|
I have been drumming since I was 6 years old. It all started
when I was standing at "Parade Rest" during a monthly
battalion ceremony at Harding Military Academy. Feeling quite
alone and homesick I wondered how I would cope in this very
unforgiving environment. Suddenly I heard a profound sound,
it was the musical attack of the marching snare drum pounding
out the most beautiful sound I had ever heard. The marching
band was drawing closer and closer, and I could hardly contain
my emotions. Something awesome was about to reveal itself
that would change my life forever. When I laid my eyes upon
the instrument that produced such a euphoric sound I knew
I would have to learn to play it one day.
A few years later I found himself focused in the art of trap
drumming, and every time I would hear someone playing a "trap
set" in the neighborhood, I would peek into the windows
of the house where the drummer was playing. Just looking at
any "trap drums" was an overwhelmingly joyful experience.
As a child, I was greatly influenced by Motown and later on
by "funk music". Eventually I learned to read music
enough to be a snare drummer in two different high school
marching bands. In 1966 I discovered conga drums and enjoyed
playing with the park drummers during the Griffith Park "love-ins".
It was not until 1973 that I developed a real interest in
playing Latin percussion. I met Rolito Soto, the premier Bongosero
of the Cuban music group, Rumbavana, in 1982. Rolito taught
me concepts for playing bongo and conga drumming, thanks to
his constant support and friendship, I learned to play with
"sabor". In 1986 I moved to San Francisco where
I met my future wife with whom I am now married to for the
past 13 years. Judith, my wife, who brought Afro-Cuban folkloric
dance to the Bay Area, and I have been working together as
a team since 1987 doing performances, dance classes and workshops.
At this point I started an intensive study of the Cuban box
drum called "Cajon" using the actual licks from
some of the most exceptional quinteros in Cuba. For the next
2 years I have developed both a written and audio combination
method to practice the Cajon "licks". This method
made it easy for me to understand Cuban drumming language.
Since 1988 I have studied privately with many master drummers
in Cuba such as Mario Jauregui, Windo, Ventura, and "El
Mellizo". Master drummer Regino Jimenez has also been
exceptional in his generous teaching and support.
In the process of learning to play the drum known as the "Quinto",
I was influenced by the following musicians: Jesus Alfonso,
Pancho Quinto, Windo, and Pedro Orta (El Asmatico).
I have studied Rumba, Changui, Bongo, Bata, Palo, Yuka, Makuta,
Bembe, Yesa, Comparsa, Gaga, Conga de Santiago, Vodu, Paca,
Dengue, Guiro, Evo, Congolaje, Afrekete, Ebioso, and others.
I have also been invited to play many Rumbas during my yearly
visits to Cuba. In 1989 Judith and I formed the Afro-Cuban
dance group, Raices Afrocubanas. We are currently teaching
in Berkeley California.
|
