Musical Revolutions – what is happening in Cuban music today? Interviews with Juan de Marcos Gonzalez and Carlos Alfonso August 2004 La Habana, Cuba by Cristina Dio It is because of Cuba’s revolution in 1959 that musical traditions have been preserved on the island, and musicians are able to study music at the expense of the state for up to 20 years! But has the system actually oppressed musical development? Post-revolution, progress ceased on many levels due to the US trade embargo, but is Cuban music also stuck in a time warp? Or is this the perception of a world over-exposed to Buena Vista Social Club branding?

(above: Sintesis)

I asked the question while recently in Havana of two of the most prominent producers of music there today, Juan de Marcos Gonzalez, ex-Sierra Maestra, director of the Afro-Cuban Allstars and responsible for the Buena Vista Social Club, and Carlos Alfonso, director of fusion group Sintesis. Not everyone was in agreement on the state of musical affairs in 21st Century Cuba....

NEW RELEASES
Search our entire LATIN CATALOGUE. More LATINO reviews 1 2 3 4 5 6

	Bamboleo - Te gusto, te caigo bien (Ahi Nama)
	Bamboleo - Yo No Me Parezco A Nadie (Ahi Nama) Bamboleo’s flagwaver was released in 1998 so it’s hardly latest news but it is the release that brought Cuban timba to international attention. What is timba? Well, to me it’s really just Cuban salsa on steroids with elements of funk, rap and jazz firming the confection. Featuring two ladies, Haila and Vannia with voices of steel and a punch-drunk brass section Bamboleo are pretty hard to ignore.
	Bamboleo - Ya No Hace Falta (Ahi Nama)
	Bamboleo - Que Bueno Esta! (Ahi Nama)
	Compay Segundo - a cuban legend (Shanachie)
	luis conte - cuban dreams (Unitone) Luis’ Unitone Recordings debut disc Cuban Dreams is an earnest musical statement that's notable for its epic sweep and its astounding relevance. Inspired by original compositions and traditional songs from the pre-revolutions era, this is one of the most important records of our time.
	maria ochoa - asi quiero vivir (Lightyear) Maria Ochoa y Corazón de Son is the first truly modern Cuban Son music performed by artists who grow up where the son is pure, who understand the tradition of son, and who are now developing the forms and traditions for the next generation. Santiago, Cuba is where the son was born. Santiago is the cradle of son. Son is the foundation, the base of all Cuban music.

Search our
catalogues