[Loving review of Tito Puente]
Every so often latin american music invades pop music in the US; it's
about time. In the 50's Charlie parker played with Chano Pozo, in the
60's Stan Getz took on the Gilbertos.
When you get tired of bleeps, seek out some Cuban dance music by all means.
Most cuban cuts are driven by what they call the 'clave' (which is a wooden
instrument you play with a stick, but also a musical figure). The clave
is a simple one or two measure rhythmic figure played up front on either
a wood block or a cowbell. The clave is the skeleton, and the rest of the
music can float and soar around it.
And then there's the best salsa, which will make you want to dance unless
you're already dead and decomposed.
And Brazilian Carnival music. Smokin!
I've got a collection of various vinyl records from 'El Sud' that I plan
on plundering fully for loops and samples. Cultural imperialism I know,
but I can't help my self ...