Musical Terms

A 2-bar rhythmical phrase that is the fundamental building block of Afro-Cuban music, made up of 5 notes split up 3+2 or 2+3. We use a phrase to remember the rhythm: “How are you? I’m fine!”

Clave comes from the spanish words

Llave = key Clavo = nail Clavar = to hammer in/out

Derived from the spanish word, tumbar = to knock out any repetitive rhythm played by congas, bass, piano, or guitar. “A groove that makes you move, TUMBAO”

A repetitive vamp utilized by singers and instrumentalists for improvisation in Cuban music. Based on the Spanish words montura (saddle) and montaña (mountain). The montuno was born in the mountainous regions of eastern Cuba. Originally a Bantú-Congolese word referring to a repetitive chant, mambo as a popular style of Afro-Cuban music originated in the late 1930’s. Mambo reached the high point of its popularity in the late 1950’s at the Palladium Ballroom in New York City where the Machito orchestra advanced the Mambo concept by fusing it with jazz.

Meet the Instruments!

Saxophone

The saxophone is a member of the woodwind family. Most woodwind instruments, with the exception of the clarinet, are also made of metal. Their warm tone (and their name) comes from the wooden reeds responsible for their sound.

Trombone

The trombone is a member of the brass family. Lower in pitch than a trumpet, the trombone uses a slide to change notes. They can also play melodies and produce a range of sounds using mutes and vocal effects.

Piano

The piano supports the harmonies and rhythms of the music. Unlike the bass player, who usually plays just one note at a time, pianists can play many notes at once. They create rich combinations of notes (or chords) that support the melody and the soloist. Like the drums,they can also comment on the music with rhythmic accents.

Bass Drums

The bass player works very closely with the drummer to keep the groove together. The bassist plays the lowest notes on stage.

Congas

The drums keep time for the band, creating and maintaining the groove with the bass player. The drummer can also interact with the rest of the band, “talking” to the other musicians by playing accents in response to the music.

Congas - The congas are descended from large log shaped drums that were brought to Cuba from West Africa. The time keeping patterns played on the congas are known as Tumbaos.

Timbales

Timbales - The timbales are paired drums (2) that come from Cuba. These drums were made famous by the King of Mambo, “El Rey” Tito Puente.