Central and South America


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There are 2 styles of music that we study that are from Central and South America: Calypso Music (including Steel Bands) and Samba Music.

CALYPSO:

›Traditional music from the (twin) island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. It has since become popular throughout the Caribbean.
›Calypso music consists largely of songs, where the music and lyrics are equally important.
›The lyrics usually tell a story, or comment on society.
›Famous examples include Lord Invader’s “Rum and Coca-Cola” and “Out The Fire”




MUSICAL ELEMENT

DETAIL

Melody 



Call and response

Short simple phrases in the chorus

Syncopated melodies

Instrumental melodies sound improvised



Tonality

Simple harmony

Primary chords (Chords I, IV and V)

Major


Structure

Verses, Choruses and instrumental sections

Instruments (timbre)



Solo vocal and backing vocals.

Singing and spoken lyrics.

Guitar, bass, drum kit, percussion (e.g. shakers), brass section (e.g. trumpet), steel pans


Texture


Melody and accompaniment.

Tempo, metre and rhythm




2/4 or 4/4 time signature

Syncopation

Typical Calypso rhythm (found in guitar strumming patterns and drum/percussion parts)




Other things to consider

Lyrics are witty and satirical, often about political or cultural problems

Modern Calypso music uses electric guitars, synths and drum kit.


CALYPSO RHYTHMS


 

Heading Example

STEEL BANDS


›Started in Trinidad and Tobago

›Group of percussion instruments constructed from oil drums

›Different sized drums are used for the melody, chords and bass line

“Yellow Bird” is a traditional song which has become a standard steel band tune



NAMES OF PANS

WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE AND ROLE

Tenors or Ping-Pings


Highest pitched pans. Play the melody


Altos


Middle pitched, plays chords


Bass pan

Lower pitched, bass notes

Samba


Background

             

The samba band or bateria (percussion ensemble) developed from the Brazilian carnivals of the early 20th century. A group of players usually has a leader who plays the repinique drum and gives signals:

- to set the tempo/pulse

- to indicate when various players should join in or drop out (to give variety of volume, timbre and texture)

- to indicate changes such as a new rhythm pattern or a new section  of music.

Musical Features

Melody - sometimes vocals or brass will play a melody line

Rhythm and metre -

Usually in a 2/4 or 4/4 time signature and can use some complex rhythms.

Polyrhythms  are used in Samba music, meaning there are many rhythms that are played at the same time. (Often described as polyrhythmic).

Son Clave is one of the most important rhythms of Samba music:

Ostinati features in Samba pieces (a repetitive rhythm pattern). Syncopation (rhythms that fall off the beat) feature heavily in Samba.

Batacuda = a style of Samba that is fast and repetitive

Call and response = Often the leader will play a rhythm pattern (call) on the repinique and the rest of the band will respond.

Sudden stops - during which the players might whoop with high voices before playing their rhythm again

Cross-rhythms = an effect created when conflicting rhythm patterns are played at the same time

BATERIA INSTRUMENTS:

Repinique - a tom-tom drum with a tight skin played with a wooden stick. The sound is high, strong and penetrating, making this instrument suitable for leading the ensemble.

Surdos - large, deep, resonating drums used for the rhythmic pulse. They are played with a soft beater and can be muted with the hand.

Tamborims - small drums played with wooden or nylon beaters

Snare drums (caixa)

Agogo bells

Shakers (ganzas or rocars)

Claves and wood blocks

Whistle  - used for signals/changes in the music