How To Do The Jerry Gonzalez Yambu

[@espinacas2]

Luckily I could see him several times in Madrid where he lived and was very respected. What a genius. Fair and accurate homage. Abrazo.

[@spunkito3]

I grew up watching Jerry, Andy and Libre in the boogie down Bronx! He would also play at the villas upstate New York. When he was around you knew that he was a special person (celebrity). He was a quiet and humble man.

[@goonaa6924]

Maaan.....was good to hear you also say you get emotional thinking about Jerry. NO conguero swings rumba yambu like Jerry Gonzalez. PERIOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@victormarshall9765]

The Gonzales brothers were quintessential musicians. They were child prodigies playing with who's who in Latin Jazz . When Gerry and Andy were teenagers played with Dizzy Gillespie. Gerry was it fancy when came to his approach on Congas . His approach was melodic and his tunning reminded me of Patato. May his spirit continue in the music. Thanks for sharing .

[@spunkito3]

I grew up seeing both Jerry and Andy playing live! It was an honor! Music Gods!!!

[@bongoscongasantiquecashreg4544]

Yeah Jerry Gonzalez so thrilled you shared this! Thanks for this so helpful & love Jerry Gonzalez another one of my inspiration!

[@marisolgonzalez5735]

Wow. Hi Eric, my name is Marisol, I am one of Jerry Gonzalez’s twin daughters. I am just seeing this video for the first time, and I was so deeply touched by your tribute. He would have felt so honored, and thought this was super cool 😎. Thank you again for your love, admiration, and respect! 😎🎺🪘

[@bongosabroso]

Jerry was an AMAZING CAT. His brother Andy is another AMAZING CAT. I never met Jerry but Andy yes.. and played with him. The Gonzalez BROTHERS ARE LEGENDARY. RIP JERRY

[@daviddoyle3622]

I met Jerry and Andy in Los Angeles in the 70's when they came out with Palmieri . I spoke to both of them at length and they were VERY nice people and answered all this young musician kids questions. All I can say is I wish these beautiful brothers were still here today playing THERE MUSIC and knocking it down . Jerry was an encyclopedia of Afro Caribean music and he blew my mind during his disurtations as I heard him speak to me. I will never forget it . He was a stand up guy and very happy that I was interested in his music.DD

[@sammygonzalez7627]

I imagine how you felt bout the news, I could not believe it myself. Been buying their records for the longest, started hearing him back then with Manny Oquendo y libre with Andy, Jerry Gonzalez Dave Valentin Jimmy Bosch love that Mosambique... THANKS for the vedio 🙏

[@johnbulerin]

Eric I like to thank you for the great work that you doing I'm 74 years young and see many Congeros and you're great teacher con savor by the way in the early sixty I used to go to the village gate on Monday night in New York city and listen to the great latin and jazz musicians

[@MalcolmRColey]

I just had to come back to your interpretation of Jerry Gonzalez "Yambu". Well done Eric!!! Well done!!!

[@joegfotoz]

Eric...wow. I couldn't even make it to the tumboas. When I saw how you felt about Jerry, I went straight to the Calle 54 video on KZbin. Thanks for bringing so much amazing music and musicians to our lives my man!! You're truly a treasure.

[@MalcolmRColey]

Beautiful!!! Beautiful rendition of Jerry's, Rumba Yambu. I have that instructional VHS tape of Jerry Gonzalez & the Fort Apache Band teaching those rhythms and I must have watched it a thousand times back in the eighties. Excellent tutorial Eric!!! Jerry would be proud Brother!!!

[@mrslovetodance]

You are so fantastic. Not only are you funny and give great lessons but your knowledge shows how passionate you are. Your videos show a wide range of areas to explore all of which are needed. You have been my guy...my go to...when learning to play conga. Thank you for what you do. You have made such an impact on my playing. God Bless you.

[@jpb93360]

Thank you so much for this great rendition Eric. RIP Jerry Gonzalez. Ache !

[@AidanMmusic96]

Love hearing the clave original de la rumba! Great!

