Fidels Eyeglasses

Grupo Guaguancó Matancero - Rosy 45rp - Cuba

2012-01-28T14:23:00.009-05:00

Grupo Guaguancó Matancero

Rosy 45rpm

Ya Están Sonando Lo' Güïros

Chronology of the largely suppressed history of the United States. It is the history that good upstanding Americans are not supposed to know.

2012-01-22T20:30:00.005-05:00

Ebay auctions: Conj. Tutankamen 45rpm

2012-01-21T22:56:00.003-05:00

The London Lucumi Choir - 2011 CD

2012-01-19T14:47:00.004-05:00

The London Lucumi Choir
CD 2011

Under the direction Daniela Rosselson De Armas
Video

Reality is real: Coversations "Remaking America "

2012-01-18T01:11:00.004-05:00

"Remaking America "

In memoriam: Gregório Hernández, "El Goyo"

2012-01-02T15:38:00.011-05:00

Gregório Hernández, "El Goyo"

Nov 17, 1936 - Jan 8, 2012
*** Ibayé bayé tonu ***

Filmed by Barry Cox in La Habana, Cuba.
Guaguancó with Santa Cruz - El Negro -
El Goyo - Miguel Angel Messa Cruz - Juan De Dios
and Mario Jauregui playing a true sized "Requinto".

Video: Cuba Cantarla, bailarla, tocarla (1982)

2011-12-29T15:20:00.012-05:00

Documentary featuring Juan García Reyes and Gonzalo Ascencio (Tio Tom).
Also has scenes featuring Amado Dedeu, Guillermo "El Negro" Triana, Carlos Aldama, Mario Dreke "Chavalonga" and others.

Mexico Disbands Entire Police Force In Veracruz

2011-12-22T02:52:00.003-05:00

Mexico Disbands Entire Police Force In Veracruz
by The Associated Press, December 21, 2011.

The entire police force in the major Gulf coast port city of Veracruz was dissolved on Wednesday, and Mexican officials sent the Navy in to patrol.
The Veracruz state government said the decision is part of an effort to root out police corruption and start from zero in the state's largest city.

In memoriam: Danny Chen

2011-12-21T19:09:00.005-05:00

Private Danny, Chen, 19,

who was found dead in Afghanistan on Oct. 3.
R.I.P. /D.E.P.

Army Pvt. Danny Chen was driven to his death in Afghanistan by sadistic fellow soldiers who assaulted him repeatedly and made fun of his Chinese ancestry, family and friends charged Wednesday.

The 19-year-old soldier from Chinatown in N.Y.C. was dragged by the bullies out of his bed, pelted with stones, hung upside down while his mouth was full of a liquid, and mocked as “Jackie Chan,” they said.

Feliz dia de Sàngó - Changó - Xângó - Shangó

2011-12-04T16:47:00.011-05:00

Dia de Sàngó

Three Yoruba 'Oshe Sàngó' I inherited from my father.
The one on the left was made in 1920, the middle made
in 1970 and the one on the right made in the 1930's.

"Canto a Changó"
Amelia Pedroso with Ilu Aña

"Canto a Changó"
Amelia Pedroso with Mark Lotz' band

"Canto a Changó"
Lazaro Ros con Los Papines

Video: Cuba - Conj. Clave y Guguancó

2011-12-02T22:41:00.006-05:00

Miguel Chappottín Beltrán
R.I.P. / D.E.P.

Video: Cuba - Los Compadres - Cuba

2011-11-28T02:11:00.002-05:00

1946

Los Compadres

1970's

2011-11-16T11:35:00.003-05:00

Ebay auction: MAGIC GUITAR by WILSON & HIS COMBO on PUCHITO 1961 Cuba

2011-11-15T19:19:00.002-05:00

MAGIC GUITAR by WILSON & HIS COMBO

Video Cuba: Clave y Guaguancó de Mario Alán 1966

2011-11-13T12:50:00.005-05:00

Agustín Gutierrez playing el quinto and dancing.
Cantado por Miguel Angel Messa Cruz.

Rumba Columbia
"Coco Mondanseré"

Video courtesy of Barry Cox.
"El que sabe, sabe"

Reality is real.. no I'm not kidding.

2011-11-06T09:59:00.003-05:00

It's all about fate, not luck.

Lázaro Buides - Cubayende "Tributo Al Son Cubano" 2011 Cuba

2011-10-30T17:28:00.008-04:00

"Tributo Al Son Cubano"
Lázaro Buides y Cubayende.

1. Toca Bongosero! - Sixto Llorente (El Indio)
2. Cubayende - Sixto Llorente (El Indio)
3. Por Hablador
4. El Inteligente
5. La Habana Me Espera
6. Por Tu Remolacha - Conj.Clave y Guaguancó
7. Mi Raíz - Laito Jr.
8. Mira Quién Viene - El Noro
9. Pero No Puedes Vivir Sin El
10. San Leopoldo - Pedro Lugo Martínez (El Nene)
11.Por Ahí - El Noro
12. Zarzaparrilla - Pedro Lugo Martínez (El Nene)

6. Por Tu Remolacha
Conjunto Clave y Guaguancó

7. Mi Raíz
Cantado: Laito Jr

Video: Cuba - Carlos Rios, Descarga en la casa

2011-10-27T16:36:00.005-04:00

Carlos Rios on bass, when he was much younger.
Carlos Rios- Bajo
Efrain Rios --Tres
Roberto Riveron -- Güiro
José Espinoza- Bongoes
(vaya Espinoza!)

