John Santos Claves Demonstration [Interview Video]

Following the release of The John Santos Sextet’s album ‘Art of the Descarga,’ John Santos teaches us about the rhythms and melodies of claves.

Produced by Michelle Mehrtens
Directed and Edited by Charlie Weber
Photography by Michael G. Stewart

'Art of the Descarga' available on CD and digital.

Stream/download/purchase:

Built on the Afro-Caribbean past, forged by visionaries such as John Santos and his comrades, and steeled by its rootedness in American life, Latin jazz is a major force shaping contemporary American musical culture. Over decades of performing, arranging, producing, and teaching, Santos has helped make the San Francisco Bay area a Latin jazz stronghold. In Art of the Descarga, The John Santos Sextet and a parade of stellar guests mine the music’s imaginative motherlode, the descarga—the spontaneous, improvisatory interplay that is the beating heart of Latin jam sessions. Orestes Vilató, Jerry González, Orlando “Maraca” Valle, Tito Matos, Juan “Juango” Gutiérrez, and other luminaries join the sextet in this spectacular collision of beauty, design, and time-honored creativity.

[davidvazquezsr.]

Mr. John Santos is truly a gifted Teacher / Instructor his knowledge of concepts traditions and rhythms are very extensive and valuable to all percussionist and anyone wanting to learn. I took one lesson from him as a young student on the bongo he taught me the martillo patterns. John Thank You Very Much for everything you do.

[michaelglaser]

Best explanation I have ever heard! I learned so much- thanks, John & Smithsonian Folkways!

[LeoraSchneider]

Thank you! You’re a fantastic teacher & I love your voice!

[janinesantana]

Thank You John, Keeper of the Culture, and Folkways..Also Keepers of the Cultures!

[lindasmith]

Thank so much for sharing about this amazing instrument, its cultural and musical significance. 😊

[Smitty]

He literally played Bo Diddley with the clave when he was mentioning the yin and yang opposite side Style in the United States. Bo diddley's rhythm in the song lady named after him Bo Diddley, and they're both African rhythms traditional rhythms, actually. I love learning this stuff

[TheHarmonicaBarge]

This is really interesting- thanks so much!!

[mobilemarshall]

Always loved the way claves sound and the simplicity. Thanks for the informative video

[pierrezapata]

Just as he explains around the middle of the video- the Claves are so simple that they can often be overlooked by some as silly, but the truth is, the clave is so important for setting the rhythm that the melodies are forced to follow.

The piercing sound over a mix can make an entire ensemble stop if the clave rhythm is messed up.

[JAG]

The Beatles used the Claves in the song and I Love Her and also The Who in their song Magic Bus

The Claves was also utilized in the theme song for the 80's show Night Court

[graemehaney]

THANK YOU.. Ive shared this! Great explanation for non muso's, with awesome examples, and linking back to the historical roots too.. MORE PLEASE!!

[phrosda]

I got these for Christmas... no idea what to use them for. Can't see myself using them. Anyone need some?

[braziliantvhd]

Magic Bus instrument which Who sadly never used on stage