How To Play Mongo's Afro Blue

[@chrisduffy2737]

As I said commenting on another of your videos, I saw - and heard - Mongo play The Village Gate maybe 1962 in his own band. Played very loud, but then, what the hell, he was the headliner and we came to hear him play. Also saw Olatunge, the African drummer who hit was Chango or Jingo. Man those were the days! Fell in love with latin music because of Tjader, Machito, Eddie and Charlie Palmiere and Tito Purente whose band I saw a few times at the Palladium Ballroom up on Broadway. Went to see his band because I wanted to see how his bongo player got those syncopated "cracks" on the macho. Found it to be simple, just use the left hand! Over the many years of listening to latin, latin jazz, afro cuban it became apparent to me a musician gotta know 2, and gotta know 3, and gotta know how to freely meld them together because that's where the freedom and creativity and wonder of this music lies.

[@hiramcrespo6474]

Bro nothing that you learn in life is easy , it's not supposed to be. A good drummer with high level experience,'' should love learning, it is the essence of being a good drummer. That is my philosophy.'' Love your teaching, keep bringing it!!!

[@joeykarateka]

Hi Eric. I’ve enjoyed many of your videos, and I love your enthusiasm, estas “entregao”! Allow me to provide input. I am 62 and grew up playing conga drums in PR, and listened to Mongo a lot back in the day. What you are playing is very close to your standard rumba Columbia pattern. Mongo also based his Afro Blue pattern on rumba Columbia, hence what you are doing sounds very similar (and sounds great) but it’s different from what Mongo did. Yes, he did variations in different performances, but his primary pattern on that song is one that he called “Nanigo” which means “from the Congo”. I learned it from a conga player that studied in Cuba and who learned it first hand. It’s the pattern he used on his original recording of the song. Once again, what you are doings sounds really good and is very similar in nature because you are using a rumba Columbia pattern from which Mongo created the Afro Blue pattern that he called “Nanigo”. But I hate to tell ya that’s not how it goes.

[@dimitrihernandez2658]

Yo homey! No need to be apologetic.the tutorial is awesome. Many people may not know 6/8 patterns, but it is very common in folkloric Cuban music. Most of Santeria has this musical root with bembe, rumba Columbia, and Abakwa. Your followers may need to listen to Grupo Afro-Cuba de Matanzas if they are having trouble with the pattern. Also, Michael de Miranda has some nice tutorials on 6/8. You have done a great job breaking this down. A6/8 bell pattern would help “ground” the rhythm and would assist in learning it. But Mongo’s jazz didn’t have the bell. No doubt he learned this in Cuba growing up and the bell was in his heart. Keep up the awesome work. I wish you were nearby. I would be asking for private lessons.

[@BOGASUP]

Great example of Mongo's magic. He touched many including myself. Was fortunate to see him live playing this exact song and it was more magical than anything Ive seen. I did a Mongo Tumbao video many years ago on youtube under "dave meyler conga" trying to explain what he does. This is a great stuff brother, much respect.

[@greggpowell8895]

I think you did a great job breaking it down. Since I play a lot of West African rhythms on Djembe which is in 6/8, it was very easy to catch on and pickup the feel of this rhythm and run with it. Thanks

[@macphillips52]

Eric you break everything down so easy to follow. I,ve been playing congas for many years but for simplicity. You’re the best man

[@samuelalvarez5571]

My brother i have been checking you out for a while..loved the loosing the wrench skid. it really made me know your the real deal. i own 4 Junior Tirado Mahogony congas and there almost 20 years old. I love Poncho Sanches and he told me to listen to Mongo. I play in this style alot.you are a GIFT TO ALL OF US PLAYING THIS AWESOME INSTRUMENT. Hope one day to see you in person and jam...Palante. con 'ADOBO'..

[@BrotherKaban]

Is there no end to your flow? Just when I think, where does Erick go from here? BAM!!! Thank you so much. It’s sick that on my Friday (Thursdays) I look forward to your videos more than my excitement of the start of my weekend.

[@APercussionLife]

Hahaha my flow haha Thank you!

[@olowasegun6829]

Live at the Village Gate 1967 is my favorite version. You did a nice breakdown

[@musicbox8074]

I love Afro blue!!! Is out of this world!!!

[@russellweitzen4831]

always wanted to learn this thanks always loved mongo

[@kinhason46]

Thanks, I encountered a problem when I tried writing this pattern because of confusion...starting on count of 2 open,slap,open,open open s at which point you referred to that being an open, then a slap before going back to the tumba. I wish you also posted the charts, jazz musicians really have an advantage when learning and being able to read music...thanks!