Carlos Barberia "Combo Cubano de Barberia" 1960 - Cuba

2011-10-22T22:32:00.006-04:00

"Sabor A Mi"
Barberia Y Su Combo
1960 Velvet
Cantan: Regino Tellechea y Ivette De La Fuente

2. Medly

LP sold on Ebay 10/2011 for $152.50

"Combo Cubano de Barberia"
Carlos Barberia

Vocals by Regino Tellechea & Argelia Cordero.
Vinyl on Panart, 1960

10. A Mi Que

11. Eres Sensacional
Comp: Senén Suárez

12. Las Mulatas Del Cha Cha Chá

LP sold recently on Ebay 5/2011 for $81.00

Reality is real

2011-10-13T21:28:00.004-04:00

"Something’s Happening Here"
By Op-Ed Columnist THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
Published: October 11, 2011

Video: Cuba: Joseito Fernández "La historia de la décima cubana"

2011-10-03T04:37:00.005-04:00

Joseito Fernández

Caridad Cuervo con Conjunto Rumbavana & Pachito Alonso - Cuba

2011-09-29T23:26:00.001-04:00

Caridad Cuervo
con Pachito Alonso.

5. Llegó El Tresero

6. Marchante

7. Si Te Las Dabas De Sheriff-Si Te Tiras, Quedas Son

"De Mi Cuba Para Ti"
Con Conjunto Rumbavana.

1. De mi Cuba para ti

2. El Paralitico

4. No se deje engañar

Grupo Rumbatá "La Rumba del Siglo" 2011 - Camagüey, Cuba

2011-09-24T22:27:00.020-04:00

Grupo Rumbata de Camagüey, Cuba
Director: Wilmer Ferrant Jiménez
Foto: Juventud Rebelde

"La Rumba del Siglo" CD 2011

My thanks to Patrice Banchereau.
Je vous remercie beaucoup mon ami!

1. Dale Al Yalé
2. Entre La Rumba y El Son
3. Güines Que Le Pasaa Tata
4. Homenaje A Ricardo Abreu 'Papin'
5. Manicero
6. Marinero
7. Oleo De Una Mujer Con Sombrero
8. Para Cantarle A La Habana
9. Pastora Tic Tac
10. Rumbateaté
11. Sambaloya
12. Songoro Cosongo
13. Veinte Años
14. Ya Yo Mate Mayoral

2. Entre La Rumba y El Son

3. Güines Que Le Pasaa Tata

4. Homenaje A Ricardo Abreu 'Papin'

8. Para Cantarle A La Habana

11. Sambaloya

12. Songoro Cosongo
Con participación: Mayito

In memoriam: 9/11/01 - Ten Years 2001-2011

2011-09-11T00:03:00.002-04:00

Ten Years 2001-2011

Ebay auction: Cuban style bongos made by Junior Tirado 1993 N.Y.C.

2011-09-03T00:46:00.005-04:00

Charanga 86 - "De Camagüey" 1987 - Cuba

2011-08-22T22:30:00.008-04:00

"De Camagüey"

Charanga '86
1987 on Siboney

5. Cronista Social
Rafael Lay: comp.

6. El Son De Angelito

Video: Carlos Rios bajista - Cuba

2011-08-09T12:49:00.000-04:00

New Orleans cops convicted in post-Katrina shootings case

2011-08-05T17:56:00.003-04:00

Miguelito Valdés con su ritmo - Cuba

2011-07-15T18:34:00.006-04:00

"Adios Africa"
Miguelito Valdés: voc.
Comp: Arsenio Rodriguez

(courtesy of Bary Cox)

Grupo Los Papa Cun Cun de Evaristo Aparicio 1970 - Cuba

2011-07-15T18:09:00.007-04:00

1970

"Por La Ventana"
Ritmo Papa Cun Cun

(courtesy of Bary Cox)

Silvestre Mendez y su Tribu

2011-07-15T12:07:00.011-04:00

"Silvestre Mendez y su Tribu"

El As De La Rumba
Silvestre Mendez: vocal y comp.

(courtesy of Barry Cox)

Orquestra Afro-Brasileira 1957 and 1968 LPs - Brasil

2011-07-12T22:35:00.006-04:00

Obaluayê!
1957 vinyl LP
((((****))))

1. Amor de escravo
2. Apresentacao e Chegou o Rei Nagó
3. Babalão
4. Calunga
5. Liberdade
6. Obaluayê
7. Saudacâo ao Rei Nagó

Orquestra Afro-Brasileira was founded in 1942 by its
director, 'Abigail Cecílio de Moura' to promote and disseminate Afro-Brasilian music and culture in Brasil.
Abigail Moura died in 1970.

The horn arrangements are great and at times the melodies
border on being really "out", especially on the 1968 LP.
This LP is selling for $820.00 on Gemm.com

"Orq. Afro-Brasileira"
1968 vinyl LP on Columbia

"Ora iê iê ô Oxum!"
((((****))))

Personnel:
Percussão: Genny Pires (Urucungo), José Pedro (Angona-puíta), Joércio Soares (Agogô), Antônio Cruz (Gonguê), Oswaldino Lucas (Rum), Carlos Negreiros (Rumpi), Cândido Santos (Lê), Valmir Rosa (Afoxê), Djalma da Paixão (Adjá).

Horns: Horácio Soares (Sax alto, Clarineta), Carmélio Alves (Sax tenor, Clarineta), João Amâncio (Sax alto, Clarineta), Álvaro Nascimento (Sax tenor, Clarineta), Ananias da Silva (Trumpete), Gamaliel da Silva (Trumpete), Jaime da Silva (Trumpete), Alfredo Alves (Trombone) e Milton Profeta (Trombone)

Tracks:
1 - Agô Lonan (Abigail Moura)
2 - Tire o Calundú (Abigail Moura)
3 - Índia (Abigail Moura)
4 - Palmares (Abigail Moura)
5 - Babaloxá (Abigail Moura)
6 - Canto Para Omulú (Abigail Moura)
7 - Mo-fi-la-do-fê (Abigail Moura)
8 - Saudação aos Orixás (Abigail Moura)
9 - Xangô (Abigail Moura)
10 - Nagana (Abigail Moura)
11 - Os Oinho de Iaiá (Abigail Moura)
12 - Rei N'aruanda (Abigail Moura)

Video: Cuba Grupo Layé - bailarine: Luis A.Chacón 'Aspirina'

2011-07-12T01:33:00.002-04:00

Photos: 1976 N.Y.C.

