The spirit of Havana
Last updated 05:29, Friday, 16 May 2008
A taste of the exotic will come to Carlisle this Sunday courtesy of the Buena Vista Social Club. Catapulted onto the global stage following the eponymous 1999 film, the Cuban musicians have since brought their fusion of son montunos, jazz, cha cha cha (and general bonhomie) to cities across the world.
Bass player Orlando “Cachaíto” López, trumpet player Guajiro Mirabal, trombone player Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos and guitarist, pianist and organist Manuel Galbán will be accompanied by a 12-piece band direct from Havana.
Guajiro Mirabal – whose characterful playing has earned him the moniker “The Trumpet of Cuba” explains the roots of the band’s now legendary music: “Traditional Cuban music is so rich and has such a variety of styles, and influenced the Forties’ great composers and bandleaders.”
That influence from the Forties is an integral part their sound, and it was during that decade the Social Club enjoyed its heyday.
Jesus Ramos says: “It recreates the golden epoch of the Forties in Cuba; the composers, the musical line-ups and orchestras, the elegance and the strength of those times.”
As well as a mix of styles, the audience can expect plenty of thrilling improvisation.
“Improvisation is the blood of music,” says Jesus. “The passions which transport you during the creative process, where one lets oneself go. People notice this during our concerts.”
Named after a Havana club, the film (and succeeding album) came about through Cuban musician Juan de Marcos Gonzalez and American guitarist Ry Cooder working with traditional Cuban musicians, some of whom were regulars at the club during the Forties.
Main players Compay Segundo, Ruben Gonzalez and Ibrahim Ferrer died a few years ago, but the reformed band still tour the world, and individual artists enjoy solo success.
Guajiro Mirabal, who along with Cachaíto López is an original member, says the musicians are grateful for the exposure the film gave them. “Our music is beautiful and it had never been shown to the world in such a way. It was known but not to such an extent.
“I was very surprised – and am still – seeing the passion that it arouses. Yes, they did a wonderful and respectful job on it.”
Buena Vista Social Club play the Sands Centre on Sunday. Starts 7.30pm. Tickets, £27.50, available online at www.thesandscentre.co.uk or by calling 01228 625222 or 08448 472276.
