A cajon is a Peruvian box-shaped percussion instrument, played by slapping the front or rear faces with the hands, fingers, or sometimes implements such as brushes, mallets, or sticks.
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History of the cajon
Origins in Peru
The cajon originated in Peru, with roots dating back to the late 18th century. It was created by African slaves who used wooden crates, often shipping boxes, as drums after traditional instruments were banned by Spanish colonizers. The instrument became central to Afro-Peruvian music, providing rhythm and percussion for traditional dances and songs.
Design evolution
Early cajons were simple, unadorned wooden boxes. Over time, modifications were made to improve sound quality, including adding a thin plywood front (tapa) to enhance tonal variation. Modern cajons often include snares or guitar strings on the inside, giving a sound that resembles a snare drum when struck.
Key characteristics
Construction
A typical cajon is a six-sided wooden box with a sound hole in the back and a thin plywood front plate. The player sits on the cajon, striking the front panel with their hands, fingers, or brushes. Striking different areas of the front plate produces different tones, from deep bass sounds to higher, snare-like accents.
Portability
One of the cajon’s advantages is its portability. Its compact size makes it easy to transport and allows it to be used in a variety of settings, from street performances to formal concerts. This versatility has contributed to its increasing popularity worldwide.
Rise in popularity
Flamenco integration
In the 1970s, the cajon became popular in flamenco music, thanks to the Spanish guitarist Paco de Lucía. He introduced the cajon into his performances after discovering it in Peru. This introduction significantly expanded the cajon’s use in genres beyond its traditional Afro-Peruvian roots.
Global adoption
Since its integration into flamenco, the cajon has spread to other genres, including jazz, pop, and world music. It is widely used in acoustic performances, often as a substitute for a full drum kit.
Well-known players
Paco de Lucía
Although primarily a guitarist, Paco de Lucía played a crucial role in popularizing the cajon in flamenco music. His collaborations with cajon players helped bring the instrument to international attention.
Rubem Dantas
A percussionist known for his work with Paco de Lucía, Rubem Dantas is one of the first to integrate the cajon into flamenco and is a key figure in its global popularity.
Mario Cortez
A flamenco percussionist, Mario Cortez has performed with top flamenco artists and is known for his virtuosic cajon playing. His work continues to inspire a new generation of percussionists worldwide.