2011-07-10T13:04:00.006-04:00

1976 Brooklyn, N.Y
L-R:
John Amira, my Father, Howard Levy, Frisner Augustin.
6 a.m. after playing a Haitian ceremony from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
We came up from a basement and it was snowing.

My Father, Howard Levy, John Amira,
playing a Haitian ceremony in 1976 Brooklyn, N.Y

Playing for a dance class in Manhattan, 1976
L-R:
John Mason, Frisner Augustin, John Amira, Howard Levy.

Playing for a dance class in Manhattan, 1976
L-R: Myself, my Father, Frisner Augustin,
John Amira, Howard Levy.

Agô! - Cantos Sagrados de Brasil e Cuba

2011-06-26T00:25:00.003-04:00

"Agô! - Cantos Sagrados de Brasil e Cuba"

((((****))))

1. Exú
2. Oxossi
3. Agradecer e abraçar
4. Xaxará
5. Xangô
6. Oxaguian
7. Quebrando pratos
8. Iemanjá
9. Muzenza
10. Caboclos
11. Agô
2. Saudação a Oxossi
13. Saudação a Omolú
14. Saudação a Ogum

Recorded in Salvador Bahia, Brasil and Havana, Cuba
Prod. by Guga Stroeter (vibraphone)
featuring Orch. HB and Grupo Abacai.

Photo: Ramon "Mongo" Santamaria

2011-06-25T01:09:00.006-04:00

Ramon "Mongo" Santamaria

playing one of his drums made by
Gonzalo Vergara.

Mongo wearing a very hip lightweight
Seersucker jacket, a hip hairstyle and
do you notice something about his hands...

LP cover: Moreira da Silva - "O Ultimo Malandro" 1959 - Brasil

2011-06-25T00:00:00.002-04:00

"O Ultimo Malandro"

Moreira da Silva
1959
Odeon-Brasil

Photo: Grupo Lulu Yonkori con Oscar Valdés Jr. 195? Cuba

2011-06-22T20:51:00.003-04:00

Grupo Lulu Yonkori

early 1950's
with a teenage Oscar Valdés Jr. playing quinto
(photo courtesy Barry Cox via Chan de Yoruba Andabo)

Happy Fathers day! - Feliz dia de los Padres! Sunday June 20th

2011-06-19T13:29:00.001-04:00

My Father is no longer here in body,

but his spirit is always with me.

Happy Fathers day Papa!

I miss you!

1928

1936

Brooklyn, N.Y. 1941

Tunisia, North Africa 1942

La Habana, Cuba 1959

1960

Central Park N.Y.C. 1973

Central Park N.Y.C. 1974

My Father and myself, New Orleans 1974

Central Park N.Y.C. 1991

Central Park N.Y.C. 1994

2000

Video: Cuba - Guarapachangueo, concept and history, Los Chinitos

2011-06-17T23:32:00.005-04:00

They mention
Manuel Martinez Olivera a.k.a "El Llanero"

In memoriam: Guillermo "El Negro" Triana Crespo

2011-06-12T00:41:00.007-04:00

Guillermo "El Negro" Triana Crespo

photo: Barry Cox

*** Ibayé bayé tonu ***
February 10 1940, La Habana, Cuba.
June 8th 2011, La Habana, Cuba.

Video: Cuba "No pare la rumba!"

2011-06-04T05:46:00.002-04:00

El Callejon De Hamel

In memoriam: Félix "Pupy" Insua -Cuba-N.Y.C.-Cuba

2011-06-04T04:58:00.012-04:00

Félix "Pupy" Insua
Rumbero, bailarine, dance teacher.
La Habana, Cuba 1948
Died Thursday, June 2nd in La Habana , Cuba
after returning to Havana from N.Y.C. last month.
R.I.P. / D.E.P.
*** Ibayé bayé tonu ***

Video:
The late Félix "Pupy" Insua :
dancing Rumba Columbia en La Habana
before he left and relocated to New York City.

Video:
El fallecido Félix "Pupy" Insua
junto con Roman Diaz

Video:
El fallecido Félix "Pupy" Insua y su hijo
Museum of Natural History December 2005.
Rumba Columbia

http://www.orikiomioddara.com/mission.htm

http://www.alvinailey.org/aileyextension/faculty/felix-pupy-insua

Sexto Sentido & João Donato "Bossa cubana" 2004 - Cuba

2011-06-01T19:44:00.013-04:00

"Bossa Cubana"
Sexto Sentido & João Donato
**((**((**))**))**

Cuban vocal quartet Sexto Sentido, together with the Brasilian master João Donato: arrangements, acoustic piano, vocals.
Great project, great sessions recorded en Cuba.
Great variety of styles and materiel, several sung in English.
Tambores batá on The Beatles 'Come Together'.
The master João Donato's piano playing as always... is superb.

5 Pa' Ti - "Son Con Swing" 2000 - Cuba

2011-06-01T19:14:00.008-04:00

"Son Con Swing"
5 Pa' Ti
CD - 2000

((****))

Cuban vocal quintet 5 Pa' Ti.
Tasty vocals, arrangements and very tasteful playing.
Two songs are sung in English, which to me sounds like
they're singing phonetically and do a very good job at it.

