We lost another great Los Van Van musician this week. Pedrito was a charter member of Charanga Habanera, switching over to Van Van in about 1996. In addition to being a fine violinist and percussionist, he was one of the great dancing musicians of all time. When he did his violin bow dance with Van Van he visually captured the joy of music better than anyone I've ever seen.

Pedrito was also one of the most genuinely warm and kind human beings in the world of Latin music. He will be sorely missed.

Here's a recent clip.

Click here for more of Tom Ehrlich's photos.

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photo used by permission
© Thomas de Paula Eby

Calle Real' s lead singer, Thomas de Paula Eby, released the single "Camaguey" on August 8, 2016, which immediately caused timberos to fear that he is leaving Calle Real. Timba.com sat down with Thomas in the studio where he is finishing the mixing of his solo album. We talked about his plans with Calle Real, the single, the video and the album. The tracks are listed below but not in any particular order. 

Tracks:
The Ones
Before we all dry out
Camaguey
River
They never look into my eyes/Mirame a los ojos
It's just me (Rumbita)
We Are
Fill your heart with pride
Down The Line
Games
Lost Moments
Closer

Musicians participating on the album:
Thomas de Paula Eby-Leadvocals, guitars, percussion, mallets (SE)
Andreas Unge-Bass, Guitars, Percussion (SE)
Gunnar ”El Dony” Thullberg-Tres, Guitars (SE)
Gustav Lundgren-Guitars, Cavaquinho (SE)
Felipe ”Babuca” Grimaldi-Guitars (BR)
Sebastian Notini-Percussion (SE/BR)
Fredrik Gille-Percussion (SE)
Zamba N´Dokh M´Baye-Tama (SN)
Harry Wallin-Drums (SE)
Brady Blade-Drums (US)
Per Eklund-Drums (SE)
Jesper Nordenström-Piano (SE)
Bel Barbosa-Accordion (BR)
Giba Conceicao-Cuíca (BR)
Alexande Vieira-Coro (BR)
Raquel Vieira-Coro (BR)
Melo-Coro (SE)
Tilde de Paula Eby-Coro (SE/BR/CU)
Naemi de Paula Bjuhr-Coro (SE)
Bianca Ward-Coro (SE)

More information
http://www.thomaseby.com
https://itunes.apple.com/album/-/id1141361823
https://play.spotify.com/track/5DrwvLSxhgSxRmyzQXTPTN

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My favorite Cuban musician, interviewed by my favorite Cuban music writer and interviewer! And the excerpts and audio quality are exquisite.

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Here's the final installment of Tom's coverage of SFJAZZ Cuban Piano week.

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