Compared to the lovely music of Beethoven,
Bach and many other maestros of the classical genre, Latin music
is an infant. Yet, nearly just beyond one hundred years since
Latin rhythms started surfacing in the United States, there are
already similarities that reciprocate between these and other
genres of music that have sustained longevity.
Today, as we stand at the
dawn of the new Millennium, one of the truly fascinating realities
is that Latin music has indeed become universal in every sense
of the word. Essentially, Latin rhythm has since then, influenced
(some to greater extent than others) almost every modern day
composer since the mid 19th Century to the present; including
music styles like Rock 'n Roll, Country, Jazz, Rap and Hip Hop,
even classical music.
In that regard, like Bach
and Beethoven, it's a sure bet that the musical contribution
of many musicians that were influential in the creation and innovation
of modern Latin music particularly within the past one hundred
years will become immortal for generations and Centuries to come.
To name a few (in no particular
order): Tito Puente, Alberto Socarras, Candido Camero, Chano
Pozo, Chico O'Farrill, Machito & his Afro Cubans, Carmen
Miranda, Mario Bauza, Celia Cruz, Oscar D'Leon, Herbie Mann,
Antonio Carlos Jobim, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Kenton, Xavier Cugat,
Tito Rodrigues, Charlie and Eddie Palmieri, Chick Correa, Larry
Harlow, Ray Barretto, Mongo Santamaria, Dezi Arnaz, Perrez Prado,
Arsenio Rodriguez, Joe Cuba, Miguelito Valdez, Los Van Van, Cortijo,
Gato Barbieri, Cuban Pete, Irakere, Tipica '73, Hubert Laws,
Cortijo and many others.
Some of these legendary musicians
had greater roles than others, perhaps as sidemen, entertainers,
dancers, bandleaders, composers, arrangers, band/orchestra and/or
players. Regardless, every note performed became very important
in the development of Latin music. Thus, a library of infinite
knowledge pertaining to all aspects of Latin music is preserved
in countless recordings.
Today, from an educational
standpoint, Latin music has become a language of its own. Like
Jazz and classical music, Latin music contains its own unique
characteristics, technical knowledge and history; thus, becoming
a universal language to be enjoyed, studied and performed by
generations of musicians know and in the future.
Also read: (Part 2) Learning The Universal
Language of Latin Music
Afro-Cuban RitmoClave Workshop
PART 1 Download
MP3 Now (4.2MB)
PART 2 Download MP3 Now
(3.9MB)
RitmoClave
Lecture Workshop Audio CD
