For the first time in print, Afro-Cuban clave music receives an in-depth analysis that shows, in a logical, step-by-step manner, precisely how all its rhythmic elements relate. For beginning students, performers, or music teachers, The Clave Matrix unlocks the rhythmic secrets of this extraordinary music. Over 300 pages, The Clave Matrix presents numerous examples and exercises (in standard and box notation), extensive chapter notes, bibliography, and a prodigious discography of 10 pages. Also included are 2 CDs with 117 tracks of examples.

Clave: A Spanish word meaning code, or key—as in the key to a mystery or puzzle, or keystone—the wedge-shaped stone in the center of an arch that ties all the stones together. Clave is the key pattern that decodes the rhythmic structure of Afro-Cuban music.

Matrix: The point of origin from which something takes form and develops, or a grid-like array of elements—an inter-woven pattern.

The Clave Matrix: The complete array of elements that give structure to clave music and their interlocking relationships

“Everyone knows that Latin music is based on clave, but what is clave itself based on? The answer - a revelation to me, is one of many to be found in this meticulous study of Afro-Cuban rhythms.” Kevin Moore
(author: The Tomas Cruz Conga Method Vols. 1-3, Beyond Salsa Piano, The Cuban Timba Piano Revolution)

"An incredible work of art... phenomenal. " Walfredo de los Reyes Sr.

“If you have been waiting for a text that breaks down the concept of clave and its related complexities to a level of practical and useable detail, this is your book.” Dr. Eugene D. Novotney (Professor of Music, Humboldt State University).

"The Clave Matrix is extremely well written, very informative and utterly thorough. Besides the main body of the text, the notes chapter, references, discographies, websites, etc., in the back of the book are fantastic! It's an excellent piece of work!" Michael Spiro (author: The Conga Drummer's Guidebook).

“I highly recommend David’s common sense method to this much underdeveloped area of Cuban music. This is THE standard of the genre.” Conor Guilfoyle (author: Odd Meter Clave, Rhythmic Reading)

"Not only has David done a meticulous job of documenting, explaining and expanding the most far reaching mode of expression in world music today, he has created a rigorous method for learning and teaching its principles and application." Kim Atkinson (author: Clave Consciousness Vols.1 and 2 and Speaking of Rhythm Vols. 1 -6, PulseWave.com)