6 8 time, con ganas

Sometimes I like to kick start my mornings with a nice strong 6 8 rhythm. My theory is that it’s good for circulation, since I can feel my blood accelerate while I listen. Son Jarocho and Joropo are my two favourite cousins of 6 8 time: Son Jarocho from Veracruz, Mexico, and Joropo from the plains of Colombia and Venezuela.

Son Jarocho

Over Memorial Day weekend we were incredibly blessed with a visit and spontaneous performance by L@s Cafeter@s from Los Angeles, who came to visit us from LA and play some fútbol. Juancho posted a live recording of their show that night, and I’d like to share another, from their live CD. Definitely keep your ears open to the footwork (zapateo) in the recording, because more fancy footwork awaits you in the Joropo post below. The music also features  a marimbol – bass and mbira in one instrument! I can’t wait to get my hands on one of those…

El Cascabel by Las Cafeteras

El Cascabel

Look for L@s Cafeter@s at the Eastside Café in El Sereno, Los Angeles, contact them for classes on how to play, or find more info here

(Note: a very different version of this same song was posted by Juancho here)

Joropo

They say you haven’t truly heard maracas (called capachos in los llanos de Venezuela and Colombia) until you hear Joropo. And perhaps you haven’t really seen a harp being played until you see one of these rockstars pulling their crazy harp antics –playing above their head and even behind their back. Here’s a little treat we picked up in Colombia for you:

Llanero De Condicion by Rene Devia

Llanero De Condicion

The Colombian Grupo Cimarron is also continuing to evolve this form. There’s a treat for you at the end of the clip: some dance footwork that’s so fast, it’s a blur:

(Apparently it helps to start learning young!)

Hope this helps get you going this Monday morning!

China Tu Madre

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