[@EBEFRANK]

Nice lesson...RIP...very unique player.......Thanks for sharing

[@johnrodriguez9977]

Thank you maestro it's like having you here right next to me. That was way cool tribute to Jerry Gonzalez. 🙏☮️

[@ChangoPhil]

Thanks Eric for this tribute to Jerry, Jerry hasta siempre, Ache! Merci

[@rickyx1364]

Great Video..My fellow Conguero✌You have some class doin that video in memory of Jerry Gonzalez. I tell you...you have all your bases covered..you know what I mean👍

[@totoroutes5389]

When playing this yambu for the first time it's tempting to do a slap for one of the ghost notes. Yambu is relaxing.

[@olowasegun6829]

Thank you for breaking down Jerry’s Yambu,you got the ghost notes I couldn’t for the life of me figure out. Good job thanks

[@APercussionLife]

Olowa Segun Thank you!!!!

[@olowasegun6829]

My attempts to play this rhythm has greatly improved since watching this video and practicing . This is my favorite rhythm. Thanks Bro.

[@alexlaureano17]

Eric !!! Thanks ,nice job , from a great conga maestro.... Mr Jerry Gonzales , one of my very first instructional videos . Gracias otra vez. Saludos

[@APercussionLife]

Alex Laureano yesss thank you!

[@andreavelinoGTR]

Gracias Eric por compartir este Yambú... Dicho sea de paso, la rumba contiene tres movimientos: Guaguanco, Columbia, y Yambú.

[@puroritmo9540]

Eres trenendo profesor y de humilde corazón. Congueroooo

[@loikls]

Thanks for this homage man, Jerry was definitely another kind of guy, a legend, inspiration, virtuoso or anything that we would all dream to become as a musician.. also, thank you for sharing all these videos, they have really helped me moving past the bad habit trying to play conga without any basic in the actual conga instrument, been playing all sorts of percussion, from djumbe to darbouka or to the drum where i was inspired to learn (coz you can't all be guitarist player in a band!).. i'll def follow you for just that. showing good side of percussionist who feels his play but know basic and technique. take care

[@garman1966]

Great vid all the way through. Thanks for playing it out at the end! Makes it easy to rewind and watch over and over, to try and get it down.

[@laurensamuels2737]

Ahh Your doing that Now...🙏🏻👏🏻💜

[@MrDoudou972]

Just... perfect! ❤️👍

[@adamwilks]

Eric. Dude, that was a great tribute, beautiful background story and excellent lesson. Bravo! Great job. Sweet playing as always.

[@LeoManoDuraLopez]

Hola maestro nuestro, estoy muy agradecido por esta magnifica entrega iluminada y plena en respeto, respeto al legado de Jerry y que sin duda nos has mostrado con plena pasión por el tambor. Mis deseos de mucha felicidad junto a tu hermosa familia, sinceramente vuestro amigo Leo López desde Santiago de Chile.

[@ivanlisboa6209]

Saludos Eric hermano, what a great traditional rhythum. Thats all I can say.

[@sebastiansaez9226]

Muy buen video! un capo Jerry Gonzalez.

[@macfinster3]

Beautiful!!!

[@olowasegun6829]

Your improvisation at the end was great

[@florenciobetancourt1300]

Excelente... mis respetos Erick

[@lpsalsaman]

Wow Bro, did not knew that Jerry Gonzalez passed away! Man that is some sad news, may he rest in peace! You did a hell of a job showing how he did his Yambu, well explained as always, very well done!

[@APercussionLife]

lpsalsaman yea man he passes away on October 1st sadly! Thanks brother! I appreciate it!

[@lpsalsaman]

@@APercussionLife Your welcome Bro and keep up the great work. PS. I read the report and it is really sad indeed, but his music will live Pa'Siempre!

[@olowasegun6829]

Your video has been a great help in helping me to understand Yambu. I am beginning to fly with this rhythm. At a point Yambu seems to become a spiritual endeavor. Thanks bro.

