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. We've even put in slowed down tracks of the snare parts, so that they're easy to practice along with when you're learning.
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
Kalashnikov - fast, loud and rather funky
Xango - famous for it’s intro, but the rest is nice. Has a nice break in the tam part so they can dance.
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!
Funk - not strictly a samba tune, but fun and funky nevertheless.
Following Notation
Following the notations can seem daunting at first. They can look very complicated and confusing. It's easier to just concentrate on the instrument you're playing and ignore the rest.
Remember that tunes are played over 4 or 8 beats. To keep time, try stepping side to side (1 = side step, 2 = feet together, 3 = side step other way, 4 = feet together). Each beat is split up into 4 to tell you if you have to play one, twice etc within that beat.
Once you think you've got a handle on your part, try playing with everyone else. Quite often you'll hear motifs in what others are playing that echo what you're playing. Listen especially to the surdos - they're the ones ultimately responsible for keeping the tempo and rhythm of the tune.
anti-copyright - distribute and make some glorious noise!!
A revolution without dancing is a revolution not worth having.