Living in New York City can be quite a rewarding experience for any artist. One of the things I love the most is the fact that I don’t have to travel very far to enjoy direct contact with cultures and traditions from all over the world. A few years ago, bassist/composer Edward Perez introduced me to the wonderful cadences of Afro-Peruvian music, and I have been hooked on them ever since.

There’s a vibrant Peruvian population in New York, especially around Queens, and if you visit Terraza Jazz Club, chances are you’ll hear some of these wonderful sounds. In this article I would like to share some ways to apply Afro-Peruvian cajon rhythms to the drumset, as well as some adaptations of Spanish flamenco.

Lando on Cajon

Lando on Drumset

Festejo on Cajon

Festejo on Drumset

Vals on Cajon

Vals on Drumset

There’s a very deep musical tradition in the flamenco rhythms of southern Spain. These styles contain dozens of complicated variations. Here are some flamenco cajon patterns and their applications on the drumset.

Tango on Cajon

Tango on Drumset

Buleria on Cajon

Buleria on Drumset

Solea on Cajon

Solea on Drumset

Tanguillos on Cajon

Tanguillos on Drumset