The earliest recordings of Cuban rumba

2011-05-31T21:36:00.002-04:00

The earliest recordings of Cuban rumba:

A comprehensive summary

by Barry Cox.
(Esquina Rumbera blogspot)

Video: Cuba

2011-05-29T17:57:00.002-04:00

Video: Cuba - La Ritmo Oriental

2011-05-29T02:46:00.015-04:00

"Candela Brava"

"Hay Que Tener Cuidado Con La Percussion"

Havana Central, music Viernes 8:30pm-12:00a.m. Manhattan

2011-05-25T20:51:00.004-04:00

I'll be playing with Grupo Irék Friday May 27th
at 'Havana Central', if you are in town come by.
8:30pm-12:00a.m. (gratis)
2911 Broadway (Between 113th & 114th St)
http://www.havanacentral.com/home.php

Netanyahu "El Diablo"

2011-05-25T14:19:00.008-04:00

Benjamin Netanyahu:
Imperialist, colonialist devil.

Pototo y Filomeno with Orq.Melodias Del 40 - 1959 Cuba

2011-05-19T15:46:00.011-04:00

Pototo y Filomeno mostly with Orq. Melodias Del 40
and several songs with a conjunto playing Son.
Download directly from Yoyo's excellent music blog.

Leopoldo Fernández y Aníbal De Mar
a.k.a. "Pototo & Filomeno" can be very funny on these...
though the real stars for me are Orq. Melodias Del 40,
who absolutely sound amazing on these sessions.
Several songs on both recordings have Pototo & Filomeno
backed by a conjunto and those also are very nice.

"Ensalada Rebelde"
Pototo y Filomeno
With Orq.Melodias Del 40 y Conjunto
((****))

Free speech?

2011-05-17T13:29:00.002-04:00

Video: Cuba - Pancho Amat y su Cabildo

2011-05-11T16:58:00.003-04:00

Books: "The Amazing Adventures of Anacaona"

2011-05-10T19:48:00.020-04:00

"Queens of Havana: The Amazing Adventures of Anacaona,

Cuba's Legendary All-Girl Dance Band"

I had been wanting to read this book for the last four years.
I finally bought it last week on Amazon.com, a brand "new
hardcover copy" for $1.10 with $3.99 shipping.. total $5.09!!
(retail price: $24.00)

Fabulous book!
A great accounting by Alicia Castro
of the Castro Sisters band: Anacaona.
From the 1920's through the 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's and beyond.
With great insight into Chinese Cuban musicians in Havana.
And El Barrio Chino en La Habana.
393 pages....with MANY excellent photos!
An absolute bargain at $1.10!

The book includes a CD with the
band as a Septeto playing 5 songs:

1. Despues Que Sufras
2. Amor Inviolado
3. Besame Aqui
4. Oh! Marambe Maramba
5. Maleficio
6. Algo Bueno

Septeto Anacaona

The beautiful Argimira "Millo" Castro
La bongosera

Millo 1940's

"Oh! Marambé Maramba" - 1937
Graciela: vocal & clave
Argimira "Millo" Castro: bongó solo

"Algo Bueno" - 1937
Graciela: vocal & clave
Argimira "Millo" Castro: bongó solo

Con Graciela clave y voz.

Mexicans Rise Up.

2011-05-10T16:58:00.002-04:00

Following Arab World's Lead, Mexicans Rise Up.

"En Nosotros" Generoso Jimenez, Peruchin, El Negro Vivar - Cuba

2011-05-02T12:05:00.007-04:00

"En Nosotros - Instrumental"
Vinyl LP on EGREM/Areito
1964-'66

Musicians include:
Generoso "Tojo" Jimenez: trombone & Arr.
Pedro "Peruchin" Justiz: piano.
Rafael Somavilla: piano, arr. & comp.
Adolfo Guzmán: piano, arr. & comp.
Rolando Baró: piano, arr. & comp.
Alejando "El Negro" Vivar: trumpet.
Emilio Peñalver: tenor saxofone.
Osvaldo Peñalver : alto/sop. saxofone.

Great tuba on both tracks:

2. El Manisero

6. Domitila Donde Vas

LP cover: Pérez Prado -"Dengues" 1964

2011-05-01T20:15:00.005-04:00

"Dengues"

Dámaso Pérez Prado
Recorded in Lima. Peru in 1964,
a series of Dengue singles were
later released here, 12 on this LP.

I like the cover showing a red painted
car brake drum, which gives the Ritmo Dengue
it's distinctive sound, Prado is credited as
the originator of the Dengue rhythm.

Conj. Roberto Faz "Dengue En Faz" 1964 - Cuba

2011-05-01T19:29:00.007-04:00

"Dengue En Faz"
Conjunto Roberto Faz
Vinyl EP with 4 tracks con ritmo Dengue.

1964 on EGREM

1. Dengue en Faz

2. Dengue para ti

3. El Dengue y su tiqui tiqui

4. Tiqui tiqui Dengue para ti

Grupo Changó Yelé - "Praises To The Orichas Yoruba" 2000 - Miami

2011-04-29T21:25:00.010-04:00

"Praises To The Orichas Yoruba"

Grupo Changó Yelé
CD 2000

One of, if not my most favorite 'Toque Güiro' recordings.
With former N.Y.C. homeboy, Jess Feldman in the group.
The drummer playing 'Caja' (lead drum) has a nice style.
Great Akpuón's and coro along with a nice choice of cantos.
Recorded in South Florida, U.S. 2000
((****))

6. Obatala

"Pa' ti' Baba"

Photo: Rumba in Central Park 1961

2011-04-26T22:38:00.005-04:00

Rumbiando en Parque Central 1961

Manhattan, N.Y.C.
The Man on the left is playing a 10½ inch drum
hecho por/ made by Gonzalo Vergara en Cuba.

