Thought I’d post a video of me playing Shackles by Mary Mary in the studio with my band Connotations. This short and sweet version was shot during a recent recurring session for the band’s showreel. I managed to chuck a little solo in there too.

The approach in the solo is definitely ‘Latin’. I love this track because the Salsa/Songo vibe works so well and the tempo is comfortable for me. I attempted to push and pull the time for the phrasing in the solo in a similar way a Timbale player might in a Salsa tune.

The groove itself has the backbeat but all the elements of a songo groove – cowbell, syncopated rhythms. Definitely Latin in the background.

Hope you enjoy this cover and remember to write in a let me know your thoughts!

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Connotations are:

Adrian Violi – Drums
Liz Violi – Vocals
Genaaron Diamente – Guitar
Dave Evans – Bass
Jarrah Whyte – Keys
Steven Majstorovic – Saxophone