[@bridgemonkeys61]

Do you think you can do a video on different variations for timba, like the bomba part or picadillo? Thanks great videos

[@lissettealexandra815]

You are amazing!! I appreciate your channel so much. Thank you for sharing 🥰🫶🏼

[@777evd]

"He even had thay Old Bay" LMAOOOOOOO Great videos, keep it up.

[@tanmoybanerjee4922]

One of the most difficult Breakdown! Thank U for doing that Eric Sir! It did benefit Me and others of Your Followers.

[@lpsalsaman]

Bro so you went to the "Dark Side"!!! I knew it when you started the video, anyway awesome take on Mongo's Afro Blue 6/8 which is not an easy thing to do! I have followed it up but not easy to keep up! Nice work!

[@carlosrodriguez4854]

I'm finding it difficult to pass from the open on the third drum to the slap on the main drum so for now I'm just keeping my left hand on the third drum and slapping there. Would you think it's a fair compromise ? I'll keep trying to bring the left hand to the main drum on time tho 😅👍🎶

[@derrik-bosse]

Amazing! Any way u can make a video converting some of the conga patterns to a djembe? I understand the instruments have different roles, but I am physically limited to the djembe and would like to still make up for the lack of conga

[@Embryo7Music]

Wow! Break it Down! Dope how You're giving Kudos to all these Great Players. Vaya!

[@bongosabroso]

Also...as I was learning yrs ago...and I'm STILL LEARNING.. HAHAHA. 6/8 patterns were NOT the easiest to get. Breaking it down makes it really easy to understand. Great Job

[@ralph00777]

Nice beat Eric , I always pick it up when you do the recap, Thx..

[@1ralphiem]

Bro, thank God I have the option to slow this down, very hard to grasp still at a slow speed, lol Ty for this!! I know it’s an old post but I love it!!

[@bongosabroso]

Broooo...not only are u a GREAT teacher but a freakin GREAT comedian.. Hahahaha. Luv it bro. Thx so much. Pa'Lante.. always

[@APercussionLife]

bongosabroso hahaha thanks brother!

[@aquileslinfante2462]

Jajajaja! Muy bueno!!! Además de tutoriales de percusión, humorista!!! Eso es valor agregado, compadre!!!

[@simsam8751]

Great video, thank you very much! I'm playing this song with my band too and I am always a bit confused where the count of one is. You start with the Tumba-Stroke, but I think that is not the one (but the six) right? and the second stroke/slap is the one? thank you in advance for clarifiying. Greetings from Suiza

[@b0fjk80]

Love this! The folkloric group I play with plays Afro Blue differently....but I love how Mongo does it. I need to learn this!!!!

[@bongoscongasantiquecashreg4544]

Yes mango is so good & thrilled to be doing this on congas you are the best Eric!

[@martinaughton2728]

From a wet windy wales, this is keeping me entertained on a sunday. Many thanks

[@dubsounds]

Are you Walish?

[@martinaughton2728]

@@dubsounds Not by birth but have loved here 18 years

[@martinaughton2728]

Sorry lived

[@cheshiredrumlessons2835]

Hi, love your videos! Just wondered if you could play your patterns along with a clave track. Sometimes I know I’m hearing beat 1 in a different place and maybe other people are as well.

[@pabloferrer1839]

Muuuuuuuchas gracias, for making it feel easy to comprehend you made it feel good and...auténtico. Gracias de nuevo.

[@DillonMcSwain]

I am digging your channel dude keep it up we need good active content makers on stuff like this it really helps for reference

[@APercussionLife]

Dillon Mcswain really Appreciate it bro!

[@alfons1414]

1000 gracias por todos los Videos y enseñanzas. Sugerencias para los alumnos que no somos tan avanzados: por favor Cuenta o ponnos alguna de la clave para saber cómo meter el ritmo dentro de la clave o la marcha. Muchísimas gracias

[@lynntremarco5673]

NICE LESSON ERIC,,DO YOU EVER PLAY A DJEMBE?? XXX

[@RaphBaumann]

Hey Ericgreat job breaking down the 6/8 pattern. to start off the groove would you begin with a slap? you said the tumba starts on the 2 so I would probably get the groove going with the slap of the left hand..? By the way the sound and image are out of sync at 7:20 and onward... Maybe you can check that. Thnx for your awesome work and I‘m digging those new heads!

