INTRODUCTION
Wallace Kent Music
These are transcriptions from my Lessons with Luis Conte that I recorded and wrote out starting around December 15, 1982 and lasting for over two years. I was also playing in the Cal State Northridge Latin Ensemble at the same time. This book was sheltered for a long time for different reasons. I've had to hand write some pages to get the book finished.
If you can read rhythms, this book will give you a great concept for playing congas, timbales, bongos, clave, bell parts and how to add a third conga into you pattern (check out the tumbaos and 6/8 patterns; my favorite sections.) Mixing the rhythms up will help you create your own style.
If you're a complete beginner you can go on line and see how to make a slap, rocking motion in one hand (heel-toe), open tones, dead tones and head placement.
For the non-percussionist, a great source of rhythms to program a drum machine or be creative in other situations.
This book will help you on your way to being a great Latin Percussionist.
Wallace Kent
BIO
Luis Conte
Luis Conte (born 16 November 1954) is a Cuban percussionist best-know for his performances in the bands of artists including James Taylor, Madonna, Pat Metheny Group, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart and Shakira. He Began his music career as a studio musician for Latin Jazz acts like Caldera. Conte's live performance and touring career tool off when he joined Madonna's touring band in 1980's. Neil Strauss of The New York Times describes Conte's playing as "grazing Latin-style percussion".
Conte immigrated to Los Angeles in 1967, where he attended Los Angeles City Colege studying music, and entrenched himself in the music community. Conte's career includes composing and playing in ABC TV's Dancing with the Stars band, along with many TV film projects.
