Salsa: Perception or Reality?

I chose this title, because it reflects the average beginner student, and general public idea of what the genre is all about.. the “Flash and Trash” of performance , and the insatiable appetite for Spinning. MUSIC…  its origins and meaning, in relationship to dance. The deeper origins are based on the religion of Santeria, and a combination of folk dances such as Yambu and Orisha . But first, let’s examine its more recent roots.

Much has been written about the evolution of Mambo/Salsa, and I would like to try and give a clearer pathway to the musical side of things .Its nigh impossible to give credit to all those who have contributed, so I have selected a few names, whom I believe had a major impact on the current status of music.

No discussion about the music can pass without the inclusion of its core instrument, the Clave (2 wooden sticks). These are the driving force that lay down the rhythm. They are easily identified by their “Click.. clickclick.. click.. click..”, often referred to phonetically, as  shave .. haircut.. 2 bit “.You may also hear this rhythm sequence included in many Piano and Bass sections .

On the written side of music, “Son” is a time signature (4/6) that was introduced into the already pulsating rhythms of Cuba, by Maria Montillo and her daughter from the Dominican Republic in the 1800s . Going back to the Clave, it is normally “struck ” in a 3/2 sequence for Salsa, but may be reversed to 2/3 for Guajira and Montuno rhythms.

I should add, that it will not affect what you are dancing, at the early stages of your learning experience. And you may not even realise that the “change” has happened.

This insignificant in appearance, piece of wood, has become the identifying driving force along with the “change” in its appearance, within the chord structure,  for the varying types of rhythm built around the Son format, for e.g. Son Montuno, Son Guajira, Son Guaganco etc.

The reason it is important to know the differences? They should reflect this in our dance interpretation (more on this in later editions). In addition to these, we also have other “rhythm” contributors to the “mix” such as Bugaloo, Cumbia, Pachanga and Charanga etc. So who do we credit for all these paradigm shifts in music ? I suppose we have to begin with Perez Parado who in 1940, introduced Mambo to the States. However, it is a widely held belief, that “Cachao” was the first to develop the rhythm in the 30s , and he is sometimes called the “Father” of Mambo (the music, NOT the dance ).  His last DVD is priceless in content.

The transition to popular dance music in the 40s and 50s was in large part due to bands like Machito, Puente, Tito Rodriguez and Cal Tjader, to name but a few. They began to incorporate, in many cases, a heavy Jazz influence, which is still prominent in many of today’s recordings (specifically in Descarga). But the person who is given high status in the industry for his major talents in so many areas, is Hector Lavoe. His contribution to music comes second to none .

There is so much more to write about the bands, the musicians and the music they created, but this is only meant to be an introduction, and a brief guideline to some of  the “Giants” of the genre.  I’m sure we could fill a page with other names, and many will have their own selections.

Next…From Music to dance – in one easy lesson

—

About the author

Terence is a Dual Fellow with the IDTA and the UKA , in Ballroom and Latin, and is a former Examiner with the NADTA.  He spent over 45 yrs in the States, developing his knowledge in the Latino culture.