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What People are saying about
"Rumba: Afro-Cuban Conga Drum Improvisation"
| Modern Drummer Magazine Cliff Brooks has invented a "revolutionary self-teaching method" that aims to demystify one of the most challenging aspects of Afro-Cuban drumming-soloing on the lead drum (quinto). Though the notation in this book may at first resemble Egyptian hieroglyphics, the author's method is sound, and a serious student will benefit immediately from the introductory syncopation exerises, and experienced players will learn to articulately "speak" with their phrasing rather than "invent" a solo. Afro-Caribbean rhythms are an unbelievably rich treasure trove, and they deserve a serious, focused study. Although it may be challenging for conventional notation readers, Mr. Brooks' new instuctional approach might just represent one of the keys to unlock this vault. Bill Kiely |
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| CHRIS WALKER "This book is designed to take you from 0 to 90 MPH on the quinto, and is rich with authentic phrasing. Cliff has much to offer for beginners and veterans alike. His book has widened my quinto horizons, and is something I can continually refer back to for ideas and inspiration. I am very pleased to know many of these unique and interesting flavors". Thank you, Chris |
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| BATADRUMS.COM I just got your books finally and checked it out today. I think it's great. This book is a rare treat because most instructional drum books focus on the basic parts of a rhythm and don't cover the lead parts very well. This bookclearly shows a real understanding of quinto. Someone really could learn to play some solid quinto licks from this book, which puts it way ahead of any other book out there. Nice work. I look forward to reading through more of the examples and listening to the CDs. |
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| CAROLYN BRANDY "I think your book is EXCELLENT! very well organized and the real stuff. I am recommending it to all my students. Congratulations of a great endeavor". |
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I just received this book two days ago and I have to say it is fantastic. Finally a book that deals specifically with quinto in rumba guaguanco. There are sooo many books out there that deal with all the individual parts but invariably write , " improvised",for the quinto part. This book gives you the founda- tion for playing quinto from the basic ride to tasty flowing phrases which become a quinto solo for guaguanco. Its all broken down and easy to read with many many patterns each building on the previous. A fantastic book. If you want to learn to play quinto,this book will help you under- stand what the @&*# is going on! You will see how the quinto fits inside an already highly syncopated rhythm, driving and bringing to life the complicated rhythms of rumba in an understandable way. Four out of four stars, no problemo. (But don't think for a minute that you're going to become jesus alfonso in 2 or 3 weeks) Cliff's method of presenting material is excellent and easy to read Cliff, I encourage you to post a page from the book on a web site so people can see what you're up to here, they will buy this book. I can't wait to see book 2 and 3. Great job Cliff, you have filled a void here. |
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| STAN CORPUS Cliff, I finally received the book today, it was on special order at the Sam Ash music store. Awesome book, and well written. When are the others coming out? Great book, well worth the wait. |
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| WOODENBONGO.COM: ME LLEGO YA TU LIBRO ESTA BIEN BUENO. TE FELICITO. ESTE LIBRO ME AYUDA A DAR MIS CLASES DE SOLO DE CONGAS TENGO DISIPULOS QUE ME PEDIAN QUE LES ENSENARA A HECHAR SOLOS PERO CON TU LIBRO ES FACIL,GRACIAS CLIFF POR ESTA APORTACION QUE HAS HECHO ALA MUSICA DEL TAMBOR.TU AMIGO......PEDRO. Your book arrived and it's very good! I congradulate you. This book helps me to teach my classes of conga soloing. I have students that asked me to teach them to solo but with your book it easier. Thank you Cliff for this "great offering" that you have made to the music of drums. Your friend, Pedro. |
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| HERB APRIL |
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| Cliff Brooks has to be one of the most talented teachers around...And probably the most generous person I have ever come across. I started studying afro-cuban percussion awhile ago, as a second instrument with piano being my primary instrument..Having learned the basics, I kept looking for resources that would unlock the mystery of playing solos on the the congas, especially quinto licks..It was purely by accident that I stumbled onto Clifford's website and I immediately purchased his online teaching movies. Needless to say, Cliff took the time to contact me personally and to discuss any difficulties..A rare quality these days. I subsequently ordered the book and am in the process of ordering Clifford's second book in the series. This book/learning resource is an absolute gem..Once you understand Clifford's method of notation, if becomes easy and a pleasure to practice with the material which is well thought out, well planned with an outstanding layout. What I really like about this methodolgy is the effortless way in which you can internalise the material....Before you realise it, you are playing some mean licks and thinking of logical, and highly creative solos. If book one is anything to go by, then I cannot wait to get book two and any other material that Clifford may bring out... Way to go Cliff!!!!! | ||
| ANONYMOUS: What I like most about the book, is this: Most of my experience in drumming involves holding down the bottom end, and even when I drum with others, I usually hit the bass note on the pulse often, to keep in place and time. What the solo book does for me is teaches me that to play through the music, rather than on it. Does that make sense? The techniques you present in your book are different than playing a part of a rhythm or the base of the rhythm, so that is what I see as what makes your book special from all of the other books I have used in the past. This makes sense, since you are marketing your book as a solo technique book, rather than another afro-cuban rhythm book. |
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| YAMBISA I have your first volume. It is great. I studied Conga drums at the Boys Harbor School of Music in New york for several years. I learned many cuban beats, such as bagoso, Columbia and the Yambu. I never quite got to the point of playing the Quinto or soloing. I can tell you that volume one is perfect. It teachs you exactly how to play the quinto ride. Thank you. |
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| ROSS PALMER I received your book two days ago. The book is great!! I'm looking forward to practicing your licks and putting my own voice to them. The rides on the second CD are way way too funky. I'm going to learn and steal as many of them as I can. |
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| DAVID LAVOLEE I finally ordered your method of quinto...I am very happy, this is truly very interesting. And very clear. The rhythmic ones very complete exercises. Warn me when the volume 2 will go out... David Lavolée. |
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| DESCARGA.COM.com This unique book and CD pagkage is one of only a few available instructional guides directed specifically to help you develop an improvising, or soloing, vocabulary on the conga drum. Very well thought out. Recommended |
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| Rhythmweb.com Another good choice for those wanting the authentic quinto soloing technique. Useful for guaguanco, Columbia, Yambu, Rumbas del Tiempo de Espana, and more. This book delves into the ART of soloing! |
Ray
Clifford's book is much more than just learning to play off-beats
and a few quinto patterns. He gives you the tools for developing
your own themes and variations. I know I will be a much
more melodic player by working with this material. I am already
realizing the benefits! I am looking forward
to Volume 2!
PEDRO
BARRIERA
MY NAME IS PEDRO BARRIERA PERCUSSIONIST , PROFESOR AND DRUM
MAKER FROM PUERTO RICO. IN MY 35 YEARS IN PLAY AND TEACHING
CONGA THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THIS DRUM
, THAT A BOOK HAS BEEN MADE ABOUT SOLOING ON A CONGA. THIS
BOOK IS MY PRIMARY TOOL IN MY TEACHING HOW TO PLAY CONGA
IT IS VERY EASY AND QUICK TO LEARN FROM.
I RECOMMEND THESE BOOKS FOR ALL GUYS INTERESTING IN SOLOING
ON CONGAS.
| DAVE |
Hello! |
Hi Cliff, |