Bossa Nova, from the tradition of Samba in Brazil, is a very typical cocktail party, or band as background music rhythm. Our part to execute as a drummer is not that tricky, however, there are some significant parts of the Samba tradition to observe.
Just like Bembe, Samba is a rhythm for an ensemble of drummers. For our purpose we need to pay special attention to the Surdo, or bass drum in this ensemble. This drum where it’s from is king. It is as if the responsibility of the backbeat, played on the snare drum in our music, were delegated to one drummer who is also the musical director.