Contemporary Latin Influences
Morales, E. (2003). Contemporary Cuban Music. The Latin Beat. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press.
During the 1950s, Cuba was in a state of revolt. Cuba was becoming an isolated place as the United States had placed on embargo on Cuba, that still continues to this day (as of 2015). The events that occurred in Cuba ignited a keen interest in the arts, and music, architecture and film. The notion that constant modernisation would help to avoid nostalgia for pre-revolutionary Cuba. A band called Irakere represented the era of the post revolutionary arts in Cuba. Irakere were a key bad that reintroduced some traditional Cuban instruments, such as the batá drums. Irakere drew in influences from latin jazz and North American R&B groups to develop a new and fast paced kind of dance music. In Cuba, many musicians have attended the Escuela Nacional del Arte (the National Arts School), and are well versed in musical theories and concepts. However, even with this extensive background, personal income is strictly limited in Cuba. Many musicians will perform sell out, live concerts and only walk away with a very small percentage of sales. Musicians are very much treated like government employees. This influence reflects in contemporary cuban music, where musicians express their views in lively, fast paced music, but within the respectful guidelines set out by Fidel Castro and the Cuban government.
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Falcon, R. (1999). The Heavens over Havana. Sight and Sound. pp. 24 - 26
Led by Ry Cooder, the Cuban band were filmed under the director Wim Wender. Ibrahim Ferrer provides vocals, Ruben Gonzalez, Eliades Ochoa and Compay Segundo provides vocals and guitar. The Buena Vista Social Club was named after a legendary nightclub in Havana that has since been demolished. The film has the occasional emphasis on artistic habits of the group, from the rolling of a cigar, to the manufacturing of a Cuban guitar called the ‘tres’. When Wenders first heard the groups music, he immediately asked what ‘kids’ were creating this sound. Little did he know that the group was made up of some very senior musicians! The film was centred around the groups transitions from the lively night clubs of Havana to performing in Amsterdam, New York and Carnegie Hall. Wenders describes the group as contributing to breaking down the barriers with the US, and reconnecting Cubans with Americans despite the embargo.
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This is a piece called Chekeré Son by the Cuban band Irakere. It is fast paced and has upbeat and smooth rhythms. You can hear the jazz influence, particularly with the bass instruments, however it still remains light and easy going with the higher vocals and tinging of the cow bell.
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This is the piece that was chosen to demonstrate contemporary latin style. This version is particularly helpful as the lyrics are included in English. The translations are not needed to understand the expression or the emotion of the captivating, rhythmic piece. Watch carefully for the tres being used and the unique sound it makes.
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This is the movie directed by Wim Wender. It portrays the bands progress from Cuba to a worldwide sensation. Ry Cooder was the producer and ensured that the aspects of the band that were important to them were shown through the film. The primary filming took place at their performance in Amsterdam.
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Further References
https://youtu.be/dhHGdBBF7Xk - Buchata Dancing
https://youtu.be/KOe-efPzeKI - Cumbia Dancing
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/que-acabe-leperepe-wm?source=relatedvideo - National Geographic on Cuban Music
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/quizas-quizas-quizas-wm?source=relatedvideo - National Geographic on the Buena Vista Social Club
https://youtu.be/KOe-efPzeKI - Cumbia Dancing
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/que-acabe-leperepe-wm?source=relatedvideo - National Geographic on Cuban Music
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/quizas-quizas-quizas-wm?source=relatedvideo - National Geographic on the Buena Vista Social Club