Latin Beats
Tue, 12/27/2011 - 02:47
Hi David,
Hope you had a good holiday. As a harmonica player and band leader, when you call out for a Latin beat, do you usually say a "Latin beat" or are there discernible differences that blues musicians are typically concerned with between a Cha-Cha, Rhumba, Mambo, etc.? If so what are the differences that are important for us to know?
-Taylor
The Rhumba (also spelled Rumba) is the standard Latin influenced groove in Blues. The bass player outlines this standard rhythm pattern, of which is part of what's known as the 2:3 or 3:2 Clave Pattern (we don't need to go into that much detail), and is very specifically beats 1, & of 2, 4. This Rhumba beat is shown in Example 2.4 of Solo Harmonica Study 1, with further varieties in Examples 2.5 and 2.6. So, what we commonly call out is Rhumba, but you could also just play the Rhumba bass line... like you taking the I (one) and the band meeting you on the IV. If you would like something different, name a fairly famous song that you've come across that has the feel you're looking for. You can also just say "Latin Beat" and see what you get... every band will give you something a little different... this is kind of fun.