The Language of the Masters: Transcriptions and Etudes of 10 Great Latin Percussion Artists by Michael Spiro and Michael Coletti is the first comprehensive analytical study of the greatest figures in Afro-Cuban and Latin percussion.
If you want to move beyond patterns and truly understand how master percussionists think, phrase, and improvise, this book gives you direct access to their musical language. Getting inside the minds of these artists will help you find your own voice as you become more fluent in the language of Latin Percussion improvisation.
Instead of generic exercises, Spiro and Coletti present detailed transcriptions of classic recorded solos from ten of the most talented musicians — revealing the rhythmic logic, phrasing devices, motivic development, and stylistic nuances that define the tradition.
• Three transcribed solos from each of 10 legendary percussionists
• A written etude distilling the essence of each artist’s style
• Play-along tracks for every etude — first with the solo performed, then accompaniment-only for practice
• A 16-page overview by Michael Spiro explaining how to study, internalize, and apply the material
| Armando Peraza | Tito Puente |
| Ray Barretto | Manny Oquendo |
| Tata Guines | Guillermo Barreto |
| Johnny Rodriguez | Yeyito |
| Mongo Santamaria | Orestes Vilato |
(Plus a bonus Giovanni Hidalgo transcription!)
This book is ideal for intermediate to advanced percussionists, serious students of salsa and Latin jazz, and musicians preparing for academic or professional auditions. It is absolutely the first collected study of its kind, giving these masters the analysis and respect they deserve.
The Language of the Masters - Transcriptions of 10 Great Latin Percussion Artist - SHER002 - Michael Spiro
