Angel R Rodriguez

(Angel R Rodriguez, Photo Credit: Dennis Flores)

One cannot expand enough on the way that drummers, singers, dancers like Quique Dreke, Totico, Patato, Virgilio and Eloy Marti, Frankie Malabe, Tommy Lopez, Julito Collazo, affected a whole generation of NY drummers. If I be allowed to further dissect the influence that these drummers and the like had on future generation, we could construct a sort of "Family Tree" that shows how each generation influenced the next. We won't go so far though.

I would have to discuss the topic a little further with Willie, but Angel Rodriguez probably fits in right after the Golden Years of the drummers, singers and dancers that hit NY, and happens to be one of the few that has managed to continue to play at a high level of technical proficiency throughout the years.

Here we see a small glimpse of what Angel has been doing lately.

(Angel @ Hunts Point, Video Credit: Dennis Flores)

(Angel Rodrigez on tumbas, Video Credit: Dennis Flores)



(Angel Rodriguze on chekere, Video Credit: Dennis Flores)

The last video shows him playing a beautiful chekere with a great bottom end. I wonder who made said gourd?

July 4th @ Totico's....'99

Despite oppressive temperatures going over 100 at times...Totico's backyard rocked to the beat of Batas and congas during an impromptu jam session. That's Chano in the beginning talking a little about drumming.

Conga Masters by Orlando Timbal

Another great poster for your viewing pleasure

Check out this beautiful poster

Chembo's boy Evi hooked up this poster of Chembo along with Los Gigantes del Tambor. I found this on Facebook and I'm sure Chembo won't mind my sharing it with you.