Afro-Peruvian Percussion Ensemble:
From the Cajon to the Drum Set

by Hector Morales


The most extensive book on Peruvian percussion to date. This book/DVD package is a gold mine of information on Peruvian music and percussion.”
— Mark Walker


The book contains music charts with the specific rhythms played by the cajon, congas, cowbell, bongos, cajita and quijada — as well as bass and guitar parts — for major styles of Afro-Peruvian and Creole music.

  • Useful for any level of musician — beginning to advanced.
  • The various rhythms are also shown being adapted to the drum set, with and without other percussion instruments playing.
  • Valuable history of the development of Afro-Peruvian music is also given, including numerous photos.
  • Enclosed 85 min. DVD contains beautifully filmed instruction on each percussion instrument and the drum set too.
  • In addition, the DVD includes a song in each of the main styles shown in the book, recorded with top musicians of the field, including: Hector Morales, Peruvian Grammy award winner Oscar Stagnaro, former “Peru Negro” musicians — Mariela Valencia, Marcos Napa, Hector Ferreira and Jhair Sala and also “Maestro” Carlos Hayre protege, Eric Kurimski and Paulo Stagnaro.
  • $30 for the complete package of the 100 page book plus full-length DVD.
  • Spiral-bound, 100 pages.

Endorsements

The most extensive book on Peruvian percussion to date. This book/DVD package is a gold mine of information on Peruvian music and percussion.”
— Mark Walker (drummer with Oregon and Paquito D'Rivera, author of “World Jazz Drumming” and Professor of Percussion at Berklee College of Music)

Hector has found a perfect methodological language where any musician in the world can learn Afro-Peruvian rhythms.”
— Juan Medrano Cotito

Recording artist and educator Hector Morales has contributed a rich and concise new look at an undercovered topic. A valuable addition to the library of world percussion, The Afro-Peruvian Percussion Ensemble provides us with a cultural overview as well as instrumental specifics. Especially helpful is the emphasis on the accent placements within phrases that give the music its distinct flavor in the pantheon of African-rooted rhythmic genres.

Following a historical overview of the music itself, the book guides us through the history, basic techniques, and rhythms of traditional native percussion instruments, including the cajon, cajita, and quijada. The more familiar “extended family” of congas, bongos, and cowbell gets similar treatment. Characteristic Afro-Peruvian popular styles and rhythms are outlined, including festejo, lando, zamacueca, and panalivio. Bringing the genre up to the present are drumset applications for the rhythms.

For the DVD, a superb group of authoritative musicians (including Morales) demonstrates key rhythms and styles. Each instrument is played alone and in an ensemble. It's in these delightful group segments-where everyone's obviously having a ball-that the special sound and breadth of Afro-Peruvian music truly shines through. Illuminating and joyful.”
— Modern Drummer Magazine
Hector Morales is a Peruvian drummer and educator specializing in Afro-Peruvian, Latin, and Urban Percussion. He's received the "Artist Of The Year" award from Young Audiences NJEP and currently teaches at William Paterson University. He leads "The Afro-Peruvian Ensemble" and has performed on international stages from Lincoln Center to Peru.