I'm playing catch-up with this post a little, and I guess the biggest happening was the Llamadas on the 6th of January. For me, it was much like the other events I've attended, perhaps a little less formal. But it was definitely not the spontaneous event described by so many of the older candomberos. I've talked about this in previous posts, so no need to rehash it all here, mainly because I'm not trying to be negative. I enjoy these events, but definitely tire of the politics that exist outside of the music.
I only took three videos, of groups that I find myself consistently examining: Sinfonia de Ansina, Cuerda de Ejido, and Zumbaé. The videos are in that order, and are all short and sweet.
While Zumbaé was passing, my camera decided to stop, but it caught a fantastic image when it did. It almost appears that one of the repique players was posing to show his hand bleeding:
Mostly I've been writing. Later this week, carnival officially kicks off, so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the month of February.
Earlier this past week, I did meet a former Fulbrighter from 1993. We shared experiences, and it was comforting to hear similar perceptions of the country, even though almost twenty years had passed since she was here. I did have an opportunity to introduce her to candombe, by attending a Cuerda de Ejido rehearsal. It made me aware of how much I hear now, and how much more there still is to learn. Mostly musical aspects; something I can't possibly accomplish in three more months.
Finally was able to play again yesterday. It was the first time the Taller de Percusión (the Huracánes) have met this year. We played on the beach at Playa Honda, in Malvín. The club wasn't open to get enough drums, so we had to all take turns. I'm sore a little today; it's the longest break I've actually taken from playing any type of drum since probably 1989. Figure some photos and video of Guillermo Ceballos (the jefe) and Leo Perez playing are nice ways to close this post out.
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