As with many Latin American rhythms and music genres, the Samba began its rise to popularity through the influence of African drumming. As a product of the slave trade and its European occupation, the influence of the integration of native rhythms, songs and instruments within the music of Brazil created the popular Samba sound that continues to be a favorite among ballroom dancers, Carnivale participants and fans of Latin and World Music.
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| Cuica |
One of the ways in which the Samba sound differentiates itself from other Latin music is the unique instruments used to create its sensual sound. The cuica drum is one of the main instruments played in Samba music, bringing in a rhythmic, laughter-like tone to the songs. A repinque is a two-headed drum that is played with a stick or mallet as well the hand, creating open tone and slap sounds.
The pandeiro is a tambourine-like instrument that can be tuned to produce different tones when played, either by striking the head with the thumb, fingertips, heel or palm of the hand, shaking the or creating a raspy sound by dragging the fingertips across the head. A Pandeiro can produce a multitude of sounds, making it a challenging, and fun, instrument to master.
Bells, triangles, whistles, rattles and shakers make up the different percussion accents in Samba music, while horns, flutes and guitars bring a richer, melodic tone to its rhythmic sound. The combination of its percussion, drumming and the strings and horns give the Samba a diversity and beauty that continues to provide entertainment and creative expression throughout the world today.
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| Pandeiro |
It is said that when you speak of the Samba, you speak of Brazil, and the culture is deeply rooted in this style of music that has evolved through the different cultures that have crossed its boundaries. Today’s Samba music continues the integration of different sounds and instruments and has been attributed to the development of other styles of music, including the sambolero, samba reggae, bossa nova and samba concao.
Source: The Drums Work blog
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