro Cuban music and comes from Ghana.
  • 3, 2 Clave: "1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2."
  • 2, 3 Clave: "1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2."

Orchestral Dynamics

• Traditional Afro Cuban ensembles do not typically have drummers.
• Congueros (conga players), timbalero (timbale players), and a person keeping time on the clave keep the rhythm.

The Bass Line

• Play a line called Tumbal.
• Accented notes on and of 2 and 4.

Using palm mute: This helps create a dead sound resembling the Ampeg baby bass used in many Afro Cuban orchestras.

Playing Hola Bajo

"Hola Bajo" (Hello Bass) is a salsa groove.

Cut time at 80 BPM:

• 1, 2, 3, 4: "1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4."

Let's head over to the club and jam with the band! Remember to listen to Brian's foot and phrase with it.

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Reggae

Now, let's shift focus to Jamaica and explore Reggae.

Key Groove Components

• The guitar plays an upbeat called the bubble.
• Reggae guitarists typically play the off beats:
  • "And 2 and 3 and 4 and 1 and 2 and 3 and 4."

Bass Characteristics

• Reggae bassists often use older basses with very old strings.
• Prominent bassists include Aston "Family Man" Barrett and Robbie Shakespeare, known for their unique tonal qualities.

Creating the Reggae Sound

1. Palm mute to simulate dead strings.
2. Use primary notes (roots and fifths, roots and thirds).
3. Explore the one drop: No playing on the downbeat.

Performance Name

We'll play a tune called "Riddim Riddle" at 78 BPM.

1. Count-in: "1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4."
2. Play root five followed by root three repetitively.

Now, let's go over to the club and jam with the band!

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Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this brief tour through some corners of the world of music. There's a whole big planet out there, go and explore styles beyond these three examples!

Stretch it Out

• Stretch and lift your arms over your head.
• Elongate your spine while reaching toward the ceiling.
• Bring the arms down and shake them out.

Next Session

The next session will explore what I do in the Nashville studios and recording sessions.

See you soon!