Afro-Cuban culture, Blog, Cuba, Latin Jazz, Puerto Rico, The Cuba-US connection, Video and audio
When you talk about Cuban music, you have to talk about Puerto Rico and the Bronx too.
This video is a classic example why.
From a concert recorded in Puerto Rico in 1998.
Andy Gonzalez – bass, The Bronx (Puerto Rico)
Jerry Gonzalez – trumpet, The Bronx (Puerto Rico)
Ivan Renta – tenor sax, Puerto Rico
Luis Perdomo – piano, Venezuela
Pedrito Martinez – congas, Cuba
Jerry Gonzalez founded the The Fort Apache Band, which included his brother Andy, one of the great Latin jazz innovators of all time.
– Ken McCarthy
Jazz on the Tube
Afro-Cuban culture, Cuba, Video and audio
In this case, the friends are Brazilian.
This is a clip from the film “El Milagro de Candeal” (The Miracle of Candeal), part documentary, part cinematic parable by Spanish director Fernando Trueba, the maker of “Calle 54.”
The film is about how music and social action transformed a notorious slum in the Brazilian in Bahia (a state on the northeastern into a thriving thriving community socially and economically under the leadership of singer, songwriter and instrumentalist Carlinhos Brown.
Bebo works out on the Cuban classic “El Mansiero”, the 1930 that helped kickstart the US passion for Cuban music.
– Ken McCarthy
Jazz on the Tube
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Blog, Cuba, Cuban Jazz, The Cuba-US connection, Video and audio
Two great gentleman percussionists talking about the fine points of the art.
Cándido Camero is the most recorded conga player in jazz history.
In this interview, Bobby Sananbria interviews him about Cándido’s life in Cuba and New York City and the innovations he brought to percussion.
We covered Cándido and the film about him “Hands of Fire” in a previous post.
We also have two in depth interviews with Bobby (1) (2) we recommend.
– Ken McCarthy
Jazz on the Tube
P.S. Our unique programming is made possible by help from people like you. Learn how you can contribute to our efforts here: Support Jazz on the Tube
Thanks.
Go to Cuba with Jazz on the Tube as your guide:
Click here for details
Blog, Cuba, The Cuba-US connection, Video and audio
Everyone who knows anything about jazz knows that New Orleans is essential to the story of jazz.
A whole lot fewer know that Cuba is essential to the story of New Orleans (but most of our over 40,000 subscribers do!)
Before 1959 travel back and forth between New Orleans and Havana was common – for over 200 years.
For much of that time, Havana was the “older brother” – richer, more sophisticated, and with more music.
Now, at long last, after a lapse in travel and communication that denied all common sense, American musicians are able to do what musicians from every other part of the world have been able to do – travel freely to and from Cuba.
Inspired by their visit to the island, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band has released a new CD called “As It Is.”
Some comments from Ben Jaffe, the groups leader and bassist:
“It was unbelievable,” Jaffe said this week. “It’s one of those experiences you hope you’re going to have. It’s a journey and it’s an adventure. You’re sharing and receiving at the same time. That’s the best kind of collaboration that could ever take place. When you’re in such an open environment with people who are so hungry to learn and teach at the same time.”
– Quoted by the LA Times
“Our life changing trip to Cuba in 2015…”
“In Cuba, all of a sudden we were face to face with our musical counterparts,” says bandleader/composer/bassist Ben Jaffe. “There’s been a connection between Cuba and New Orleans since day one – we’re family. A gigantic light bulb went off and we realized that New Orleans music is not just a thing by itself; it’s part of something much bigger. It was almost like having a religious epiphany.”
– Preservation Hall press release quoted by numerous sources
“Our experience traveling to Cuba changed everything. Once we were in Cuba, everything took on a whole new life.”
How?
“Everything became more rhythmic. The piano player became more rhythmic. The drummer became more rhythmic. The horns became more rhythmic.”
– Quoted by Ned Sublette
– Ken McCarthy
Jazz on the Tube
P.S. Our unique programming is made possible by help from people like you. Learn how you can contribute to our efforts here: Support Jazz on the Tube
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Afro-Cuban culture, Blog, Cuba, Video and audio
Bobby Sanabria tells the story of the bongo.
This archetypal Cuban instrument was developed in Oriente, eastern Cuba.
Understanding a little about it will explode your appreciation of Cuban music exponentially.
Want more?
Of course, you do!
– Ken McCarthy
Jazz on the Tube
P.S. Our unique programming is made possible by help from people like you. Learn how you can contribute to our efforts here: Support Jazz on the Tube
Thanks.
Go to Cuba with Jazz on the Tube as your guide:
Click here for details
Afro-Cuban culture, Blog, Cuba, Video and audio
Last week we dropped in on a Changüí party in Oriente (eastern Cuba.)
We witnessed a friendly and sincere dispute between a young rapper from Havana and a Changüisero.
Today we go back to the music and learn how Changüí lyrics are improvised and why there’s more to it than meets the eye.
– Ken McCarthy
Jazz on the Tube
P.S. Our unique programming is made possible by help from people like you. Learn how you can contribute to our efforts here: Support Jazz on the Tube
Thanks.
Go to Cuba with Jazz on the Tube as your guide:
Click here for details
Herbie Hancock