[@Quickone2]

Brother, I was just watching his rumba videos last night. The first recordings of his I got into were the Eddie Palmieri récords he did along side Chuky Lopez. Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@axelberrios5951]

Great job Eric

[@sebastiansaez9226]

Gracias por el video Eric, un capo el jerry! Saludos

[@jessacuna]

Another great lesson and tribute to Jerry Gonzalez ...Eric have you done a lesson of Yambu as played by Los Munequitos? LMK! Great hearing you play examples of different percussionists and their technique. And your drumming sound sings crystal clear! Thank you!

[@franciscotrillo8269]

Dude I always love your vids including this one, just wanted to wish you a good and happy NEW YEAR BROTHER, stay well, VAYA CON DIOS.

[@carlosrodriguez4854]

I've been learning for less than a year so obviously I'm not what you can call a musician or percussionist but I'm noticing this Yambu sounds very similar to a guaguanco matanzas style. It'll be great Eric if you could make a video showing the differences between the two rhythms. Thanks for all your tutorials. I never thought I would have learn so much. You're great man! Blessings

[@leomarinm]

Gracias por la introducción. En esta época de todo a un click de distancia, los nuevos músicos omiten el trasfondo histórico de sus ejecuciones, como dices, no siempre es lo más rápido, es el feeling que se uno pueda aportar, la música es arte, es cuestión del toque personal, y en especial la latina que tiene ese "sabor". Saludos y gracias de nuevo, este es uno de esos patrones lentos que te enseñan y te dejan comenzar a jugar para salir del patrón y volver a entrar.

[@Jazzhog]

El comando de la clave !! Jerry Gonzalez. RIP 😎

[@lilbitabouteverythingpocast]

There’s a video of him playing Maria Cervantes with Tito Puente. I’ve never been able to get how to play the tumbao the way he does. Incredible

[@Ralvarez-7]

Oye Eric.what tune have this quinto?supongo que la conga y tumba están en do y sol¿?

[@joeykarateka]

You sound very good and you do an awesome job breaking things down. Just to add something, Jerry also often hit his second open tone with his left hand instead of his right when he wasn’t riffing on the quinto.

[@dimitrihernandez2658]

Oh yeah! Jerry and Andy Gonzalez are my heroes from way back. I used to dance to Libre at every opportunity when I lived in the city. Jerry was a graduate of NYU. Que animal! Also check out Grupo Folklorico Experimental Nuevayorkino. Album:Concepts in Unity. Love your stuff and the heart you put into it. Gracias hermano!

[@1929able]

So true

[@fernandoenriquemontoyabola8483]

Un saludo Eric ,necesito una recomendación para acompañar una canción con congas

[@renev8223]

God bless him...and his family🙏🏼 great! Trump player and a Congero. RIP.

[@JAZZBATA]

Hi: Eric Happy New Year 2021. Can you di that again , in Spanish, included , the way Jerry play on Tito's Special Cd. Jerry play very well on that cd.Thanks

[@vivomusicwilliamortiz1950]

As always... Nice. Hey... You tune the congas lower... I notice. Like the old school way. 👍😉

[@APercussionLife]

VIVOMUSIC William Ortiz Yea man!!! That low tune vibe haha

[@jorgitocosta139]

Hola colegas como va... Pregunta desde argentina de humilde musico.. Con que material me puedo fabricar un parche sintetico...?dada la cuerentena q argentina atraviesa por el covid...se me hace difil economicamente comprarme uno armado... Miles de bendiciones!!!

[@ctslotsfun624]

yessssssss 1AAAAAA GRACIA ERIC

[@bmspence3409]

Jerry is in a league of his own. A creative genius. Thanks for honoring him. I really like that low tuning. I am not familiar with this, could you please say more about this way of tuning.

[@APercussionLife]

BM Spence I’m just tuning at a lower register.... it’s how a lot of the vintage players would tune. It’s an awesome approach

[@papilovestina]

Hey buddy, thank you for the new "tumbaos" you dissect for us. Here is my contribution: Remember when you compared the sounds of synthetic heads with natural heads? The synthetic heads had a somewhat metallic sound, like you were hitting on a tin can? Well, I solved that problem; I put a wide cross (almost covers the whole head) of electrical tape UNDERNEATH the head and placed it back on my drums, the sound became just as good or better than natural heads, the tones no longer had that annoying reverb and the slaps sounded more like your "manito" heads. It would be nice if you showed this trick to everyone. Saludos.

