Songo

The songo is a set of rhythms created by Jose Luis Quintana (Changuito) in the 1970s and 80s to accompany the songs written by Juan Formell and the great piano player Cesar Pedroso (Pupi) in the internationally renowned Cuban dance group Los Van Van. The style originated with Van Van’s original drummer Blas Egues, but was quickly transformed by Changuito into an international recognized percussive style. It incorporated the drum set into Cuban music, as well as of course the congas and timbales, and was a brilliant modern approach often imitated but uniquely Changuito’s.

  • Songo-Spiro

    These videos focus only on the conga parts, and they include some of Changuito’s original parts, as well as some off-shoots and my own interpretations. But soon we will film with Jesus how they fit with the drumset and timbale patterns.

     

  • Songo-Diaz