Cuban music is heard everywhere in Cuba. Bands play on the streets, in bars, hotels and just about anywhere where there are people around to listen! The music is a happy combination of African rhythms and Spanish melody. Often quoted as a marriage of the Afrcan drum and the Spanish guitar.

In the 60s & 70s Cuban Son (country music) was mixed with other Latin rhythms and New York vibes to create Salsa (Cuban Jazz) The most famous Cuban song is Guajira Guantanamera composed in 1928 by Joseito Fernandez. In the late 50s lyrics were added based on the verses of Cuban national hero and poet Jose Marti.

Internationally the most popular recording of Cuban music is the Buena Vista Social Club CD. In 1996 US guitarist Ry Cooder assembled some little known and neglected masters of Cuban music to record over a six day period. The result was a formidable collection and a success worldwide. As well as the CD a film was made by German director Wim Wenders. The Cuban line up included veteran pianist Ruben Gonzalez, vocalist Ibrahim Ferrer, guitarist Eliades Ochoa and singer/guitarist Compay Segundo whose song Chan Chan was a highlight that is played all over Cuba for the visiting tourists today. After leaving Cuba this song will stay with you forever ...... trust me!

Compay Segundo & Ry Cooder of the Buena Vista Social Club

 

To listen to samples of the CD click here