Hi Beatnik,
Hi Thomas, I know these two Carlos Caro videos, are you referring to one of these in your post ?
No, I think it was the LP-video you listed in your first post. I apologize for not researching YouTube as diligently as many other people do (and that seems to include you). So I just had a glimpse into the first of the two Carlos Caro videos in your last post, and it looked and sounded O.K. to me.
You know, I had the same problem with Tomás Cruz' conga videos, which in turn offended the editor of his method books, Kevin Moore. I think, if you publish something that is supposed to be educational, you have to choose a "central" technique that represents a good foundation for the student to go any direction he wants in his personal artistic career. This often implies altering and discarding some of the teachings. A teacher has to spend some thoughts on the question: What is the best basic starting point to enable the student to find his personal approach to master the requirements of the art? In the case of Tomás Cruz it was his cup-hand /grabbing slap technique that I found was neither up to date nor beneficial for a student to emulate. That does not mean that I disrespect Cruz as a player. There are many great drummers who don't have the best technique, or who haven't studied the tradition as much as they should, or whatever. And I am studying these drummers for what they really have to offer instead, like a superior rhythmic concept, or extraordinary musicality. Kevin Moore, by the way, did a fantastic job in compiling the teachings of modern Cuban musicians. His timba.com site is a prime resource for everything related to modern Cuban popular music.
I think it's similar with Carlos Caro. He may be a great player if you place him in a band context. Good sound! And he seems to be a nice guy. But if you put out an instructional video, a valid clave concept should be central. If it is not there, I turn away and go on. You know what? Chances are he would even like to rectify it today!
I hope that explains my standpoint that might look over-critical otherwise.
Thomas
P.S.: Sorry for my typos; my eyes are getting worse.