--------
TUNES
Many of these tunes are played by everyone is the RoR network, so that when we meet up at big demos we can all team up to form a really big loud bateria. Don't feel though that you have to learn them all. Start with a couple of easier ones such as Samba Reggae to begin with.
The tunes themselves are easy to learn. They are built up from each instrument playing a pattern that come together to form an cohesive funky tune.
Tunes are led by the mestre using signals to call breaks, bring in or stop instruments and change the tempo of the groove. Hand signals vary from mestre to mestre and from school to school. Each instrument can have its own signal, as have all the breaks, plus all the quirky extra tricks used to really get the groove going. The RoR network all try to use the same signals so that we can all learn the same tunes internationally, and can play together when we meet up as a big band at demonstrations etc. The mestre will signal a break etc, then count it in. Signals are NEVER acted upon until the mestre counts it in to ensure that all members of the band play the same thing all at the same time. There are descriptions of the signals with each notation.
All the tunes we've listed include notations, notes on the tunes (e.g. whether some breaks are played together) and suggestions about stuff to try (you don't have to follow these suggestions - go with what works for you). All the tunes are available in printer friendly format. We're also trying to provide sound files of each of the songs and their component parts, so that hopefully you get an idea of what they sound like.
Tunes
Samba Reggae - this is the definite must know tune.
Welfare State - also known as the "I've got custard in my underpants" one. Some bands refer to this one as "Custard" instead. This is one of the RoR basics.
Kalashnikov - fast, loud and rather funky. One of the essentials.
Xango - fabulous intro and a tam part with a gap for dancing in. Definitely one to know.
Ragga - Slightly harder, but very funky. One of our favourites.
Afoxe - a fast groovy tune with quite a hard repenique part.
James Brown - Inspired by the Godfather of Soul, it's quite easy to play and always a winner.
Hedgehog - the loud shouty one! Another RoR "must know".
Funk - not strictly "proper" samba, but fun, funky and a joy to play!!!
Sambasso - quite difficult and not played by everyone. The tam part is difficult but rocks when you get it right.
Nova Balanca - tricky but with a swinging surdo line.
Following Notation
Following the notations can seem daunting at first. They can look very complicated and confusing. To help you along, we've put together a little tutorial on reading notation here.
Big Baterias
In some of the big demos where multiple bands from the RoR Network meet up to play together, it is very easy for the bateria to become large and spread out. Add to that the occupational hazards of banners, non-band members getting in the middle etc, and it can become difficult for those furthest away from the mestre to see the signals.
On these occasions you can use two or more mestres. One leads from the front and is in overall charge, leading and controlling the groove. The others act as "sub-mestre", staying further towards the back and mirroring the signals coming from the mestre at the front.
A revolution without dancing is a revolution not worth having.
 All linked files are licenced under a Creative Commons Licence. |