[@josegoicuria3372]

Had to see it again and again... My Man Erid

[@Antonio-ti2he]

Something seems to be wrong with the sound after 7 minutes or so where the sound comes after your hand movements...not sure why but your voice is perfect just the sound on the conga/tumbadora

[@dreamyagent007]

Lol, didn't i ask for this one? Haha, good to see you do a video on it man. Also been busy with school and stuff which is why I haven't been commenting and stuff. As soon as summer comes I'll double back down on the practice man. Wish you the best!

[@MrJoeconga]

Thanks Bro. I appreciate all the hard work that you put into these videos.

[@Josiah-X]

Hey, I love your videos on Conga man. Just to let you know, correction you’re off by one year. His very first recording of Afro Blue was actually 1958 on the “Afro Roots” album (solo), before with anybody else; Cal Tjader, Tito Puente etc.

[@gordonjones4531]

You did a very credible job with MONGO..... thanks

[@josegoicuria3372]

Was dying for this. Thanks Eric my Man!

[@APercussionLife]

jose goicuria no prob bro!

[@gfernandez54]

Dude, you are hitting the great ones!!

[@1929able]

Love it. Thanks for the lesson.

[@arquiadesmena5795]

When you put the videocamera on top of the congas it is a little difícil to count the tones or to see them

[@Embryo7Music]

Hi! Eric...I Love Your Videos. Have You heard Giovanni Hidalgo on Dave Valentin's Album "Blackbird Live @ The Blue Note"? Check out his solo on Afro Blue around @4:44 on that Album if You've never heard it before. :)

[@dm102155]

You are like the Anthony Bourdain of Congas! I enjoy the background info. I do like your playing and sometimes a little more would be nice.

[@mongofan1]

Love those skins!

[@percussionz]

Mongo is one of my favourite Conguero of all-time... But just want to know, are you endorsed by Manito Percussions? Because the sound from the steer skin was god-damn beautiful!

[@APercussionLife]

Fusionista d' la Percussionista he’s one of mine as well! And No I am not endorsed by Manito Percussion.... but I would DEFINITELY recommend their products to EVERYONE looking for a different perspective of sound from their drums... all I’m going to say is that the video does not do these heads Justice... they sound even better in person.

[@percussionz]

A Percussion Life Thanks! Greetings from Malaysia!

[@ronjunk3178]

Gonna work on this today. Thank you!

[@yoandysanmartin4916]

super bro siga pa'lante .Tus videos son geniales

[@chinf.c9093]

good tutorial...im glad..yo got rumba...in yo blood...dark skins....on drums..is offf...the hok ok...mo blessings fo uo efforts...thanks bro...fo maestro style teachings...si chin

[@mYcRaZyLiFe95]

Loved the video , keep up the tutorials !

[@MrEdium]

This Was Great !!!! Thank You So Much for Sharing This !

[@CueroNaMas]

COmpraste los tres cueros men!!! suenan brutales los voy a comprar

[@murrayatuptown353]

Lengthy is good. People who can't listen to all of it straight through can take a break, but let's not call it a moment of silence.

[@derrik-bosse]

One more thing, the audio is off from the video, but only in some of the conga playing bits

[@olivierflagollet5227]

Ok, so if your tumbao accents are on 2 and 5 then there is a mute 1, Is this correct?

[@urbannpa]

Nice Video....I need that T-Shirt!

[@dimitrihernandez2658]

One last comment, Mongo’s sazón was natural, ajo, sal, y pimienta machacao con un pilón. No old bay😄

[@rickhaddock7541]

I’ve always play that and didn’t know what it was called, thx man.

[@hectorrivera2624]

Thanks Brother, awesome!❤️

[@axionoscar]

2:36 damn. That just happened!!

[@TheGrimjerk]

Those Manito heads sound fantastic. Maybe one day you will have a set of his drums. Those things are out of this world.

[@sambamachineryrecords6498]

tune the congas in which musical keys master ?

[@APercussionLife]

SAMBA MACHINERY RECORDS soooop for this video I was playing by ear (relative)... what I felt in the moment what Mongo would play...

[@christiansalas2878]

Damn I think the sinc is off on the instructional part of the video.atleast on my youtube.. like when you hit the tumba the video shows you hitting the conga

[@christiansalas2878]

Ok not most the video just the section of instruction that starts on 6:11 . But we can still figure it out though

[@olowasegun6829]

This video is a keeper

[@ec-hi1br]

Quisiera información para poder comprar una camisa como esa que tienes, “ Solid “ manitopercusion. com ?