Enrique Jorrin: "Stevenson" - Cuba

2011-04-25T11:33:00.022-04:00

"Al Ritmo Del Cha cha chá"

Orq. Enrique Jorrin
1986 EGREM Vinyl LP
(1987 Venezuelan pressing)

'Teófilo Stevenson Lawrence',
born 1952 in Jamaica, W.I., grew up in Las Tunas. Cuba.
He was only the second heavyweight boxer the history of
the Olympics to win three gold medals, 1972, 1976, 1980.

A song written Vicente Bartuti, a tribute to the former
Cuban heavyweight boxing champion, Teófilo Stevenson
on a 1986 LP by Enriqe Jorrin

4. "Stevenson"
Comp: Vicente Bartuti

Track # 6 "Como Pompas De Jabon"
was written and sung by Bobby Carcassés,
who also was born in Jamaica, W.I. then moved to Cuba.
You can download this LP from Yoyo's great music blog:
http://listentoyourears.blogspot.com/
which is where I downloaded it from.

Teófilo Stevenson

Teofilo Stevenson vs Brasilian 'Jair Da Campos'

Former President Fidel Castro presented Stevenson with a mansion in an exclusive residential area of Havana.
In 1999, he ran into trouble at Miami International Airport, when before boarding a United Airlines chartered jet that would take the Cuban national boxing team home, he allegedly headbutted a 41 year old United ticket counter employee, causing him to break his teeth. He was arrested, but soon after, he was released and returned home to Cuba.
Stevenson defended himself, saying he was provoked by a torrent of verbal abuse.

Gig tonight Sunday @ Thom bar N.Y.C.

2011-04-24T09:18:00.005-04:00

I will be playing at the Thom Bar tonight Sunday April 24th.

Thom Bar is located inside
The Thomson Hotel, 60 Thomson st.
Soho, Manhattan, 10p.m. - 1:30
Gratis, no cover charge.
(Cuban Son, Guaracha, Cha cha chá, Bolero)

Reunión de mujeres babalawos en Holguín Escrito por: Dimas Castellanos

2011-04-23T22:22:00.007-04:00

Reunión de mujeres babalawos en Holguín, Cuba.
Escrito por: Dimas Castellanos
http://www.desdecuba.com/dimas/?p=563

Art: Mad Magazine cover 1963

2011-04-23T17:03:00.006-04:00

Everyone knows that in 1963 the CIA had a plan
to give Fidel an exploding cigar, which hopefully

would assassinate him.. obviously it never happened.

Mad Magazine cover from Oct. 1963

New guidelines issued for travel to Cuba

2011-04-22T11:16:00.002-04:00

Los Angeles Times
April 21, 2011, 10:24 a.m.

The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday issued new guidelines for travel to Cuba more than three months after President Obama announced he would loosen restriction that bar most Americans from legally visiting the Communist island.

The action frees up U.S. organizations to apply for new licenses to organize Cuba trips and also clarifies which U.S. citizens may travel to Cuba without applying for a Treasury Department license. Most Americans, however, are still barred from legally visiting Cuba.

NEW ORLEANS AIRPORT IS ONE OF 8 AUTHORIZED NEW FLIGHTS TO CUBA

2011-04-22T11:14:00.000-04:00

Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans was one of eight cities that have gained federal approval to schedule charter flights to and from Cuba, opening new gateways for Cuban Americans to visit relatives in the communist island nation and for other limited travel, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on March 8. In addition to New Orleans, CBP officials said such charter flights can now be scheduled from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, the world's busiest airport, as well as Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and international airports in Baltimore, Dallas/Fort Worth, Pittsburgh, Tampa, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Previously, such flights were only allowed from Los Angeles, Miami and New York. The decision to add airports comes as part of an expanded effort to reach out to the Cuban people announced by President Obama earlier this year.

Orlando Guerra "Cascarita" - Cuba, Mexico

2011-04-19T20:09:00.016-04:00

Orlando "Cascarita" Guerra
Born: Sept. 14, 1920 in Camagüey, Cuba
Died: Mexico City, 1975 at the age of 55

"Cascarita: Pruebe y compare"
A very nice CD on Discomedia from Spain
Nicely remastered sessions originally from
live sessions on Radio CMQ en La Habana.
1949 and 1950
These 20 live recordings by Cascarita are my favorites.
SWINGING!

4. Rumba en el Pueblo Nuevo
(nice solo on a "tack head" tumbadora)

8. Hay que Dejarse de Cuento
(Ochún Taladé)

((Consíguelo))

"El Guarachero con la Orquesta Casino de La Playa"
Cascarita with Casino De La Playa Orq.
((Consíguelo))

Cascarita "El Guarachero"
A compilation bootleg.
((Consíguelo))

"Cascarita"
With Memo Salamanca y Su Orq.
Vinyl LP recorded in Mexico 1966
Cascarita was 46 years old at his time.
Nice arrangements, but the Orq.
sounds rather "stiff" on these sessions.

"Bella Criolla" Septeto Nacional De Ignacio Piñiero (de nuevo) 2010 - Cuba

2011-04-19T19:35:00.006-04:00

Caridad Del Cobre

La Patrona de Cuba.
"Mamá Cachita"

"Bella Criolla"
Septeto Nacional De Ignacio Piñiero
(de nuevo)

Conjunto Caney - Cuba

2011-04-19T11:46:00.008-04:00

Two CD's by Conjunto Caney.

Caney plays in the classic (tipico) "Conjunto" format, that of
Sonora Matancera, with the harmonic use of four trumpets,
timbalitos (not pailas) one tumbadora and tight crisp coros.
It's this "tipical conjunto" sound that was responsible for
forming bandleader Johnny Pachceco's early musical style.

Swinging.

"Conjunto Caney y sus Invitados"
Reynaldo Hierrezuelo "Rey Caney" on several songs.
With Caridad Hierrezuelo singing on several songs.
Pio Leiva on several songs.
I prefer this to the "Greatest Hits' CD below.
The band, the singing and coros are tight.

