MIM006 DVD $24.95
Miguel “Anga” Diaz (1961-2006) will be remembered as one of the greatest congueros of all time. Known for his remarkable soloing and multiple conga/percussion inventions, Cuban-born Diaz, represents the link between the past, present, and the future of conga playing.
Through a methodology based in tradition, Anga demonstrates many of his systems and forms he uses to develop dexterous patterns, riffs and solos. Each example is demonstrated in a solo context then in a duet performance. In the MARCHA, GUAGUANCO and SOLOING sections Anga reveals his incomparable patterns and variations on five congas. Duet performances with virtuoso Cuban pianist GABRIEL HERNANDEZ help illustrate Anga’s ideas while he breaks-down his soloing phrases, playing each slowly and explaining the origin of each riff.
In the MIXING STLYLES section, Anga overdubs three layers of different drumming styles, mixing funk with the Cuban rhythms known as Pilon and Batumbata. He also shows how congas can bring an organic feel to the DJ-based styles such as jungle in duets with DJ GILB-R and an improvised trio segment featuring Anga playing his “Set Cubano” mixing congas, bells, and drums (with both hands and feet) to create a phenomenal flow of rhythm.
NTSC Format, Region 0
In Spanish with English subtitles
PDF transcriptions by Victor Rendon
52 Minutes, Digitally mastered
Available from Amazon.com
Distributed worldwide by Alfred Publications
One Comment
Modern Drummer Magazine: “Miguel “Anga” Diaz certainly knows conga traditions, but his flame burns brightest when breaking down barriers and mixing styles. That’s one reason he has been sought by heavy hitters like Irakere, Danilo Perez, Roy Hargroove, Ruben Gonzales, and Steve Coleman.
This video’s centerpiece is Anga’s mastery of the five-conga setup, with which he creates patterns suggesting a ” harmonic ” tumbao. The one-hand/one-stick patterns combining congas and percussion are also exciting. The video doesn’t emphasize breakdowns, but the accompanying booklet, expertly transcrided by Victor Rendon, serves as a clear, studious guide to Diaz’ patterns.
Performance highlights include hot duets with pianist Gabriel Hernandez, and for something completely different, a street-energy jam with DJ GILB-R. From start to finish, Diaz’ grooves are amazing. But it’s ultimately his unbridled joy in playing that’s most winning.”—Jeff Potter