[@APercussionLife]

Jose Chavez si se puede conseguir en www.manitopercussion.com

[@ec-hi1br]

Gracias por tu ayuda, en cuanto a tus respuestas para conmigo, me gustan tus videos porque son más realistas que muchos otros que dicen mentiras. Tú investigas secretos y misterios del tambor que sigue siendo un instrumento no para tocar sino expresar, y esto para mí es su secreto escondido. Gracias Manito por tu aporte al arte, yo te doy crédito.

[@bmuhamad]

No worries. I was 5 years young in 1959.

[@Fangsinurface]

Yeaaaaah bruh. I knew u would wind up getting manIto skins for your main drums. Hahahahaa. We all do. They are damn good. But Afro blue is a sweet track and I agree he always had a slightly different take each time he did it. Great vid bruddah.

[@APercussionLife]

It was too tempting to pass! haha But thanks bro I appreciate it.

[@gregola1]

Eric, as someone mentioned, that overhead vid doesn't sync with the sound, making it a little hard to follow what's going on. Talk about "ghost notes" ;-)

[@olowasegun6829]

SWEET

[@olowasegun6829]

Nice

[@christiansalas2878]

Wait wait wait....so wat u got on ur tumba and what do u got on your quinto

[@christiansalas2878]

Looks like you got the same premounted manito steer cuero on your tumba that you have on your conga

[@APercussionLife]

haha Both are Steer... Wait til you see the Super Tumbas.

[@miconga]

Saludos Brother muy bueno tu Site de Percussion..veo q t interesa la trayectoria musical de Mongo Santamaria..con todo el respecto Tengo un amigo musico que viajo el mundo con Mongo y t puede dar informacion musical sobre Mongo y otros percusionistas de lla "Vieja Escuela "para tus futuros videos; es el maestro Pablo El Indio Rosario. dejame saber si te interesa para ponerte en contacto con Pablito. mucho Exito Wilfred.

[@APercussionLife]

miconga El Indio!!!! El es una Leyenda!!!! BATACUMBELE!!!!! Claro! Yo soy un estudiante en esto y lo más que puedo aprender lo mejor! Gracias! Un Abrazo!

[@miconga]

si puedes me llamas este el miercoles 4 despues de la 2pm pk pablito va a estar en mi casa y asi t lo paso para que hables con el mi numero es 787 528-1980 Wilfred un Abrazo y exito.

[@jaimepminor80]

Yea in spanish erickk greetings from mexico

[@danielonavarro5919]

el mismo Barreto en una entrevista dijo que Mongo era otra cosa aún en ensayos haciendo un solo era como si fuera en el show....

[@APercussionLife]

Y Asi es!!!!

[@totoroutes5389]

the overhead cam is out of sync with the audio track

[@GeorgePerez702]

When your in Las Vegas let me know. I'll show what your missing in his 6/8 pattern..

[@dubsounds]

Back in my day being called the watermelon man was a compliment

[@bearclans07]

Can you decide one way or the other???? You're making it a lot more confusing by not teaching it one way or the other? When folks are starting to understand it one way you add a different way. Thank you for all your help and time to teach.

[@sambac2053]

It does not start with the tumba , it starts with the bell, you can't understand the groove, or the tune , or teach 6/8 without starting from the bell.

[@xerman100]

Thanks! Heard several versions of Afro Blue; Dutch festival-favourites Jungle by Night played it during their early Afrobeat-influenced years. Took a while to figure out this pattern used by now-ex-member Gino Groeneveld. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqDSfZxpobCJoJo (starts at 3:10)

[@GrootsieTheDog]

WRONG: This is NOT “6/8 feel”. It’s a polyrhythm of 6 over 4 or 3 over 2 - depending on how you want to count it. That is a completely different feel than 6/8. A 6 over 4 poly is counted with a four pulse. Also, if your counting as 3 over 2, it’s not the “2 and 5”. It’s on the 2 only.

[@christopheradan8771]

always know where your one is.

[@hirampinto1513]

It's called abauka

[@GGibert]

Should tell where is the "one"...

[@victorbujase4939]

Show me something new. You always talk about Poncho tumbao, Ray Barreto tumbao, ect, ect. U need 2 go 2 Cuba 2 learn the real stuff , that u have not seen yet.