Cuban rumba

Cuban rumba is an Afro-Cuban music and dance genre characterized by complex rhythms, call-and-response vocals, and expressive, often flirtatious movements, rooted in African and Spanish traditions.

Presión

Timba gear family characterized by the absence of a bass tumbao, the absence of a conga marcha, and usually the absence of bells. The building of musical intensity and drive, often created through layered rhythms, bloques, and dynamic changes that push the energy higher.

Bloques

Rhythmic breaks or unison hits played by the whole band, often interrupting the flow to create surprise and tension. These are choreographed and add drama, excitement, and syncopation.

• Interruptive role: The bloque is a sudden, tightly coordinated rhythmic break. It disrupts the ongoing groove (tumbao, coro, or guías).

• Cue for change: Right after the bloque, the band often launches into a new “gear” (a new rhythmic feel, coro, or piano tumbao). In this sense, the bloque

Gear changes

Gear changes, or "cambios de marcha," in Timba are particularly thrilling elements that contribute to the genre's dynamism and energy. These changes are essentially shifts in rhythm, tempo, or even in the music's texture that inject excitement and often encourage dance floor responses. They are used strategically throughout a song to create tension and release, keep the audience engaged, and highlight the musicians' versatility and creativity.

Masacote

In timba (a Cuban music style related to salsa, but with stronger influences from funk, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and jazz), a " masacote" typically refers to a powerful, rhythmic burst in the music. It’s a short, intense moment where the instrumentation – especially the rhythm section – becomes extra groovy, syncopated, or funky.

Verse

The largo, canto, or verse, is where the lead vocalist sings the main lyrical content of the song. In Timba, the canto often contains a narrative or thematic element and is supported by the rhythm section and background vocals.

Outro (Coda)

The conclusion of the song, which often mirrors the intro or brings the song to a close with a final statement by the band.

Introducción

This is the opening section of the song, which sets the mood and introduces the musical motifs. It often features a horn section and can include elements from the song's main themes.

Montuno

This section is characterized by a more open and interactive part of the song, where there is a dialogue between the vocals and the instrumentalists, leading to a more improvised feel. The montuno is typically built on repetitive piano and bass patterns and may include call-and-response singing.

Clave

The clave is a fundamental rhythmic pattern and organizing principle in Cuban music. It serves as both a musical pattern and a guiding concept, deeply rooted in Afro-Cuban traditions.

Conga

Conga Drums

Used in rumba, timba, etc.

The Bass

Timba, the explosive and rhythmically rich genre of Cuban dance music, transformed how the bass functions in popular music. In Timba, the bass is not just foundational — it’s fiery, funky, and free.