Brazilian Rhythms: Samba and Maracatú — A Musical Comparison with Brian Rice

A focused workshop for drummers and percussionists looking to deepen their understanding of two cornerstone Brazilian rhythms. By comparing samba (from Rio de Janeiro) and maracatú (from Pernambuco in Brazil’s Northeast), we gain a clearer sense of each tradition — musically, rhythmically, and culturally — and what it takes to play them with authenticity and confidence.

You will:

Learn the traditional forms and instruments for each style

Identify key rhythmic differences and shared roots

Explore cultural context and performance practice

Adapt both rhythms for drum set application

This session bridges tradition and practice, giving you tools to recognize, speak, and play these grooves with greater clarity and authority.

You may also like the following events from California Jazz Conservatory:

• Happening on, 1st February, 11:00 am, Reharmonizing / Arranging Standards Without Losing the Song with Tamir Hendelman in Berkeley
• Happening on, 7th February, 02:00 pm, Improvisation Ideas Inspired by Brazilian Rhythms with Andrew Finn McGill in Berkeley
• Happening on, 7th February, 02:00 pm, Mediterranean Jazz Techniques — Maqam Modes, Klezmer Ornaments & Odd Meters with Alon Nechustan in Berkeley

Also check out other Workshops in Berkeley.