CLIFF BROOKS
Clifford Brooks has been drumming ever since he was 6 years old. It all started when he was standing at "Parade Rest" during a monthly battalion ceremony at Harding Military Academy. Feeling quite alone and homesick he wondered how he would cope in this very unforgiving environment. Suddenly he heard a profound sound, it was the musical attack of the marching snare drum pounding out the most beautiful sound he had ever heard. The marching band was drawing closer and closer, and Cliff could hardly contain his emotions. Something awesome was about to reveal itself that would change his life forever. When he laid his eyes upon the instrument that produced such a euphoric sound, he knew he would have to learn to play it one day. A few years later Cliff found himself focused on the art of trap drumming, and every time he would hear someone playing a trap set in the neighborhood, he would peek into the windows of the house where the drummer was playing. Just looking at any "Trap Drums" was an overwhelmingly joyful experience. As a child, Cliff was greatly influenced by Motown and later on by "funk music". Eventually, he learned to read music enough to be a snare drummer in two high school marching bands. In 1966 he discovered conga drums and enjoyed playing with the park drummers during the famous Griffith Park love-ins". It was not until 1973 that he developed a real interest in playing Latin percussion. In 1982 Cliff met Rolito Soto, the premier Bongosero of the Cuban music group, Rumbavana. Rolito taught concepts for playing the bongo, Thanks to his constant support and friendship, Cliff learned to play with "sabor". In 1985 Cliff moved to San Francisco where he met his wife of 15 years to date, Judith Justiz. Judith brought Afro-Cuban folkloric dance to the Bay Area in 1982.