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New York Cuban bands have been burning up the dance floors, air waves and CD/MP3 players in New York, across the U.S. and overseas; SonSublime, CubanoSon, Ochún and Son de Madre to be more specific. Their music comes from and is inspired by a time and a place that gave birth to an immense musical treasure that still shines like the finest pearl to this day. Their music resonates with the rhythms and songs from the best orchestras and soloists Cuba has produced; Arcaño y sus Maravillas, Beny Moré, Celia Cruz, Orquesta Aragón, Sonora Matancera, Arsenio Rodríguez y su Conjunto and José Fajardo y su Orquesta, just to name a few. The musical styles: Danzón, Son, Son Montuno, Cha-cha-chá, Guajira, Guaguanco, Rumba and Bolero are represented and are interpreted with a modern flair - it splashes on the soul as a fresh new sea wave.
There's a Cuban music renaissance going on, in case you haven’t noticed, and it’s happening right here in New York; thanks to the popularity of the award winning music CD and documentary the Buena Vista Social Club, and of course, the excellent quality of the music being produced by these stunning New York bands mentioned above - other Latin bands look out, the bar has been raised! Just talk to any of the band leaders or musicians or listen to one their CDs and you'll immediately be energized by their excitement and enthusiasm. Most, if not all, of these bands were formed, reformed or inspired by this documentary; and each has a fascinating story to tell. Everything Cuban is in much fashion and in demand here and all around the country. Cuban restaurants are suddenly dotting the map right here in NYC (Amor Cubano, Havana Central, Son Cubano, Cuba, Guantanamera); they’re full to capacity nightly; on weekends you better have reservations or forget it - you'll have to do Italian or Mexican! Even Hollywood and Broadway are in, with Andy Garcia's passionate and historical tribute to his native Cuba, The Lost City; released summer 2005 and the recent Off Broadway Play Celia. Dance studios are beginning to offer Cuban Son lessons along with Latin dance. There's even talk about bringing popular Cuban bands from Cuba like, La Aragon, Los Van Van, Maraca and Manolito Simonet to the New York Clubs; LQ, S.O.B.'s and the Westgate Lounge in Nyack. Of course this will depend on the state of US – Cuban relations in the very near future. This in the past has caused concerns about the politics involved, and especially concerns about negative repercussions with the Cuban-American community, but according to a recent article in the Financial Times, attitudes are changing and right in the Cuban-American Community itself. This is a very interesting article that spells out what is happening and the implications for the future – a must read; here’s a link to it: Waiting Game . Cigar Aficionado dedicated an entire Issue to Cuba Tomorrow which looks at Cuba from many angles. If you're looking for a comprehensive book on the subject, Ned Sublette's fascinating masterwork Cuba and its Music is the right choice. Also, you may like to read Dancing with the Enemy an essay on the impact the Buena Visa Social Club phenomena has had on the music scene with respect to Cuba and the US.
This is a wonderful and exciting moment in musical history for Latin music, lovers, musicians, aficionados and dancers alike. It’s only a matter of time when we’ll see both New York and Cuban bands from Cuba regularly performing in the dance clubs; even new swanky Manhattan night clubs totally dedicated to Cuban music, showcasing the best talent from around the globe. Cuban music has influenced music throughout the world; it’s about time it took center stage and prominence on New York’s dance floors and airwaves as it has long been internationally. So gentlemen, take out your finely pressed guayaberas or that sharp Italian suit, and ladies put a flower in your hair and wear that elegant Latin dress - the Pachanga has started!
- Ed Castaneda, New York, NY USA
Contacts:
Ed Castaneda
Jesse Herrero, SonSublime
Leonel “Papo” Ortega, CubanoSon
Miguel Garcia, Ochún
Chacho Schartz, Son de Madre |
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