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#1 - THE THREE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF THE SAMBA GROOVE
In this video I talk about the three essential rhythmic elements of samba that are derived from the percussion instruments, elements that synthesize that groove. Understanding those elements and practicing how to sing and articulate will improve your rhythm feel when playing samba in an amazing way.
#2 - HOW TO EXPAND YOUR RHYTHM VOCABULARY
One of the most effective ways to expand you rhythm vocabulary in Brazilian music is to learn Choro melodies and rhythms, with the proper articulation, and incorporate to your playing. Using the concept of singing and clapping those rhythms, you will internalize those rhythms faster, with the advantage of being applicable to any instrument. On this video, I show step-by-step how you can do that, with a historic view of Choro, Brazil's first independent music, was born in Rio de Janeiro.
#3 - The birth of bossa nova:
Play the first bossa nova composition and learn about his author - the father of bossa nova
In this video I talk about the song ‘Rapaz De Bem’ composed in 1952-53, a compositions that shows characteristics in harmony, melody, and instrumentation, that would be come 5-6 years later main aspects of the famous music movement from Brazil - the Bossa Nova.
The composer of this song, the pianist and singer Johnny Alf, a great Brazilian musician who was connecting samba and jazz in the beginning of 1950’s, who used to perform in Rio where names such Tom Jobim, Joao Gilberto, Joao Donato, and many others, would go listen to.
On the Play-along Series I record Brazilian music classics performed by world renowned musicians, so you have the best reference for you to enjoy listening and learn. For this song, I have Helio Alves on piano (Yo Yo Ma, Airto Moreira, Duduka da Fonseca, Paquito D’Rivera), Itaiguara Brandão on bass (Diane Reeves, Romero Lubambo, Ivan Lins, Marcos Valle), and Marcio Philomena on guitar (Nilson Matta, Montreux competition finalist).
I hope you enjoy it!