The Essence of Afro-Cuban Percussion and Drum Set: Includes the Rhythm Section Parts for Bass, Piano, Guitar Horns & Strings

Rating:
Summary: a must own!
Review: I had the privelege of studying with the author, and I can tell you, there is no better teacher and no better method available for drummers and percussionists than this book. Trust me, I've looked. This material goes very deep, and Ed makes it all accessible. A must own for the serious player!

Rating:
Summary: Boy, I wish I found this sooner!
Review: I simply can't sing enough praise for Ed's book. I've been playing djembe and congas for a couple years, and I've always wanted a comprehensive book that covered the history, rhythms, and instruments. Finally I have one. This book describes the background in terms of history and culture that birthed Afro-Cuban music, then takes a structured approach through all the instruments.

The breadth of coverage on the instruments is fantastic. Not only are there the basic rhythms, but with Ed's approach, you see how they all fit together. It even has a whole section on the non-percussion parts of the rhythm section (piano, bass, etc.) and how the songs of various styles are structured. I've never found this kind of information elsewhere. For people who don't have a background in these musical styles (like me), this is wonderful. Then there's a whole section on adapting these styles to drum kit.

The audio examples are the best I've heard in any book/CD combo I own, by far. They are far more comprehensive than any other, and they support what you're learning in the text. The synergy between text and audio makes this a gold mine.

While this book is more expensive than most music books, it has several times the value of any other book I've seen. I so much wish I had this from day one. Even getting it now, it's filling in the (many) gaps in my learning, and will surely be the most essential book in my collection for a good long while.

Rating:
Summary: Best Afro-Cuban percussion text out there.
Review: So you already have a fairly good understanding about how to play your drums and now you want to learn some Afro-Cuban rhythms? This is the book for you.

The author clearly goes over the parts for clave, palitos, cowbell, bombos, bongos, congas, timbales, guiro, maracas and shekere for many traditional songs: Danzon, Son, Cha-cha, Mambo, Guaracha, Bolero, Conga, Mozambique, Rumba, Guaguanco, Abakwa, Bemebe, Sono, Merenbue, Plena, Bomba, Calypso and more. Scores are provided that include parts for bass, piano, horn and guitar and other strings. There is also an extensive section for the drum set with these songs. It is the best book I have seen so far for learning these songs.

2CDs included with short demonstrations of above.

Rating:
Summary: The Essence of Afrocuban percussion
Review: This is a must for all musicians interested in afro cuban rythms or latin music overall. The percussion section is super broad and detailed. I'm currently learning bass guitar, the section is very goood as well. It also have rythm sections, horns, piano, and strings.If you are learning conga, bongo or timbales you must have it. It is hard to find, but worth the wait.