Latin Jazz orchestra audition ? Questions ?

[ThomasG]

I have been playing the bass for awhile, I know my theory, and I read okay, but I have never ever played Latin JAzz ( the clave), and I realize there are various styles.

I am auditioning for a Latin music orchestra at the local Junior College, no pay, and the musicians are from age 16 to 50.

What type of reading should I practice for the audition, 6/8 time etc. and should I just get a cd and copy some of the lines.

I would appreciate some advice !

[Phil Smith]

Get "The Latin Bass Book" and listen to as many recordings that you can. Understand that it will take a while.

[Steve Clark]

I'm starting on the same process. I've already got a pretty good feel for it but reading that stuff can be pretty intense. I just picked up this book and will crack it today. The Latin Bass book looks great. I'll have to grab that one as well.

Check out this link for one of the tunes the band wants me to play.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utLKu2oyAAk

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

Originally Posted by Steve Clark

Check out this link for one of the tunes the band wants me to play.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utLKu2oyAAk

That's not Latin Jazz but plain (and so good) Salsa, man. That music is written in 2/2 ("cut") time and syncopations are the basslines' most prominent feature. Notice that most of the times, chord changes aren't meant to be played on the first beat but they're anticipated on the last quarter note of the measure.

Not that all Salsa basslines should be played strictly like this, but here's a good, basic sample:



BTW, check part five of my tapping mini-course on YouTube for a cool example of a two-handed Salsa pattern (you won't be asked to do that, of course, but it's a cool exercise anyway).

Hope this helps.

[Steve Clark]

Thanks for the post and clarification. The head spinning part for me is seeing the figures in 4 but trying to feel the 2. The groove you posted is one I'm familiar with. Thanks for adding the clave. Which book is this from?

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

Originally Posted by Steve Clark

Which book is this from?

I transcribed it by myself using Finale. Not from any book, just my own experience.