Here's a great video clip from Spain . There's footage of Melón's group, of Melón with Buika, and an interview where he talks about the new CD, which can be bought, with a bonus DVD, here . 

Meanwhile, my fourth and final book on Melón, Volume 9 of Beyond Salsa Piano is at 125 pages and growing, promising to be the mother of all timba piano books. In addition to the usual tumbaos, it will also include extensive transcriptions of the rest of the arrangements. Stay tuned. I hope to go live with it in about a week. It will have La temática, La competencia, Se te fue la mano, Pa' que te salves, Por la naturaleza, Tú tranquilo, Movimiento, Me falta La Habana, Catalina, and a special study of Melón's approach to the good old I-IV-V-IV progression.

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The floodgates have opened and the tours just keep coming. The latest news is that the visas have been approved for Adalberto Álvarez y Su Son and they plan to tour  the US already in July! As soon as we have the concert dates we'll let you know. El Caballero del Son is also about to release a new CD, "El Son de Altura", which has 10 tracks as well as a bonus live track. A single, "Vete", has already been released.

But that's not all! Adalberto is celebrating 35 years with a DVD/CD set called "Que suena el son" that was just released on July 1st. The CD contains 15 songs including collaborations with a number of guest artists such as Omara Portuondo, Frank Fernandez and María Victoria, Orquesta Aragón and Grupo Rumbatá. The DVD includes a concert in Karl Marx Theatre, the documentary "Son para un sonero", a photo gallery, sheet music for Adalberto's songs (a treasure trove for musicians) and even a karaoke of Adalberto's hits for your Cuban parties and much more!

Adalberto Álvarez y Su Son will be touring Europe in November, so have a little patience if you live here in Europe. Buy the DVD and the new CD when it is released and that should tide you over until the band arrives.

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Tom's photos of Pupy y Los Que Son Son in San Francisco are up. You can also see his photos from Cócomo here. The Oakland photos are still coming.

Meanwhile, Gabriel of Yemayá's Verse is going wild on the island, with many posts since the last time I linked to her site.

And of course, don't forget REVÉ AT YOSHI'S all weekend.

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Get ready for the New Explosion! Elito Reve arrives in the US on Sunday followed by su Charangón on Thursday July 8th. The band will hold its first concert on July 9. And all you charangoneros will be thrilled to hear that the tour will be extended to one month! This information comes directly from Elito Revé himself! We are obviously lacking most of the concert dates so send me an e-mail with any missing dates you know about and I will update their tour page.

The band is in the process of releasing their new CD "¿De que estamos hablando?". I have heard the entire CD and it is likely to be the best of 2010. The band is already performing several of the songs live. For the latest scoop on what you can expect in concert see Gabriel's post at Yemayá's Verse about her carnaval trip with the Charangón.

The charangón has a few new members since I saw them last. Among the singers we now have Emilio who you know from Tumbao Habana and Suzel who was with Sello L.A. Additionally there is now a full-time keyboardist, Gretchen Revé. On the new album Emilio sings lead om "Niña relájate", "La Nueva Explosión", "A Matanzas" (a tasty guaguancó), and the hit "Agua pa' Yemayá". Suzel sings lead on the son montuno remake of "Ya sé bailar, ya sé cantar". Sinsonte interprets the funny song "Open the door" and there is a real changüí with invitados Pipi de Yateras y sus Estrellas Campesinas, Chucho Valdés and Cotó. The rest of the album is expertly handled by veteran vocalist Dagoberto. You have a lot to look forward to at the upcoming US concerts. For Cuban music fans and salseros this is another must not miss tour! 

¿De que estamos hablando? Ya tú verás!!

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