Available December, 2024. The Art of Playing Tumbadoras/Congas

Available Dec 2025

The Art of Playing Tumbadoras/Congas presents an overall view on how to play tumbadoras (aka congas), starting with drum positions, tuning, basic sounds and warm-up exercises. The individual chapters take you through developing the basic “tumbao” and many of the classic rhythms used by congueros today including, Bolero, Afro, Cha Cha Chá and Rumba Abierta. 

Master conguero Chembo Corniel skillfully documents his personal approach to playing iconic styles including Mozambique (New York style), Latin Jazz Grooves and the basic tumbao as taught by the late great master conguero, Tommy López. Rhythms from Cuba include Bembé, Songo, Rumba Guaguancó, Abakuá and Quinto Riffs. Rhythms from Puerto Rico include Sicá, Cuembé, Yubá, Plena and Oriza. 

Each chapter contains QR codes to over 200 examples and exercises demonstrated on video. Anyone studying this book will find these exercises, ideas and rhythms to be a beautiful pathway to The Art of Playing Tumbadoras/Congas. —Victor Rendón & “Chembo” Corniel 

Chembo Corniel, leader of the Chembo Corniel Quintet, has worked with Machito, Celia Cruz, Willie Colón, Tito Puente, Chucho Valdés, Hilton Ruiz, Tito Nieves, Angela Bofill, Grady Tate, Toshiko Akiyoshi,   The Afro-Cuban All Stars and many others.  

Victor Rendón, leader of the Bronx Conexión Latin Jazz Big Band, has worked with Mongo Santamaria, Chico O'Farrill, Carlos "Patato" Valdés, Ray Santos Orchestra, Grupo Caribe and many others. Rendon is the author of The Art of Playing Timbales.