by Thomas Altmann » Sun Nov 17, 2019 11:17 pm
I just wanted to abbreviate your lengthy alias, but made it wrong (should have been ONC).
I turned 65 recently, and for the first time in my life I have to admit that I feel like that, too.
I definitely remember the time before internet, and I also remember the time before Giovanni. I'm afraid that double strokes will never really make it into my musical repertoire on congas. I just don't hear it when I play. That kind of places me back in the "old-school"- position. I can't help it, but I can play a solo my way, and I get along fine. I do respect the rudimental approach (as long as neither sound nor groove are sacrificed); I just don't use it myself. (I have my snare and drum set for that.)
What sets Giovanni apart from most of his technical followers, is that he knows the tradition perfectly, and he can play Rumba, Bembé and Abakuá como es if he wants, and certainly Bomba as well (being from Puerto Rico). Of all the fantastic younger players I should mention Pedrito Martínez from Cuba as one of my favourites. He puts all the elements in a nice musical balance. He makes pretty contemporary music, as befits the generation of his age. Again, here's a guy who is completely familiar with the roots, no matter how "modern" he becomes. As if that wasn't enough, he is also a first class batá drummer, and he sings like an angel!
But none of that has any effect on my own playing, no matter how impressive it is.
Greetings,
Thomas