[@boricua0073]

edgar bodero hey Edgar can you post a pic or short video? Or maybe describe how much tape & position of the tape. Thanks

[@papilovestina]

It's just electrical tape (black), just cover the oposite side of the head. I have REMOs and it made a big difference in sound, you really have to experiment: If you cover most of the area you will get a different sound than if you just make a fat cross starting from the middle, make sure that it goes to the rim so that the tape will be secure pressed between the head and the rim of the drum, @@boricua0073 don't hesitate to write again if you need more clarification. Greetings brother.

[@woodygould]

Back when Remo first started making their djembes (like 30 years ago+) lots of regular “real” djembe players hated the “ringy-ness” of the Remo heads; the best solution was a version of this one, using foam weather strip tape, which is an even better “mute”.

[@scottprendergast5262]

I played a rumba matancero with jerry on bond street behind tye projects- his quinto was not strong but.all around he was a decent percussionist I knew andy as well from the club on bond st

Its sound's like guaguanco...whats the difference betwen them? It's only the velocity?

[@diegolabanda9953]

p'orfa p'orfa tube op'ortunidad de conocer a jerry en madrid te agradeceria muchisimo pusieras eric esto en taco twuesday gracias maestro

[@remcotevreden1228]

there is one play of Jerry Gonzalez that keeps with me... "Rio Esta Hondo". Listen to his conga solo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opnOpoN3fZydpNE

[@spunkito3]

Hey Eric I have LP Aspire congas (3) but I want your opinion. I am trying to form a Latin Jazz & salsa band/orchestra. Should I invest in expensive congas and which do you recommend. What do you think of Remo vs Pearl.

[@spunkito3]

I purchased Moperc recently!

[@olowasegun6829]

You got off on that last demo on three drums

[@olowasegun6829]

What brand of congas was Jerry using, they did sound great.

[@APercussionLife]

He would use Junior Tirado congas!

[@jpb93360]

Also Matthew Smith "ritmo' on last years.

[@olowasegun6829]

A Percussion Life thanks

[@jerryfierro1]

@@APercussionLife I have a Junior's quinto that I purchased from Skin on Skin in NY from around 1980, I saw him play many times at a time when I was getting lessons from Gene Golden who also played with him BADASSERY!!! keep up the great work. peace

[@alessioserafini4510]

What a tutorial! Nice and helpful as always, your humanity is great and graceful. I want to ask you did you change the tuning or the microphones for this video? Thanks for sharing!

[@APercussionLife]

Alessio Serafini I tunes very low for this video! Thank you!!!

[@alessioserafini4510]

@@APercussionLife they give me a kind of feeling like they fill the air and even the silence sounds better.

[@royhurst1004]

Thank you for doing this. His trumpet sound is an inspiration to me. So much soul. I consider the Album Jerry Gonzalez Y Los Piratas Del Flamenco one of the most unusual and beautiful listening experiences I've ever had. Can you please listen to "Hubo un Lugar" and let me know what drumming style he's using? I'm transcribing that song for my horn and I'd like to find some kind of play along track that approximates it. Is it Yambu?!

[@vivipozzebonoficial9536]

que´las tima que no estén estos videos en español. abrazo!

[@franciscotrillo8269]

Just FYI the guy is one of my hero`s and one of the nicest guy around easy to talk to there is no BS to JERRY met him back in the 80s with Tito back in the day you know just saying.

[@rikkoshop620]

Jerry was Mr. music, to me, as fare as I’m concerned !!!

[@victorortega9845]

Can you explain what a YAMBU IS?

[@Talentocubano]

El Niño from Irakere one of the best congeros.

