the evolution of Cuban Jazz

Havana in the 30's and 40's was a wide-open city that rivaled New York as a star-maker in the music industry. It is widely known that American jazz icons Dizzy Gillispie and Charlie Parker, among others, were greatly influenced by Cuban musicians such as Mario Bauza and Chano Pozo. Some musicians who have traveled to Cuba in spite of the embargo, acknowledged this same experience and the impact of having been "educated" by the present generation of Cuban musicians. Although every country in Latin America claims to have a unique musical culture, Latin Music or "Musica Latina", as been the prefer genre and we owe it mostly to the Island of Cuba for having developed an incredible array of styles, rhythms and exponents of this art form.

Cuban Music Siempre

Rocky writes about the influence of Cuban Music around the world, its roots as well as some special musical terms that are so unique to the sound of this wonderful music. Most Americans are getting reacquainted with many Cuban artists now that they are being allowed to perform outside of the island. Some have even been nominated for a Grammy and most continue to tour even though they're in their twilight years.
"The Pioneers"
Cuba is an exotic country full of history and most of all, extraordinary music, created by some of the world's greatest and least appreciated musicians. Chano Pozo died young and a very poor man; one of his creations, "Manteca" is played by some band or radio station, somewhere, everyday. Machito died a destitute. My friend and mentor, Arsenio Rodriguez also died a pauper, yet, his music continues to be played around the world. Many of us wondered why, these giants of music, who left us such an incredible book of material, were the victims of such ingratitude during their lifetime. What's more significant about this is that the entire world has re-discovered this 'old' music and now perhaps, Cuba will get the recognition it deserves as a country full of culture and irresistible charm. From Cuba with love to the rest of the world, the sound of music continues and it doesn't get any better than that. 

Musical Terms From Cuba:

CLAVE - 1.A pair of wooden sticks used in Cuban music. 2.An offbeat 3-2 or 2-3 rhythmic pattern over two bars, this is the basis for any rhythm pattern played in Cuban music. There's a popular saying in Cuba: "Sin tumba y clave, no puede haber Son", (without tumba & clave, there can't be Son). 

TUMBAO {toom-BOUGH} - A rhythmic pattern for piano, bass or tumbadora. CONJUNTO {con-HOON-TO} a dance combo made of two to four horns, tres, bass, percussion and vocals. Said to have its roots in the province of Santiago. Arsenio Rodriguez is given credit for being the creator of this format. 

SON - said to have its beginning in Africa, is one of the most popular styles out of Cuba. Three of the most famous 'soneros' were Benny More, Miguelito Cuni from Cuba and Ismael Rivera out of Santurce, Puerto Rico. 

CENCERRO - A hand held cowbell played with a stick. Depending on where it is hit, it produces two notes. 

BONGO - the smallest of the drum instruments, made of two heads and tuned a fourth apart.


Created by TAM "Tessita"