jazz education
Unveiling Authentic Latin Jazz
to Your Jazz Students
Lisa Werner, WMEA State Chair, Jazz Education
Go through any jazz library and you are bound to find some pieces that will make you hungry – pieces about chili peppers, tacos and the oc- casional burrito tell the story of the Latin music you can teach
your students. However, there is more to teaching about Latin styles than just hand- ing these pieces out to your students and playing through them a few times.
Listen, Listen, Listen
I know this is a constant theme in my col- umn, but it is the best way to understand any jazz style. Immersing your students in the style they are to play helps them get a better understanding of what their end goal is. Studying music recordings helps students hear what they want to sound like.
When choosing who to have your students listen to, start with artists who have a more traditional sound, called a “tipico” approach. There are several artists who have really studied Latin music and are the “movers and shakers,” so to speak; those who are reshaping the style and moving it ahead. However, most students do not yet have the fundamental understanding of Latin music to be able to appreciate the work done by these artists. So, what are some good starter musicians to check out? Try Tito Puente or Poncho Sanchez.
The Infamous Clave Rhythm
One of the neat things you can teach all of your students (vocalists, wind players, rhythm section) is the underlying clave rhythm found in Latin music. The rhythm can occur as either:
Or:
back and forth from the 3-2 to the 2-3 son clave rhythm (or vice versa). Be sure to keep track of this when it happens. If the wrong clave rhythm is played, it throws the ensemble into a state of chaos. It is comparable to having your drummer play the hi-hat on beats one and three, instead of two and four in a swing style.
Find Good Resources
This underlying rhythm is a great tool to teach students the Latin feel. They can play it on auxiliary percussion instru- ments, or even just clap it, while you are rehearsing different sections of the piece. It also sounds great underneath the solo sections. If you are someone who has many students in the rhythm section, get them on auxiliary instruments playing this rhythm.
“Studying music
recordings helps students hear what they want to sound like.”
You may be wondering how to tell if the piece you are rehearsing is 2-3 son clave or 3-2 son clave. The best way to find out is to look at the vocalists’ or instrumental- ists’ parts. The clave rhythm is supposed to align with the rhythm of the ensemble. It really works as glue to hold the parts together. If you look at the piano part, chances are there are syncopated phrases (called “montunos”) that should be your best clue as to which clave rhythm you need to teach your students.
It is possible that in more complicated Latin charts, the clave rhythm may switch
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For further information, there are some fantastic books on the Latin style of music. The widely accepted “bible” of Latin music is pianist Rebeca Mauleon’s Salsa Guidebook. There are great Latin jazz books for very specific details of Latin music, too, such as books on how to build your own montunos for pianists, and creating Latin bass lines for bass players. You can dive further into the research by also checking out some of the great Latin music DVDs or CDs.
In addition to books, DVDs and CDs, be sure to check out the live Latin scene around your area. There are several areas in our state that are home to some amaz- ing Latin groups. The best way to study the Latin feel is to experience it live! Also, don’t underestimate what resources the Spanish teacher in your school may have. They may know of some great local groups, or have some authentic recordings for your students to listen to. Besides, you can always team up with your Spanish department and plan a cultural excursion for some Latin music, and/or Latin food! Many Mexican restaurants play some very good authentic Latin music. Besides, after playing all of those songs about tacos, burritos and chili peppers, you might be a little hungry!
werlis@nlake.k12.wi.us.
April 2010
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