terence - would you please explain guajira vs. cha a bit mroe? perhaps the distinction between what their time sig's look like, examples from popular numbers?
also, is it common for the same song to be identifiable as both a cha and a guajira, leaving it up to the dancer to interpret ?
and is the commonly understoond steps for on1 - cha (1-2-cha-cha-cha, or s-s-q-q-q breaking on 1) mroe apt for guajiras?
Possibly the easiest song ( in some older versions ) is Guantanamera, written in a Son Guajira rhythm ( its even in the lyrics ), and yes, there are songs that have a double syncop. over the 2 bars. As I have said many times, musicians write for themselves , not us( in a dance sense ) .
One of the latest, in authentic form , is on Cachaos last DVD/CD combo.
And here are 2 more that qualify..La Sonora Matanceras version of " El Mambito ".. and... Siembras'.. " El Mundo ", which has a dble syncop. ( this one is kick A.. )
As to count, Cha is always counted numerically .
There are many who teach on "1", but sometimes just for expediency ( C and W Cha is danced on "1", so I am told ).
But for the purest, most ( %99 ) of todays music seems to be geared to the on 2 market.
Even this gives way to how the accents are done.. as in...
Intern. B/room... 1.2.3.4. and1.2.3.4
Amer.style.....1.2.3. 4and1...
Guajira....1.2. 3and4.... note the compression of the syncop. in the last 2 as compared to the first one .
Intern. starts side right ,fwd left. and the Amer. starts side left ,back right , both prepping with the "1" ( same as the old Mambo ) .( this could be the also a reason why peoples perception is to dance it on "1" )
Now add Guajira to the mix ,and this usually starts.. fwd break on "1" .with the syncop, virtually danced in place ( exactly like triple Mambo, its fore runner ) and also danced in an open " box " style basic , using a " double " time rhythm , by tapping on the 2nd beat of the bar. Some even commence their fwd breaks on 3 (P.Rs for e.g. )
As may be seen , their are several ideas on the musics interpretation, and some have more merit than others .
Its also important to note, that not ALL Guajiras are written in a slower tempi .
I,m in the process of putting together an instruction DVD on the 3 styles ,with some basic variations , and what would be considered the appropriate music for each .
P.S......
I also have just completed 4 articles on mambo/ salsa for an on line publication being launched in january .
