LatinSheetMusic
Review
5-4-08
The Real Latin Piano and the Introduction to Afro-Peruvian
Rhythms
Whether you're
a pro piano musician or just starting out, and you're interested
in gaining knowledge on how to perform different styles of Latin
music, finding the right piano method can be a daunting task.
Especially when
it comes to popular Latin music styles, there are simply very
few methods in the marketplace that capture the true essence
of Latin music, until know!
Pianist Kiki
Sanchez has produced an instructional DVD that hits the mark
by providing a glimpse into the complex world of Latin music.
"The Real
Latin Piano and the introduction to Afro-Peruvian Rhythms"
DVD is a landmark instructional piano method that offers a quick
and easy follow-along and play-along session that teaches how
to play the most popular Latin rhythms on the piano.
Born in Lima
Peru, Kiki Sanchez began playing piano at age 11. Later he moved
to Miami, Florida where he continued studying piano as well as
cultivating a deep love for American Jazz at Miami-Dade Community
College, Florida International University, as well as attending
Florida Atlantic University: honing his Jazz piano shops, also
studying Jazz Theory and Jazz Arranging; thus, becoming a formidable
piano player for many local bands and top studio musician in
the South Florida area.
As evident throughout
his educational DVD, Sanchez brings a unique musical perspective
that can only come from a multi-dimensional musician that thoroughly
understands both Latin rhythm and the musical language of Jazz:
both deeply rooted in his persona.
Piano players
wishing to expand their technique or beginning students will
find everything they need to play Latin music like a pro--featuring
many popular Latin rhythms including most forms of Afro-Cuban
dance rhythms like traditional Son Montuno, Guaguanco, Cha-Cha,
Timba, Bolero, plus Cumbia and Salsa, Descarga and Latin Jazz,
among others.
Throughout the
session, Kiki does a fine job of educating the listener on each
rhythm as well as provide step-by-step examples that are easy
to comprehend, guaranteed to have any serious piano student grooving
on some spicy Latin rhythms in little time.
One of the most
delightful parts of Kiki's Latin piano method--as the titles
amicably suggests-is his "introduction to Afro-Peruvian
Rhythms." Sanchez introduces the viewer to some authentic
Peruvian rhythms as applied to Latin and Jazz styles, featuring
a couple of fantastic musicians performing on an instrument called
the "Cajon" as well as various other authentic Peruvian
instruments.
Kike explains
that contrary to popular belief that the "Cajon" is
from Spain because it is part of the contemporary sound called
"Flamenco" rhythm, the "Cajon" actually originated
in Peru.
There are also
a couple of songs performed by two ensembles featuring excellent
musicians led by Kiki. The last song in particular, Kiki gives
the listener an opportunity to hear a great example of Afro-Peruvian
Jazz, also mixing in some groovy Cuban Timba rhythm, as well
as showcasing Kiki's outstanding improvising skill on the piano.
You can visit
Kiki's website and download corresponding sheet music for most
of the Latin piano patterns presented on the DVD. Go to: www.kikisanchez.com
This instructional
DVD should serve as a valuable resource for piano musicians of
all levels. I also recommend this DVD to any high school or college
level music educator that is incorporating Latin music into his/her
curriculum; noting many examples of how different Latin grooves
should sound.
In particular
regarding Cuban-based rhythms, Kiki does a great job of establishing
the relationship of the clave within the musical context of each
rhythm as applied to the piano. This is essential knowledge for
anyone teaching and/or leading a Latin-style band. It will also
serve as a great teaching tool for piano teachers that want to
introduce their students to basic popular Latin piano grooves.
Review by Bobby Ramirez
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