Latin Anyone?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Gerry Sivers

Hola everyone, I'm a big fan of Latin styles! My favorite Latin player to date is Oscar Stagnaro. I've been through "The Latin Bass Book" and "Afro Cuban Slap Bass Lines". I'm not the greatest slapper but wish to expand my knowledge of the slap style in Latin music so any material suggestions would be helpful. I would also like to get deeper into Latin jazz but have a hard time keeping track of time signature changes. I'm willing to put the time and effort in but sadly, I don't read music well, which means I don't read. I know I must work on this to be proficient but my ultimate goal is to be able to improvise even if I play from memory. Make sense?
Thanks guys.

Latin Slap? Ouch?.. That's when a Spanish mom with wet hands from doing the dishes turns and slap you in the face... ouchhh burns...

Boom bim.. boom bum.. That's all you need to learn.. 2 1/2 - 4.. 2 1/2 - 4 .. That's where the notes lay. Learn the old stuff first from Cachao and up to Bobby Rodriguez and then Andy Gonzalez.. Play like them and then you can write your own book.. Then hit Sal Cuevas and Ruben Rodriguez, the new breed.. Or, newer..(Alex Moran maybe?) The Slap thing is not Latin regardless of them using it now. It just worked it's way in there to keep the young players from falling asleep playing Boom bim.. boom bum..

Google those names.. These are just a few out of the many but the 'few and the mighty' if I may add..