The Definitive Guide to Afro-Peruvian Percussion
An invaluable addition to the library of world percussion, The Afro-Peruvian Percussion Ensemble provides us with a cultural overview and an instrumental masterclass on one of the most vibrant and rhythmically sophisticated traditions in the African diaspora.
Especially helpful is the emphasis on the accent placements within phrases that give the music its distinct flavor.
Following a historical overview of Afro-Peruvian music, the book guides us through the 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. You’ll study the characteristic grooves of major Afro-Peruvian styles including festejo, landó, zamacueca, and panalivio, with detailed ensemble charts showing how bass, guitar, and percussion interlock to create the music’s unmistakable pulse.
The book also brings the tradition into contemporary settings with extensive drum set adaptations, both with and without additional percussion instruments.
Useful for any level of musician, from beginners to advanced percussionists.
Complete Instructional DVD Download Included (85 Minutes)
In the DVD, a superb group of authoritative musicians (including Morales) demonstrate the 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.
-
The DVD contains beautifully filmed instruction on each percussion instrument as well as the drum set.
-
In addition, the DVD includes a song from each of the styles described in the book, performed by Hector Morales, Peruvian Grammy award winner Oscar Stagnaro, former “Peru Negro” musicians — Mariela Valencia, Marcos Napa, Hector Ferreira and Jhair Sala and also Eric Kurimski and Paulo Stagnaro.
Spiral-bound, 100 pages.
Sample Pages:
Cowbell Patterns
Drum Set Lando Patterns
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, 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. 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 South America.