1. El Plato Roto
2. El Kilo No Tiene Vuelto
3. Aunque Me Cueste La Vida
4. Eres La Candela
5. Como La Habana No Hay
6. Morire De Amor
7. No Volvere A Enamorarme
8. La Rosa Oriental
9. No Pierdas Este Disco
10. Pregones De Ayer
11. El Amor De Mi Bohio
12. Tu Suplica/En El Balcon Aquel
13. Lalle, Lalle
14. Sonaron Los Ingenios
15. Cuando Te Vuelva A Encontrar
16. Asi Quiero Vivir
17. Boda Negra-Sobre Una Tumba Una Rumba
18. Son Del Tocororo
19. Mi Rumbón
20. Luz Que Alumbra-Que Mala Suerte La Mia

8. La Rosa Oriental

13. Layé Layé

"Grandes Exitos"
Conjunto Caney De Cuba
With Caridad Hierrezuelo singing on several songs.
Free on all "the usual" music blogs and file sharing sites.

8. Sabor a Caney

10. Mi rumbón

"Musica De Cuba"
Conjunto Caney
A beautiful cover photo on an EGREM/Areito LP

Septeto Nacional Ignacio Piñero (de nuevo) 2010 - Cuba

2011-04-18T13:11:00.006-04:00

"¡Sin Rumba No Hay Son!

Septeto Nacional Ignacio Piñero (de nuevo)
CD 2010

Pa' mi... Franciso Oropesa es "El Hombre"!

1. Embale tiene la llave

6. La Rumba no es como ayer

50 year anniversary of the Bay of Pigs, La Habana, Cuba

2011-04-17T18:21:00.011-04:00

April 17, 2011 Cuba is holding a rare
Communist Party congress this weekend that
coincides with the 50th anniversary
of the Bay of Pigs, a disaster for the United States,
but what Fidel Castro terms
a "victory over American imperialism."

Members of Fidel Castro's militia gather in Cuba's
Escambry Mountains during the ill-fated
"Bay Of Pigs" 1961 invasion.

Newsweek January 16, 1961 cover
asks: "Can They Survive?"
We sure know the answer 50 years later.

"Jabuco" Tumbador de Conjunto Roberto Faz - Cuba

2011-04-16T15:47:00.005-04:00

"Jabuco"

Tumbador de Conjunto Roberto Faz.
(playing a 10½ inch 'Vergara')

Conjunto Roberto Faz
"Jabuco": tumbadoras y solo
Rumba A La Vida

Video: Cuba - Tipica Hermanos Izquierdo "Moliendo Cafe" 1979 - Cuba

2011-04-16T14:49:00.005-04:00

Tipica Hermanos Izquierdo
"Moliendo Cafe"
(En El Pilón De Mamá Inés)
Swinging + a great drum solo.
1979

"Por Amor": music from the movie "The Closest Farthest Away" - by composer Sage Lewis.

2011-04-14T21:47:00.003-04:00

"Por Amor"

The music from the movie
"The Closest Farthest Away"
Orchestral, folkloric, and popular music
collaborations between Los Angeles and Havana.

Music by Sage Lewis Los Angeles-based composer
who uses concert, theater, film/video, and new media to
explore concepts of local, virtual, and international space.

Naná Vasconcelos - Sinfonia & Batuques - Brasil

2011-04-11T01:38:00.007-04:00

"Sinfonia & Batuques"
Naná Vasconcelos

((******))

((((scans))))

Orquesta America "La Vacuna Salk" 1955 - Cuba

2011-04-10T23:56:00.005-04:00

Doctor Jonas Salk

"La Vacuna Salk"

1955
Ninon Mondejar Y Su Orquesta America

Conjunto Son 14 - Cuba

2011-04-10T16:57:00.038-04:00

This was the band... "Son sabroson".

Their best early works.

"A Bayamo En Coche"
LP 1979

1. A Bayamo En Coche

6. Se Quema La Trocha

"Son Como Son"
LP 1981
Felix Valoy sings one song, Pancho Amat tres on one song.
((Consíguelo))

"Adalberto Alvarez Presenta Son 14"
LP 1983
With the great Ubaldo Canes on tumbadoras.

1. Agua Que Cae Del Cielo
(Carlos Aldama: batá)

5. Luces De Mi Santiago
"Pa' ti L.C." (Santiaguero)

6. Divina Silvia
(Fransico Amat a.k.a. "Pancho Manguare": tres solo)

7. Las Hojas Blancas

"De Una Manera Mejor"
LP 1984, '85
(sin Adalberto A.)

4. Harina de Maiz Criolla

"Y Sigue El Sol"
LP 1987
(sin Adalberto A.)
((Consíguelo))

"Tocame Un Son Mi Sonero"
LP 198?
(sin Adalberto A.)

1. Tocame Un Son Mi Sonero
2. Que Esta Pasando Con Nuestro Amor
3. Cuidate de Vladimir
4. Mi Viejo Agustin
5. Con tus recuerdos
6. Dos amores
7. El pastelero

1. Tocame Un Son Mi Sonero
Even though the tres dos is "cruzao" with the Clave
at the begining of this song, it still swings.

2. Que Esta Pasando Con Nuestro Amor

4. Mi Viejo Agustin

Chico O'Farrill "Brisas Del Caribe" con Girardo Rodrigues y Sus Tambores Batá - 1960

2011-04-06T14:08:00.006-04:00

"Brisas Del Caribe"

Chico O'Farrill
With Girardo Rodrigues y Sus Tambores Batá
Orfeon vinyl LP - 1960 rare

Track 11: "Babalú".. the short batá "solo's" towards the end are great.

