Beach style bongos
22-Sep-07
There was a recent thread on the Worldwide Bongo Group on “beach style” bongos. It appears to have been an extension of the bongo craze of the 50s. It brings to mind visions of bikini-clad beauties twisting away in the sand, accompanied by a goateed skin slapping hipster.
Like this:
Bongos appear to have played a part in the surf music of the time. Preston Epps “Bongo Rock” was essentially a surf instrumental - in fact, it was even covered by the Ventures.
Technique-wise, beach style favored open strokes over the martillo. It seems to have been an entry-point to the world of el bongo for a lot of players. I’m loving the fact that, as I learn more about the bongos, I’m discovering just how varied and rich the history is.
Viva el bongo!