by Berimbau » Wed Aug 16, 2006 1:32 am
Hey JC,
Well I do honestly love Elvis, and would have loved to tap the tumbas for him. The bongo group on Yahoo does have a great pic of Elvis banging the bongos in their archives, I think from one of his Hawiian epics. Now Anday Kaufman, who also loved Elvis, isn't necessarily my favorite conguero, but he is my favorite comedian/performance artist. I have stolen shamelessly from him for my live show routines. Everything old is new again and thank you Elvis and Andy!!!
Yes, I do wear a lot of hats (sombrero, fez, cowbot, kufi, etc.) to make a living here. But diversification is the name of the game in the music biz these days. Other than a handful of TOP percussionists, I doubt that too many of us are getting rich. The richness is in the great tradition of our tumbadoras, one which I feel so blessed to be a part of, and one which I proudly pass on to the next generation of congueros. As hard as losing Anga is, I'm certain that a new hero will come up anyday. Just check out that kid from Yoruba Andabo, or that incredible Japanese lady Saoli Sendo. The sun rises each day and the world begins all over again!!
Saludos,
Berimbau
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