With fingers and palms flying over congas, Russ Caldwell beat out Latin rhythms. They sounded of heartbeats, dancing feet, swaying hips.

Caldwell called it spreading around Latin jazz.

The Hailey resident led a free master class Tuesday at the College of Southern Idaho. About 20 people attended - not only percussion students, but community members. Caldwell has played with Count Basie and Poncho Sanchez. His Latin rhythms also can be found on the soundtrack of the PBS documentary "Liquid Stage."

At the class, Caldwell presented an overview of Latin rhythms and percussion instruments.

Latin rhythms are more intricate than those in American music, said Caldwell, who moved to Idaho from San Diego three years ago. "Not only are the percussion instruments playing the rhythms, but other instruments play the rhythm, as well."

He showed the students patterns on conga drums. The touch, slap and open, where to hit and how to hit.

Along with a demonstration of how to play the rhythms on different instruments was a history lesson about them. In storytelling fashion, Caldwell rolled out facts about how African rhythms came out of slavery days and mixed with indigenous music.

"He has really immersed himself in the history of the music," said Brent Jensen, CSI associate music professor.

Mostly, the Latin rhythms are centered on dance from Africa's ancient times, Caldwell said.

Of all the music, his favorite is Latin jazz.

"It's hilarious fun. Everybody has rhythm from their heart on out, and when they start playing it's just catching," he said. "It's just really, really uplifting."

Pat Marcantonio may be reached at 735-3288 or patm@magicvalley.com.