Masters of Rhythm

Rhythm is one of the most powerful forces in music, with the beat and meter providing both the framework and glue for many musical styles. Rhythm even reflects our own human existence, which begins with rhythmic heartbeats. In filmmaker Eve A. Ma's music documentary, rhythm is manifested through the hands and voices of very talented Peruvian masters—percussionists Lal Izquierdo, Juan Medrano Cotito, and Freddy Huevito Lobotón, backed by guitarist Coco Linares—who demonstrate the strong beats of the country's Afro-Peruvian culture. Along with the music, the history of the songs and beats are also explained by the musicians (some stem from “code” during times of slavery). Mostly played on the cajón (a rectangular percussion hand drum), the beats sometimes feature counter-rhythms and poly-rhythms, and at other times are in total synchronization, creating a powerful foundation for vocals, instrumentation (like acoustic guitar), and, of course, dance. In one such dance, called a zapateo, the rhythms are performed by dancers using techniques that some may recognize as having a kinship with tap dance. Filmed close-up, this is an intimate portrait of the master practitioners of the rhythmic music central to Afro-Peruvian heritage. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Block)