claves
/kleɪvz
/ /klɑːvz/plural noun
1A pair of hardwood sticks used to make a hollow sound when struck together.The mic was also nice on wooden percussion - claves, castanets, etc. - and hand claps and finger snaps....
- These three main patterns are amplified by turtle shells, claves, timbales, bongos, congas, maracas and tambourines.
- Musicians will demonstrate bomba and plena, and give a group lesson on the claves - wooden sticks that are the backbone of Latin rhythms.
1.1 (clave) [mass noun] A syncopated rhythm typical of some Latin American music.The clave is the timekeeper of Latin music and dance, rooted in African syncopation....
- It opens with Henry Mancini's ‘Theme From Hatari,’ which Byron has remade in clave.
- Considered the key, the identity and the soul of the music, the clave is the main organizing principle to which every element of arrangement and improvisation in the music is connected.
Origin
1920s: from Latin American Spanish, from Spanish clave 'keystone', from Latin clavis 'key'.