Jayson Mackie

Tropical Treats

This is a fun suite of four Latin-American dances. As with all Latin music, strict attention needs to be given to achieving complete rhythmic accuracy, security at speed, and neat articulation.

Previously published by Cascade Music (CM92) as 'Brazilian Jaunt'.

1. Sunshine Samba
A bright opener with a catchy happy tune and having a 'Rhythm Section' style of accompaniment. Keep it light and zippy so that audiences will want to hear it again, and again!

2. Tropical Tango
A more serious but sensual depiction of this bold and fiery dance. Play very expressively, perhaps with slightly exaggerated dynamics. Imagine, if you can, being over 18 and in an Argentinian bar with a glass of red wine, watching a couple demonstrating this passionate, dynamic dance.

3. Beach Bossa
Now for another Summer-filled piece like the opener, with an optimistic tune over a rhythm section. This one, however, also has a counter-melody which adds depth as long as it is not allowed to overshadow the main tune. Listen carefully to each other to achieve the required balance here .

4. Romantic Rumba
The Rumba is known as the 'dance of love, so play it with your best cantabile (voicelike) tone while keeping the accompanying rhythm ticking gently in the background like a pair of claves (hardwood sticks which always earn their keep in every Latin rhythm section).

J.M.