[@Ralvarez-7]

D.E.P Jerry.some people say that yambu is for old persons.if this is true one part of my heart haves 90 years old man!i love slow feel.

[@jerrygarcia1800]

That tumbao he did on Maria Cervantes with Tito Puente was legendary. It’d be awesome if you could break it down. I’ve tried a million times but Lord knows I just don’t get it.

[@dimitrihernandez2658]

My last comment for now, check out Conjunto Libre’s first album Tiene Calidad 1976 (yes, I go wayback). This is the first record I know that fuses Cuban son with New York jazz. Gózalo!

[@louluna3006]

QEPD

[@fernandoenriquemontoyabola8483]

Se llama tú has cambiado de Torre fuerte ,es un ritmo extraño,a ver si me ayudas bendiciones

[@inosilvasilva8396]

Locoooo subtitula al español por favor

[@bemberousseau]

Often the Yambu is played with the son clave.

[@BranMarPercussion]

Up until the early 1960s both yambú and guaguancó used the son clave, and the tones of the segundo were played on the "three" side of that clave, In that way of playing much of the melody of the combined tones of the bajo and segundo ended up falling in unison with the hits on that "three" side of the clave. After the revolution everything changed in Cuba, even the rumba. Guaguancó started using what is now known a the rumba clave (with the distinctive displaced third hit on the "three" side). Also, the melody tones on the segundo started to be played on the "two" side of the clave, creating a funkier and more polyrhythmic feel. These changes to rumba that were taking place in Cuba did not immediately spread to NewYork and Puerto Rico, because free movement of people and recordings were hindered by the US blockade against Cuba. For that reason, the old school style of playing rumba using the son clave with the segundo tones on the "three" side persisted in many circles in both NY and PR up until the 1980's, when musicians who emigrated as part of the Mariel boat lift brought a wealth of new information to both of these outposts of rumba. To this very day, yambú is often played in the old style with the son clave and the segundo melody on the "three" side of the clave. This is very typically done in folklore shows, to help underscore the fact that yambú is an old style of rumba that comes from "el tiempo de España," from "los tempos de la colonia." But when played in clearly modern contexts such as latin jazz, yambú is likely to be played in a modern fashion, with rumba clave and the segundo tone on the "two" side of that clave. If you are interested in the history of rumba and the evolution of the clave in rumba I encourage you to check out David Peñalosa, who writes much more extensively and elegantly on these matters.

[@bemberousseau]

@@BranMarPercussion Thank you for this little part of the rumba story!

[@b0fjk80]

My percussion mentor taught us the rumba yambu clave to be... 1 1-2 1-2-3-4 Pa Pa pa Pa pa pa pa You’ll hear in yambu recordings of Los Muñequitos, Los Papines and others.

[@shonuffgroove]

Maaaaaan apart your awesome videos , you always wear perfect (logo) t-shirts..........But this is another thing.....Let`s concentrate to practice !!!! Hahahaha.....!!!

[@victormarshall4542]

I am so happy that you are doing a tutorial on Jerry Gonzalez . His passing is a great loss .

[@Squirrelconga]

Whoa!? He passed away?!? RIP ..no idea...

[@cleoh08]

Thank you for this fabulous video. You always explain everything so clearly, truly one of the best teachers. About the clave, originally yambu used son clave and not rumba clave like guaguanco. There is also another clave used for yambu. If you see yambu in Santiago de Cuba it is almost always still played with either the other clave or son clave as in this example. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJe5l3uwn555jNE

[@thelondonpropertyscout1646]

Has a very tribal vibe

[@onilu]

With all due respect, yambu is NOT played on ‘rumba clave’ but on what is now known as ‘son clave’, which derives from yambu - it’s actually ‘yambu clave’. Also, what you’re playing should be called more precisely ‘guaguanco’ matancero style. Yambu was characteristically played on cajones: the ‘salidor’ on a ‘raspadura’ and the quinto on cajón - yambu does NOT have a segundo or tres golpes. Sure, it can be played on tumbas, but that ain’t it.

[@lawrencedechalus5514]

TUNE YOUR DRUMS TO “SING”