Poncho Sanchez' Conga Cookbook : Develop Your Conga Playing by Learning Afro-Cuban Rhythms from the Master

Rating:
Summary: Poncho continues his high standards with the Conga cookbook.
Review: Having bought the Conga cookbook recently, it is with pleasure that I am able to recomend this excellent title.
It has been my experience with conga books that many tend to lack any real depth. Especially for those who may be starting out. Some contain many exercises, but few actual grooves. One such title had a list of more than 100 rhythms, which turned out to be very simple break downs that eventually only led to a few true rhythms. The Conga cookbook is quite different in that not only does it have basic exercises, but also many rhythms. Many of the exercises are so good that they make wonderful rhythms in themselves.
There are no less than 62 tracks on the accompanying CD, matching what is in the text. Add to this the band performances and one is left with not only an instructional CD, but also a highly enjoyable one.
Beginners should have no trouble reading the notation due to it being very clear what each note represents. This looks to me to be an ideal introduction to those unable to read music. It is that clear.
Poncho also includes a history of the conga, recomended recordings that helped him on his way through his own learning process, and his own insights into those he has worked with and admired.
But wait, there's more! If you have ever wondered what linguine and clam sauce tasted like, the secrets lie within. All in all there are 6 recipes, refried beans and Spanish rice, chicken corn and calabasita (zucchini), chile con soul, posole, and albondigas (meatball soup).
Co-writer of this book is the venerable Chuck Silverman. I am sure many are familiar with his own educational releases for drumkit.
Very highly recomended.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!!!
Review: I reviewed this book upon receiving it and was very impressed by
the overall layout.Included in the book is a history & evolution
of the congas that helps any beginner appreciate the instrument.
For those of you who like cooking,there are many Latin-style
dishes to try out.I haven't tryed the recipies so I can't comment
on the flavors.Also,the examples in the book are all laid out in
a very easy to understand manner.Only bad news is you'll need to
read standard drum notation as there are no conga tablatures.The
best part is that you can switch the conga track off by adjusting
the balance on your stereo and you can play along with the other
recorded musicians.This is the closest it gets to playing with
"real" musicians even if you don't have anyone to play with.This
is a truly great book and I would recommend it to anyone who has
interest in Afro-Cuban Druming.Last but not least,the CD recorded
has great sound so turn up your stereo & play with the examples!