The Songo

The Songo drum rhythm combines elements of Funk and Soul much the same way that Jazz influenced the Mambo and Cha Cha. Combining Cuban rhythms with Funk, Rock, Jazz, Fusion and the musical styles of from the Caribbean and Brazil, the Songo can be described as a very soulful type of music. With modern origins, the Songo is the first Afro-Cuban style conceived from a drum set rhythm and basic foot pattern called the Tumbao. In addition to the Tumbao, the ride hand plays a steady pulse, while the snare hand plays a syncopated rhythm to help create the Songo’s linear patterns. The accents in the Song drum rhythm help establish the overall feel of the Songo help establish the unique sound of each beat or rhythm. Improvisation is common when playing the Songo, and even though the Songo has a unique beat, Songo styles may be used with other Afro-Cuban rhythms when the drummer is accompanied by other percussionists.

The primary Songo example presented is based on a 2-3 Rumba Clave rhythm – in more advanced playing a hi-hat Rumba Clave can be played. The Songo groove is a two-measure, up-tempo pattern with an average quarter note pulse of 200bpm.

Example 1 is a standard Songo pattern for the drum set. The snare hand creates a ‘linear‘ effect round the bass Tumbao pattern and the ride pattern (ride bell or rim). The accented and ghost notes help create the over all Songo Rhythm in this two bar phrase.

Example 1

Example 2 is a slight variation of Example 1. Here the bass drum Tumbao pattern plays only on the 2 + of each measure.

Example 2

Example 3 Returning to the original bass drum Tumbao pattern, the ride hand now plays a ‘Bongo‘ bell pattern between the edge of the ride and the bell on this more traditional Songo rhythm. Note: The accented notes are on 1 and 3 of each measure.

Example 3

Example 4 Moving away from the traditional bass drum pattern of the Tumbao, and the ride hand Bongo pattern is this simplified two bar Songo pattern played with the hi-hat, still maintaining the steady pulse important to maintain the Songo rhythm.

Example 4