This book is the latest addition to Carlos Campos’ series of Afro-Latin books for keyboard.
Mr. Campos’ previous books in this genre are Salsa: Afro-Cuban Montunos for Piano,
Salsa: Further Adventures in Afro-Cuban Music, Latin Jazz Piano Vol. 1,
Ultimate Latin Riffs and Salsa: Afro-Cuban Montunos for Guitar.
In Merengue Piano Styles, Mr. Campos delves into an aspect of the music of the Dominican Republic
called merengue, known for its intricate rhythms and ultra fast tempos.
Mr. Campos divides most of the examples in this book into “Derecho” and “Pambiche” styles.
Selected examples are included in the accompanying CD, recorded at different tempos.
Tracks containing bass and percussion only are also included.
The complete set of recordings containing every example in this book are also available in high quality
mp3 files (over 300 megabytes of mp3 files) and/or midi files, see below
While living in Boston, Carlos Campos spent many years studying and performing this particular genre
with many merengue bands in the New England area. He later arranged, produced and recorded for
several merengue artists.
In the past, the only way to learn how to play the different styles of Afro-Latin music was to live
in an area where that music genre was already very popular, so that one might connect with as many
authentic musicians as possible, learning one pattern here, another there, via a very slow learning process
that could take years if not decades to accomplish.
Even though the process of immersing oneself fully and experientially into the musical style of our choosing
is absolutely necessary for our musical growth, the need for concise, well-written and organized materials,
written by someone who knows and lives this type of music is also essential.
We at ADG believe that Mr. Campos’ books have done a great service to the musical community by
making Afro-Latin musical styles more accessible to students worldwide.
We hope that this book and the rest of Mr. Campos’ books find a special place in your musical world and
that they become an integral part of your daily musical practice.
Customers who have bought the book/cd can obtain the MIDI files for $10.00 with proof of purchase of the book/cd. Proof of purchase would include a copy of the receipt for the book or a scan of page 2 of the book. Please email us at sales@adgproductions.com or call 800 748 5934