congaplace.com

Posted: **Sat May 19, 2007 1:25 am**

Fellow congueros,
Hope everyone here is good. I'll be flying to Puerto Rico at the end of June for an 8 day vacation with my girlfriend. I'm taking one day to go study congas with David "La Mole" Ortiz. As many of you know, La Mole has taught some of Puerto Rico's greatest percussionists; Giovanni Hidalgo, Richie Flores, Anthony Carrillo, Jimmie Morales, Willie Lopez, etc., etc..

I am so phsyched about having this opportunity to study with this master percussionist. Has anyone on this site ever studied with La Mole? If so, care to share what I'm in for?

I would also like to check out some Salsa and Latin Jazz performances while I'm out there, especially the congueros. If anyone knows of any performances in the San Juan area during late June through early July, please let me know. Thanks!

afrocubarico

Posted: **Sat May 19, 2007 10:39 am**

What an incredible opportunity! I know we would all love to hear any details you would care to share of your lesson (techniques, tricks, corrections, variations on patterns or strokes, exercises) with this conga sensei.

Posted: **Sat May 19, 2007 1:49 pm**

I would imagine he would give you permission to record the summary so that you don't forget.

I you don't mind, ask his permission to post on youtube so we all can share the experience. Hope this suggestion is not taken the wrong way as I do appreciate that you are the one forking out the $$$

Here is a little something to psyche you further lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YRp2MwT-j0

There is another remarkable one by Martin Cohen but i like this one for it's spontaneity

Good Luck in any case and have a most wonderful master class!

Edited By Derbeno on 1179582634

Posted: **Sun May 20, 2007 12:06 pm**

I second Derbeno's humble request to your teacher (and you, since you are "footing the bill")allowing us to share any nuggets.

What an incredible clip! How he manages to flow so "effotlessly" from one pattern to the next, one rhythm to the next is something beyond my understanding.

Posted: **Sun May 20, 2007 8:45 pm**

He connects the "conga dots" ...hahahahahahahaahaa "JC" Johnny Conga....

Posted: **Mon May 21, 2007 4:58 am**

Derbeno/Congatick,
Thanks for the feedback and for the well wishes. Yes, La Mole has suggested that I video record our lessons but I'm not sure about posting them online. I'll definitely share my experience here on the forum once I return.

I understand the Heineken Jazz Festivals will be taking place during this time in San Juan. I'm also planning to catch Paoli Mejias perform at the Red Parrot club of which I understand he performs on Tuesday nights. Does anyone else from P.R. know of any other performances I should check out during my stay? Gracias!

afrocubarico

Posted: **Mon May 21, 2007 11:26 am**

And Paoli during the same PR visit? Man, your head is going to explode. Lucky you.

Posted: **Thu Jul 19, 2007 6:05 am**

Well, I'm back from my vacation in Puerto Rico. The weather out there was absolutely beautiful and the sites were spectacular. Flamenco beach in Culebra Island is pure paradise. I believe it’s rated one of the top 5 beaches in the world. I mean I was in the water neck high and I could see my toe nails! Puerto Rico is a beautiful island with so much to offer and every time I go I discover something new. Can’t wait to go back.

As I mentioned in my previous thread, one of the things I did while I was out in P.R. was to study under the incredibly talented David “La Mole” Ortiz. For those of you who don’t know about David, he used to play with Rafael Cortijo Y Su Combo. He is considered one of Puerto Rico’s greatest percussionist. He has also tutored such greats as Giovanni Hidalgo, Richie Flores, Anthony Carillo, Willy Lopez, Jimmie Morales, and many others. You can catch his videos on Omegadrums.com

Upon meeting him I immediately discovered what a genuinely nice guy he is and how passionate he is about playing. I decided to take several lessons with David. First he had me show him what I knew. Then he commenced to display several things for me on two and four tumbadoras. He performed everything in full and slow speeds and explained everything in detail. He patiently answered all of my questions.

To witness him perform right before me was truly inspirational. Whenever I showed him a particular pattern, he'd show me several other variations without skipping a beat. His style is very much influenced by Tata Guiness and Patato but he also adds his own flair. He also spoke very highly about the technique of the great, late Miguel "Anga" Diaz.

The lessons were overwhelming and there was a lot to absorb but I have it all on tape and I will be practicing this stuff for some time to come. Overall I was very satisfied with the instruction and at the end it made me want to pack up and move to Puerto Rico so I could be close to this guy! But I will be back.

If anyone of you ever make it to Puerto Rico I strongly recommend you get in touch with David and take a few lessons. Bring your video camera. I promise you will not be disappointed.

afrocubarico

Edited By afrocubarico on 1184827042

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... 7_26_1.jpg

Posted: **Fri Jul 20, 2007 1:22 am**

I just learned today that David "La Mole" Ortiz will be visiting New York City for a few days sometime in August 2007. He would like to put together a workshop/clinic while he is in NY. He's also willing to do private lessons. If anyone here would be interested please hit me on PM or shoot me an email. I'll let you know more about the exact dates as soon as I hear from David again. Please check out his website to learn more about him at omegadrums.com

afrocubarico

Posted: **Fri Jul 20, 2007 10:44 am**

La Mole ,
He is a true inspiration . I love the way he flows to a fro between groove hooking everything toghether effortless. You are a lucky guy to have studied with such a great Conguero .
:cool:

marco

Posted: **Fri Jul 20, 2007 6:09 pm**

afrocubarico

sounds like you had a good time in PR, with the added benefit of getting lesson from La Mole. Though I think that was the main objective no?

T

Posted: **Fri Jul 20, 2007 6:20 pm**

T,
Yes, I had a great time out in P.R. Actually I was out there on vacation with my girlfriend so hooking up with David was more like an added bonus! I would like to go back soon but this time the girlfriend stays home, lol.

afrocubarico