An extension of the clave subdivision exercise in Episode 2, this segment highlights the seamless transition between duple and triple feel and the simultaneous use of both feels within a wide range of Afro-Cuban styles and genres, from guaracha to rumba, conga de comparsa and timba. Horacio and Roberto artfully punctuate around Gola’s bass line, demonstrating the conversational style of play that is essential to all musical communication.

Personnel:
Horacio “El Negro” Hernández, drums
Roberto “Tato” Vizcaíno Jr., percussion
José Armando Gola, bass
Rebeca Mauleón, piano and moderator

A deep dive into the foundations of Afro-Cuban drumming featuring members of Irakere 50, this five-episode masterclass highlights the importance of the clave and other patterns in anchoring rhythmical fluidity and improvisational creativity. A master of polyrhythm and independence, Horacio “El Negro” Hernández has established himself as one of the leading exponents of Afro-Cuban drumming techniques, using foot pedals to incorporate various patterns on bells or the jam block in order to amplify the clave pattern as a foundational anchor. Together with his Irakere 50 bandmates--percussionist Roberto “Tato” Vizcaíno Jr. and José Armando Gola on bass--Horacio showcases the extraordinarily complex and fluid elements of cross-rhythms as well as the immense vocabulary required for ultimate mastery of this art form. The power trio is joined at the piano by SFJAZZ Director of Education Rebeca Mauleón.