Samba Rhythm
The samba rhythm follows a quick two-pulse pattern, derived from the habanera rhythm. A basic samba rhythm emphasizes each beat, but with a quick anticipation before the second pulse. If, for example, each beat is divided into four subbeats (sixteenth notes), the two-pulse pattern can be said as “One-ee-&-ah, Two-ee-&-ah.” The drum sounds a two-pulse pattern that anticipates the second beat by playing on the “ah” of the first beat: “One - - ah, Two - - -.” This anticipation reinforces the second pulse, which has a higher tone than the low downbeat sounded on the first beat and anticipation. In performance, a surdos performer will use both a hand and a stick, or often two different sticks, to provide contrasting timbres. The first pulse is usually played with the heavier stick striking the center of the drum while the hand or lighter stick may play varied patterns anticipating the second pulse, generally by striking the rim of the drum. [SEE TABLE IN BOOK PAGE 92]
