In addition to the clave pattern, the Cuban cáscara pattern can serve as an anchor for polyrhythmic playing and developing heightened independence. A primary component of both folkloric as well as popular styles of Cuban music, the cáscara rhythm, as well as its primary accents, can underscore and inspire rhythmical variation and improvisation.

ABOUT THIS MASTERCLASS
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.