Part IV
MUSIC PHRASING AND DANCING ON 2
Building Blocks of Salsa Songs
Now let’s get into how music is arranged. Most
salsa songs have a relatively consistent structure that can be logically figured out because of their basic layout. Typically,
major phrases in salsa songs work on groups of four bars (two sets of eight beats which is the equivalent to two sets of basic
mambo dance patterns). A major phrase (like the introduction to a song) commonly has 16 bars so the four bar grouping can
be heard as a repetition that occurs four times. Later in this publication, there will be references to the audio program
for examples and drills in order to better anticipate how each section begins and ends. This way the listener can effectively
dance to each phrase of music and still be in proper sync with the timing.
You will soon have another tool to help your dancing
once you see how the structure applies to salsa music and the clave.
Phrasing and the Clave
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Arranged Sections
Practice listening to the different arranged sections
*listed on the CD. Try to pick out one instrumental element at a time. Once you have selected the rhythmic element, go back
to the appropriate track on the CD to listen to its rhythm as a solo. Then go back to the arranged section and see how the
rhythm is done in the arrangement. Remember that when listening to the montuno the idea is to figure out where the two side
of the clave is by hearing the notation on either beat 1 or beat 5.
*The track list can be found
on page 17.
Next, try to dance to the rhythm
you selected then, when you are comfortable with it, move on to the next rhythm.
ARE YOU A MAMBO JEDI YET?
It Ain’t Over ‘Till It’s Over
Well, we have come to the end of this project and much
has been covered. Remember, the clave is in every aspect of Salsa music. Practice listening to the discreet patterns of the
instruments that have been presented. Also practice listening to commercial salsa music and pick out each element separately.
To this day I sometimes still listen to the same CD repeatedly for weeks at a time. I even try to vocalize those elements
to maintain my familiarity with those rhythms.
If you find, though, that the rhythms are still elusive
and difficult to actualize you are then invited to send me an email message or snail mail to the following addresses:
mailto:mikebello@mambofello.com or Mike Bello, 18653 Ventura Blvd, Suite 381, Tarzana, California
91356.
Never give up! You will get it!
Always On The Clave,
Mike Bello
CD Track List
The excitement begins here
so...
1. Listen Up (Nice & Easy)
Major elements of the rhythms in Salsa Music.
2. 2-3 Clave w/Count
Each rhythm that follows is presented with two
synchronized vocal counts of 8 as well as the clave rhythm.
3. Tumbao
4. Tumbao w/Clave
5. Another Tumbao
6. Another Tumbao w/Clave
7. 2 Drum Tumbao
8. 2 Drum Tumbao w/Clave
9. Cascara mixed
10. Cascara w/Clave
11. Cascara#2
12. Cascara #2 w/Clave
13. Ride (cymbal) Cascara 14. Ride (cymbal) Cascara w/Clave
15. Basic Bongo
Bell
16. Basic Bongo Bell w/Clave
17. Basic Mambo Bell
18. Basic Mambo Bell w/Clave
19. Good Mambo Bell!
20.
Good Mambo Bell w/Clave!
21. Basic Guiro
22. Basic Guiro w/Clave
23. Martillo
24. Martillo w/Clave
25.
Montuno
26. Montuno w/Clave
Listen to the following mixes and try to segregate
the rhythms you just finished reviewing.
27. Listen & Get Busy!
28. Pay Attention, Jedi!
(184)
29. Practice This When You Get Better
Mujer: The Arrangement Breakdown
30. Mujer Intro
31. Mujer Verse 1a
32. Mujer Verse
1b
33. Mujer Vocal Bridge 1a
34. Mujer Vocal Bridge 1b
35. Mujer End Verse 1
36. Mujer 8 Bar Montuno 1a
37.
Mujer 8 Bar Montuno 1b
38. Mujer 16 Bar Montuno 1c
39. Mujer Mambo/Moņa
40. Mujer 8 Bar Montuno Break (2)
41.
Mujer Moņa 2
42. Mujer Montuno 3
43. Mujer Moņa 3
44. Mujer Montuno 4
45. Mujer Moņa 4
46. Mujer Outro
47.
Mujer (in its entirety)
Mambo Jedi Mantra:
Always On The Clave
