Glossary · R

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Reja
Rudimentary percussion instrument made with a piece of discarded metal (usually of some agricultural machinery) which is beaten with a large nail. In is used in the carnivals or in the street congas.

Ritmo Nuevo
A direct predecessor of the mambo, the ritmo nuevo emerges in the late 30’s, when certain elements are added to the danzón longer symphonic pieces with melodies, and a dose of jazz and swing as a catalyst. Violins are played with pizzicato (plucking strings), the double bass is syncopated in "tumbao", while the percussion, reinforced with a powerful conga, underlines the strong beats, and the piano accentuates the syncopation. Flute improvisations are also added and these are influenced by the familiar techniques used by jazz players.

Rumba
Secular music and dance style typical of informal gatherings. All rhythms in this group section have a 4/4 timing unless specified differently. These rhythms follow a syncopated pattern of five beats in two musical bars called the clave de rumba. All the rumbas present a call-answer pattern among the singers, drums and drum players. The most well known rumbas, in order of tempo speed include: yambú, guaguancó, rumba columbia and rumba abierta.

Rumba Abierta
Generic term used to describe rumbas with a fast rhythm.

Rumba Columbia
Originally form Columbia and danced by a sole dancer. It is fast with a 6/8 timing. The words are a mixture of Spanish and African.