Intro To Brazilian Percussion

Tantan

First used inside of pagode groups (very small samba groups) instead of the Surdo because of the size. It soon started to be used as part of larger samba groups. The Tantãn was first introduced by Sereno, from the bloco Cacique de Ramos in the mid-70s. Beth Carvalho was the first to record this Rythm in 1978 in the album De pé no chão with Sereno on the Tan Tãn. Soon Sereno, Bira presidente, Almir Guineto, Jorge Aragão & other members of the bloco Cacique de Ramos started with the group called Fundo de Quintal with their first cd called " Samba é no Fundo de Quintal " in 1980. Today this instrument can be used to accompany the Surdo or it can be used by itself as the base of small, intimate samba groups, in bigger shows or even in some Samba Schools.

Listen to any of the following artists to hear how the tantãn is played: Fundo de Quintal, Beth Carvalho, Martinho da Vila, or Zeca Pagodinho. As with any instrument, you should start out practicing the rhythms slowly, until you've gotten used to the technique and the 'feeling', then you can work on your speed.

The Tantãn can be played standing or sitting. This is the sitting way. Standing you need a strap that goes from the head of the instrument to the end, passing over your shoulder.

Figure 1 - The left hand will always be on the top of the body of the instrument (as in the photo). You rest your wrist and arm on top, only moving your left hand from the wrist.

Figure 2 - This is the right hand when it is in the middle muffling the sound.

Figure 3 - This is the right hand when it is playing on the edge of the head making an open sound. Please note: The left hand is elevated, preparing to strike.

Cuica

Maybe the funniest Brazilian instrument of all is the cuíca, who's sound is similar to the cry of the small jungle mammal for which it's named. It is basically a single-headed drum with a small bamboo stick connected to the head. The cuíca originated in Africa, where it was used to hunt lions. The sound is similar to that of the female lion, so male lions would be attracted to it.

To make the crying sound you rub the bamboo stick with your right hand alternately towards and away from the head using a damp cloth. You can use water or kerosene to dampen the cloth. Hold the cloth folded and placed between the thumb and index finger. Rub the bamboo stick with the cloth somewhat gently, and hold the stick loosely so that the rhythm and pitch will remain constant (and so you don't break the stick!).

Figure 1 - Rub. Rub the bamboo stick with a damp cloth using your right hand.

Figure 2 - Release. Release your left hand from the head to create a deep tone.

Figure 3 - Press. Place your fingertips (no fingernails, please!) on the head close to the 'nipple' in the center to create a higher tone.

Tamborim

The tamborim is a small drum (6") with a single head. It is very similar to a mini tambourine without jingles. The body of the drum usually is made of metal, acrylic or plastic & you can play it with a thin drumstick, or a 2 or 3 pronged plastic or rattan stick.

Listen to any of the following artists to hear how the tamborim is played: Fundo de Quintal, Beth Carvalho, Martinho da Vila, or Zeca Pagodinho. As with any instrument, you should start out practicing the rhythms slowly, until you've gotten used to the technique and the 'feeling', then you can work on your speed.

Figure 1: You play with the stick on top of the head. Usually in the center but you also can do some rim shots or use the lateral of the shell.

Pandeiro

In a country rich in rhythms and full of a variety of instruments, the pandeiro is considered the Brazilian national instrument and an icon of samba. The pandeiro is a tambourine with a head made of either animal (goat, calf) skin or plastic. The jingles have a drier sound than most American tambourines. It comes in various sizes, from 8" to 16" across. The most common sizes are 10", 11" and 12". Although the pandeiro is most commonly associated with samba, it is also used in almost all other Brazilian rhythms and music, including rock, funk and pop.

Some artists that helped introduce the pandeiro in many musical styles are: João da Baiana, Jackson do Pandeiro, Dona Selma do Côco, Carlinhos Pandeiro de Ouro, Bira presidente, Marcos Suzano, among others.

First the pandeiro is usually held by your weaker hand, so if you are right handed you will hold it with your left hand.

Figure 1 - You will play with your thumb close to the edge of the pandeiro.

Figure 2 - The finger tips will hit the edge of the pandeiro. Note that you use the very tips of your fingers, close to the fingernails.

Figure 3 - This will be with the heel of the hand.

Emiliano Benevides, born in Goiania, Brazil, began performing in his hometown at an early age with various theater and music groups, eventually moving to Sao Paulo with the theater and music troupe Marombar. Since coming to the United States in 1995 Emiliano has been playing percussion, dancing and acting at a large variety of shows and festivals. He has taught classes, camps and workshops on Brazilian percussion and dance for adults and children in Europe and the United States. Currently Emiliano is working with various performance groups, including recording with his band Bat Makumba. To learn more about Emiliano please visit http://www.emiliano.com/. [Emiliano is sponsored by Bauer Percussion]

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