The Iyá takes a short solo,
the Itótele takes a short solo
and the Okónkolo takes a short solo.
(at about 1:51)

3. Sun Sun Babae

11. Babalú

Comments? Comentarios? Commentaires? Kommentare? Reacties? Commenti? Комментарии? コメント?

Sebastião Tapajós "Guitar Et Percusions Du Brasil" with 'Pedro Dos Santos' 1972 + "Xingú" 1984 - Brasil

2011-04-04T11:03:00.013-04:00

"Guitar Et Percusions Du Brasil"
SebastiãoTapajós 1972
with Pedro Dos Santos

((((Aqui))))

Guitarist and composer Sebastião Tapajós,
started playing at age 9.
Not easy to find.

This one is my favorite, because Pedro Dos Santos plays on these sessions.

Pedro Dos Santos a.k.a. "Pedro Do Sorongo":
Vocal effects/all percussion-toda a percussão e efeitos vocais. (including his invention, the "Sorongo").
Ripped from 1972 vinyl LP.
I've had this record since I was 18 years old.. 39 years!

"Xingú"
SebastiãoTapajós
With Pedro Dos Santos and Djalma Correa
CD 1984
(((("Xingú"))))

"Apresentando Sebastião Tapajós E Seu Conjunto"
His first LP CBS Brasil, 1963

Comments? Comentarios? Commentaires? Kommentare? Reacties? Commenti? Комментарии? コメント?

Photo: Conjunto Zombie 1950's - Cuba

2011-04-03T16:34:00.011-04:00

"Conjunto Zombie"

1950's, Cuba

I believe this was the house band
for 'El Club Zombie' in La Habana.
'Club Zombie' was an open air restaurant/cabaret
that had dinner/dancing and an "exotic" floor show.
It was located on 256 Zulueta St.
in Havana, near Parque Central.
It catered to Americans but also was frequented by Cubans.

1950's

1946

Short video, no sound:
People drinking and dancing in the
Zombie Club in Havana, Cuba, 1950's.

LP cover: "Sabor Tropical" - Puchito pressing

2011-04-03T16:17:00.008-04:00

"Sabor Tropical"
Conj. Chappottin
Vinyl LP -The U.S. 'Puchito' pressing.
The Picasso inspired musicians "Quintet"

Gig tonight Thursday March 31st. Soho, Manhattan

2011-03-31T18:44:00.004-04:00

I'm playing music tonight:

Thursday March 31st.@ BOOM

8:30pm-12:am
152 Spring Street and W. Broadway, in Soho
No cover, gratis.

"Chino" Poun: vocal, clave, maraca, Toso Hettinger: tres,

David Coulder "El Millionario": bass,
Myself: bongoses

René Alvarez "Los Ecos de Mi Cuba" y con Conjunto Bolero

2011-03-27T13:36:00.016-04:00

René Alvarez

Los Ecos de Mi Cuba
Con Orq. ?
René Alvarez: voc.

Amor Verdadero
Conjunto Bolero
René Alvarez: voc.

Quimbombo
Conjunto Bolero
René Alvarez: voc.

"El Caballero De Paris" 1899-1985 - La Habana, Cuba

2011-03-27T03:40:00.010-04:00

"El Caballero De Paris"
Personaje callejero

La Habana, Cuba 1899-1985

"El Caballero De Paris"
Orq. Antonio María Romeu
Canta: Barbarito Diez

LP's: "Cuba Baila" - "Carnaval 1960-61"- Cuba

2011-03-27T00:52:00.022-04:00

"Cuba Baila"
Vinyl LP/LD
This LP sold on Ebay 9/27/09 for :
$356.01

Odilio Luis Esteban Urfé

Enrique Jorrin

An excellent project organized by both Enrique Jorrin and Odilio Urfe, with arrangements by both of them.
Early 1960's vinyl LP on I.C.A.I.C.
Several featuring the masterful, virtuosic and highly stylistic trumpet playing of Oscar "Florecita" Velasco O'Farrill .
I used Goldwave V.5 to "trim" the beginnings and ends of each track and also slightly clean the surface sound which was in very poor condition before I got it to sound like this:

3. Conga Del Senador
Comp: Ignacio Piñiero
Trumpet: Oscar "Florecita" Velasco O'Farrill

4. Donde Va Maria
Trumpet: Oscar "Florecita" Velasco O'Farrill
Flute: Juan Pablo Miranda

6. Bilongo
Trumpet: Oscar "Florecita" Velasco O'Farrill
Flute: Juan Pablo Miranda

8. Rumba
Trumpet: Oscar "Florecita" Velasco O'Farrill

9. Pare Cochero
Flute: Juan Pablo Miranda

"Carnaval 1960 - 61"
Vinyl LP/LD
This LP sold on Ebay 9/27/09 for:
$109.50

Another 1961 vinyl LP on I.C.A.I.C. with the great band and "Coro Folklórico" of Alfredo "Alfredito" Zayas.
Featuring singers: Merceditas Valdés, Pio Leiva, Omara Portuondo and Pacho Alonso all of their voices in 1960 and 1961 were in their prime.
Alfredo Zayas and his Coro Folklórico, his drummers and trumpet section are superb.
All songs using post 1959 revolutionary themes; education, Agrarian Reform (Reforma Agraria), liberty etc.

