Tiger Bill Reviews

Vera Cruz Island

Brazilian Rhythms for the Drumset

Book and 2 CD Set

 

 

I had the chance to hang with and get to know Vera Figueiredo when we taught at KoSA together and found her to be an extremely talented musician. So I was really looking forward to reviewing her book and CD package that gives her the opportunity to share her vast knowledge of her native Brazilian rhythms with the drumming community. Let's check it out.

Brazilian Rhythms for Drumset
This package consists of a book and two audio CDs, which are all based on Vera's 3rd album Vera Cruz Island (Rainbow Records). Vera Cruz Island is what the country of Brazil was formerly known as. The album, which contains 13 songs, not only gives Vera room to shine as a player but as a composer as well.

The book, which was co-authored by Daniel Oliveira who is a full-time professor at IBVF as well as a freelance drummer, is formatted with a Chart Analysis of each of the songs on the Vera Cruz Island CD followed by each song's drum chart. The original audio CD is included in this package as well as a second CD that has been remixed without drums for play-along practice. I'm a huge fan of play-alongs because I find they are a tremendous help to students attempting to apply newly learned rhythmic patterns in practical musical settings.

Both the popular traditional and contemporary Brazilian styles are represented here including the Maracatu, Samba-Baiano, Samba-Reggae, Samba-Jazz, Bossa Nova, Baião, Choro, Chamamé, and other interesting variations including a fusion of Samba, African tribal, and Afro-Cuban grooves.

On the final Saturday night of the KoSA International Drum Camp, all of the teachers perform in concert for the student body. My drumset happened to be set up on stage right next to Vera's that night and I had the opportunity to play along with her. I have nothing but the highest respect for her abilities. In my book, she has absolutely earned the title "Queen of the Samba." And, with this release, she will prove it to those who are not yet familiar with her work.

I recommend this package both to students and teachers alike who are looking to experience authentic Brazilian rhythms from one of world's leading Brazilian musicians.

Vera Cruz Island - Brazilian Rhythms for Drumset is a good value at its retail price of $24.95 for the book and two CD set but is available at a substantial discount online from: