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Latin is a term that refers to a group of styles like such as Bossa Nova, Mambo, Salsa, Samba, Rhumba, Merengue and Calypso.
The most commonly used rhythms to create a Latin feel are based on straight eighth notes and a keyboardist may be called on to perform a supportive comping role or even improvise a solo.
One of the most recognised elements of Latin music is the repetitive ostinato comping patterns played by the piano, Latin pianists break up the chords and work out small repeating phrases that sit in with the rhythm section creating an unmistakable Latin groove.
Example E1 gives us a glimpse at how a pianist may execute an ostinato pattern over a Bossa Nova feel.
The example is based on a vamp on C minor but the manuscript displays the other chords used Cm/Maj7 and Cm7, even though these are not necessarily shown on charts they can be added as improvised embellishment.
The part consists of both hands roughly doubling the same part where the 1st, major 7th then b7th of each chord played three octaves apart is alternated with the 3rd and 5th of all three chords.
The rhythm starts on the 1st beat of every two bars then uses continuously syncopated rhythms to integrate with the bass and drums creating a repetitive Bossa Nova groove idea.
Trying this idea in other keys and different progressions can help you become familiar with the combinations and possibilities that you could use.
Example E1
Example E2 gives is a demonstration of two examples that could be played over a Mambo feel.
The piano part shows the way you may approach playing an improvised solo or a musical hook by executing a melodic line in both hand separated by octaves.
The easiest way to get started doing this is to practice any melody with both hands separated by two octaves, later adding the octave between with the right hand also notice that both hands are indicated to be played an octave above where they are written with the 8va symbol.
Rhythmically the part plays with simple eighth note lines dispersed with syncopation while “catching the accents” with the rest of the band at the end of the 4 bar phrase.
The organ part is simple and supportive performing a chord padding role with long sustained notes.
Watch the ties carefully and the hit the same accents as the band in the last two bars.
Example E2a (Piano)
Example E2b (Organ)
Example E3 demonstrates how the piano and organ may be used with a Samba or Salsa feel.
The piano performs arpeggiated chord patterns in both hands but this time starting a 10th apart then continuing in parallel lines using only chord notes to create an interesting harmony idea then finishing off with a chromatic run in tenths.
Large intervals like octaves, tenths, etc are used by latin pianists to cut through the often larger ensembles that accompany this style.
Rhythmically both the piano and organ parts are based on repetitive patterns based sixteenths and are heavily syncopated fitting in with the groove performed by the rhythm section.
The organ comps through the progression with stabbing, percussive chord hits where the right hand executes the required chord and coordinates with the left playing short stabbing notes in between each chord creating an interesting rhythm to add to the feel.
Example E3a (Piano)
Example
E3b (Organ)
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