1. Año De La Educacion
Conj. Alberto Zayas y su Coro Folklórico
Vocal: Mereceditas Valdés

5. Carnaval De La Habana
Conj. Alberto Zayas y su Coro Folklórico

Vocal: Pio Leiva

7. Escuchen Las Tumbadoras
Conj. Alberto Zayas y su Coro Folklórico
Vocal: Pacho Alonso

8. Mi Comparsa
Conj. Alberto Zayas y su Coro Folklórico
Vocal: Omara Portuondo

10. Carnaval Con Libertad
Conj. Alberto Zayas y su Coro Folklórico
Vocal: Mereceditas Valdés

LP sold on Ebay 10/2011 for $107.50

Gig tonight Sat. March.26th @ 'Favela Cubana'.- Manhattan

2011-03-26T02:09:00.006-04:00

I'm playing tonight with a quartet @ 'Favela Cubana':

Junior Vega: tres y coro, William Ash: acoustic bass y coro
Yudelquis: vocal, myself: bongoes y coro
Cuban Son, Guaracha, Cha cha chá, Bolero.
8:30pm-11:30
No cover-Gratis
www.favelacubana.com

Richard Egües flute solo con Aragon en vivo / live

2011-03-25T14:52:00.007-04:00

El Maestro Richard Egües taking a killer

flute solo, one of his best, live with Orq. Aragon.
(Oye Richard... tremendo espejuelos.. jejeje)

Tres Lindas Cubanas 7:53

América Del 55 "Live / En Vivo" radio broadcasts - La Habana, Cuba

2011-03-25T11:39:00.010-04:00

Radio Tema 2

Radio Tema 5

América Del '55

((15 temas / Vivo 55))

Bola Sete - 1957, '58, '62 5 LP's Brasil

2011-03-24T02:05:00.000-04:00

"Aqui Esta o Bola Sete"
1957 Odeon vinyl LP

((((Here))))

"Travessuras do Bola 7"
1958 Odeon vinyl LP
((((Here))))

"Bola 7 e 4 Trombones"
1958 Odeon vinyl LP
((((Here))))

"Carnaval In Rio"
1958 Puchito vinyl LP
((((Here))))

"O Extraordinario Bola Sete"
1962 Odeon vinyl LP
((((Here))))

Nice outfit pero......

2011-03-19T21:54:00.005-04:00

"Hasta la vista baby!"

Chino Ortiz "Rumba Pura" 78rpm.

2011-03-18T19:12:00.004-04:00

"Rumba Pura"
Chino Ortiz y su Orq.
Lázaro Herrera: trumpet and composer/compositor.

Senén Suárez Hernández - Artículos publicados

2011-03-18T16:38:00.006-04:00

Senén Suárez Hernández

Mas que 100 artículos publicados:
((Aqui))

Pedro Dos Santos "krishnanda" 1968 - Brasil

2011-03-17T10:21:00.015-04:00

"krishnanda"
Pedro Dos Santos a.k.a. "Pedro Do Sorongo"
Original 1968 vinyl LP on CBS Brasil

((((1968))))

My two favorite Brasilian multi percussionists are
'Papete' and Mestre Pedro Dos Santos, inventor of the
percussion instruments the 'Sorongo' and the 'Tamba'.
Pedro's work with guitarist Sebastião Tapajós is superb.
This is Pedro Dos Santos 1968 very interesting solo work.

Pedro Dos Santos

Sebastião Tapajós, Djalma Correa, Pedro Dos Santos

Marcos Suzano "Flash" 2000 - "Sambatown" 2002 - Brasil

2011-03-17T00:20:00.008-04:00

Brasilian multi percussionist Marcos Suzano,
responsible for technical innovations and modernizing
contemporary pandeiro playing in Brasil and around the world.
His two solo works from 2000 and 2002.

"Flash"
2000
((((FL))))

"Sambatown"
2002
((((ST))))

João Parahyba "Kyzumba" 1994 - Brasil

2011-03-17T00:11:00.004-04:00

"Kyzumba"

João Parahyba

João Parahyba, percussionist, drummer leader of
Trio Mocoto, his excellent first 1994 solo recording.
((((Kyz))))

Photo: Septeto Montmartre 1932 - Cuba

2011-03-16T22:50:00.003-04:00

"Septeto Montmartre"
1932

Ernesto Rizo, tres; Raúl Carrero, trumpeta.; Manuel Poveda, cantante. y maraca.; Arsenio Gros, voz 2da y claves; Rosendo “Chendo” Castañeda, bongó y timbal.; Víctor Cruz, bajo y Rafael “Mañungo” Ortiz voz prima, guitar y director.

Septeto Santiaguero '96, '99, '01, '05, '09, '10 - Cuba

2011-03-16T20:22:00.023-04:00

"Septeto Santiaguero"
Grupo joven Oriental.
Sones y Guarachas "de nuevo".

Great band, however........
for Sones y Guarachas "de nuevo",
I prefer Septeto Naborí, Grupo Son Entero
and Septeto Turquino.

"Septeto Santiaguero"
CD 1996

"La Pulidora"
CD 1999

"Para Los Bailadores"
Two CD's live/en vivo 2001

"La Chismosa"
CD 2001

"Los Mangos Bajitos"
CD 2005

"Inedito"
CD 2009

"Oye mi son santiaguero"
CD 2010
Not great, too much "Colombian pandering".

All of these these can be found free on
"the usual" music blogs and file sharing sites.

Orq. Richard Egües "¡Sabrosona!" - Cuba

2011-03-16T04:21:00.005-04:00

"¡Sabrosona!"

Orq. Richard Egües
EGREM Vinyl LP

2. Cuidado Con Se Pega

5. Se Le Ve

Silvestre Méndez López "Salsa Cubana" 1977 - Mex.

2011-03-13T21:21:00.010-04:00

"Salsa Cubana"

Silvestre Mendéz y Su Amigos
Vinyl Musart LP
Recorded in Mexico in 1977

Definitely not one of his memorable LP's,
as was his 1957 masterpiece "Bembe Aragua".
But Silvestre admirably composed 9 of the 10 songs.
The 10th was composed by flautist Juan Pablo Miranda.
What is nice is Silvestre's voice and Chekeré playing.

1. Pá Gozarlo Oriza

9. Negro De Verdad