Why is this happening.

[caballoballo]

The prescription wrote By Dr Z is tres de Café Y dos de azucar.

[Omelenko]

Vaya Dr. Z,

Con sentimiento Manana. Moforibale al tambo. Los Sitios te estan llamando. Rompe jicamo !

Happy New Year.

Dario.

[ABAKUA]

The man has serious chops .

Perhaps my perspective on 'serious chops' and advanced hand technique differs from that of some on here or that of the 'doctor'.

Thanks for the videos, however Im sorry to rain on anyones parade, and I mean no disrespect here, I am simply being 100% honest, in the "warm up" vid and the "Mozambique" vid I found his technique to be slightly sloppy and intermediate level at most.

Again, thankyou for the videos.

[pcastag]

I don't think the criticisms of the Dr. Z were ever based on his technical ability or lack thereof, I think it was based on hsi purported stance as a "Master" of the instrument and a treasure trove of historical knowledge. Having sat down side by side with true masters, names I don't need to mention but will do so if called to task, I think it is obvious that Dr. Z. can play a bit. To call him a phenonmenon or say that he is a monster is waYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY far fetched. I am no amateur, I played professionaly full time on drumset for many years,( up until marraige and children) and have close friends who are upper echelon players. Currently I still maintaina busy schedule right here in Houston ( where the famous Dr. Z. resides.) Although I am primarily a drumset player ( i do about 95% of my work on kit) I consider myself a true student of the conga and bata, having studied both here and in cuba , and having spent time with cats that I consider to be phenomenal players. DR. Z. can play , again seeing him on video shows that he has some chops, but that does not in any way vindicate his posts with all of the statements he has made about he history of afro-cuban and african music. Just my humble opinion. Again this comes from the perspective of someone who has dedicated time and effort into truly learning and understanding the music in both a secular and religious aspect.
PC

[umannyt]

I don't think the criticisms of the Dr. Z were ever based on his technical ability or lack thereof, I think it was based on hsi purported stance as a "Master" of the instrument and a treasure trove of historical knowledge...

...but that does not in any way vindicate his posts with all of the statements he has made about he history of afro-cuban and african music...

pcastag,

I'll have to disagree with you in part. Dr. Z was, in fact, challenged several times here in CongaBoard to produce proofs of his ability to play after making numerous claims that he had played at a gig here and there.

IMO, the videos do indeed prove that he can play, at the minimum, at a decent level. That's why I stated, in reference to Dr. Z, that "vindication is sweet".

As far as "his purported stance as a 'Master' of the instrument and a treasure trove of historical knowledge", I did mention that Dr. Z is quite a character, thereby implying (not in an insulting way, but just being observant) that he appears to lean towards being an eccentric.

[CongaTick]

Short of committing a capital crime, the old axiom holds true--"There is no bad publicity." If the Dr is a master of anything it is having huge chunks of this forum's focus on him for extended periods of time. Ever notice how his posts "stir the pot" and get eveyone in an uproar. He IS a master at pushing all of our buttons and holding the spotlight. As for me--- I'm outta this one.

[CongaTick]

9 pages of posts on this????!!!! (Including mine ??? )

[pcastag]

Yes, some people did question his ability to play, but that was well after his multilple historical posts. Again, I personally don't really have an issue with his playing or not, but the fact that he can play a bit still doesn't "vindicate" his posts, which were prety much the main issue with many members here who were trying at times to have honest and informative conversations about the origins and history of the music and instruments. But hey, someone took the time and got him on the net, and he does seem like quite the character, probably a nice fellow as well!
PC

[Congadelica]

Abakua , Take a chill pill my man.
When I refered to him Having great chops I meant it he can play , I was not judging at what level the guy could play .
Like Manny says he leans to the exentric side , the man has colour and carcture IMHO . ???

Why does people have to judge people all the time lets make music, not conga olympics i say .

CD...



Edited By Congadelica on 1199562489

[bongo]

Abakua,

You really stink up this forum.

Condescension and an assumed air of superiority does not suit a forum adminstrator.

I say this with all due disrespect. Your chops don't make you a nice person.



bongo



Edited By bongo on 1199608912

[ABAKUA]

Like I said in my original post, I dont mean to insult or condensend anyone, I am merely giving my honest opinion of what i saw in the video, I am not the one calling myself a 'Master Percussionist', 'Doctor' nor master in all things afro cuban percussion related.

[Derbeno]

Like I said in my original post, I dont mean to insult or condensend anyone, I am merely giving my honest opinion of what i saw in the video, I am not the one calling myself a 'Master Percussionist', 'Doctor' nor master in all things afro cuban percussion related.

Then leave it at that mr A.
Sometimes it is more tactful to reserve one's opinion to one self.

[franc]

guys,
it didn't take much common sense to understand mr. Z!!! i agree with keep it human!! my best to all!!! happy new year!! franc

[bongosnotbombs]

A good conga player, yes.

A master percussionist, no.

An accurate historian of afro-cuban percussion? Difficult to say.

A colorful and controversial character? Without a doubt :;):



Edited By bongosnotbombs on 1199645939

[yambu321]

I do agree with "ABAKUA" and "PCASTAG".

Don't have time for serving napkins gentlemen, they are just being straight up. Just like I've always been myself. A Cool Cat, but no time for being wishy washy. those of you that are impressed, and or succumed by Z"s magic wand, be happy! But don't expect gentlemen with straight up traditional backgrounds to have the very same said responses as the rest of you. and just for the record, i'm no Giovanni Hidalgo, Anga Diaz, Patato Valdez or anyone else at that top level, but I certainly do know how to play Congas, y Bongos. I come from the Old school. I am a "Mid Level, Advanced Player" that is striving to reach the upper advance level with continued time and effort. Now, for levels beyond that, i'll leave that for those that are blessed with, extrodinary abilities.



Edited By yambu321 on 1199678989