Aisar Hernandez in the studio
Photo ©Roberto Ruiz. Used by permission

Today Aisar Hernandez, director, composer, arranger and bassist of El Expresso de Cuba – the newest group on Havana's popular dance music scene – held a press conference about this fledgling musical project. Sadly, Timba.com was not there. But Aisar did take time out of his busy schedule to do an interview for Timba.com. I also want to give a special thanks to Roberto Ruiz for allowing us to use some of his photos to bring some visuals to the interview.

For those of you who may be new to Timba, Aisar was musical director of the great orchestra Elito Revé y su Charangón for ten years, during which time they released the hit CDs "Fresquecito", "De que estamos hablando" and "La aplanadora de Cuba". In 2008 he also released four songs under the name El Expresso de Cuba, but Aisar stayed with Revé until December 2015 when he announced he would finally start his own band.

Knowing Aisar's talent as a composer and arranger and his command of Cuban popular dance music ranging from timba to more traditional music such as son, I have great expectations for this band. In the interview Aisar tells us not only about the band and how we can expect it to differ from the Charangón, but also about what it takes to be a good band leader and the difficulties of starting  a new orchestra in times such as these.
Click here to read the English translation of the interview.

Dale cliq aquí para leer la entrevista en el español original.

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UPDATE: The Sunday show was sold out and a clinic (with lots of performing) has been added for Monday. Click here for more details.

Septeto Nacional will be in New York at Lehman College on January 16th (Orquesta Broadway opens) and at Brava Theatre in SF on the 17th. Stay tuned for other dates.

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One of the most iconic young Cuban voices is back with a new single. Pepito Gómez has released "Como le digo que no" as a single at CD Baby. The song is his own composition with an arrangement that combines the New York sound with Cuba. Pepito gave us a little interview.

Michelle: Tell us about the new single.

Pepito: I composed this song for people who are in love. When a relationship starts, your friends and family start giving their opinions, and even if people say that this relationship isn't right for you or that this partner is not for you, it's too late to say no to what is already in your heart. Neither age difference, nor color, nor race matter when there is love.

Michelle: Is this just a single or part of a future CD?

Pepito: This song is a single from a series of songs that I have composed with the intention of recording a CD in 2016. My goal is to go to sing in Europe to the audience that I haven't seen for a little while, and that write asking when I can go. I think this year will have the opportunity to return.

Michelle: Which musicians were involved in the recording?

Pepito: The song was recorded by musicians from different countries such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, Peru and New York. We have the opportunity o live together and bring to the music a little bit of flavor from every corner of the world. I am very happy that it is like this and that music serves to unite countries and musicians - that people can enjoy it and feel happy.

Michelle: Are you working on other projects as well?

Pepito: I have also a project that will involve several orchestras. I have already spoken with some directors who have said yes. I think it will be interesting if everything turns out as we plan. I think there's no doubt that the people who will enjoy it the most will be the dancers.

Click here to buy "Como le digo que no"

Bass:  Daymar Calvario  ...Cuba
Piano & Arrangement: Junito Davila .. Puerto Rico 
Congas: Mauricio Herrera Tamayo  ... Cuba 
Timbal: Bobby Allende ... Puerto Rico
Bongo: Jhair Sala  ... Peru 
Trumpet: Anibal Martinez  ...Puerto Rico
Trombone: Hommy Ramos  .... Puerto Rico
Coros: Carlos Acevedo y Papote Jimenez .... Puerto Rico
Lyrics , Music, Electric Tres & Production : Jose "Pepito" Gomez ... Cuba 
Mix & Mastering: Rolando Alejandro  ....Puerto Rico
Recording engineer: Adam Perez .... Dominican & Puertorican
Recorded in: Allerton Estudio Bronx NY 
General Production: Guararey Entertainment... NY

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Maykel Blanco isn't content just maintaining his own band Salsa Mayor at the top of the charts year after year, as with their new release "Que no me quiten la fe" (review coming soon). He has also dedicated himself to finding new ways to promote Cuban music and dance, both on the island and internationally.

Part of this endeavor is the 1st annual Carnaval de la Salsa, which will take place in Havana from February 25-28. The program (which is still subject to change) includes concerts by the most popular timba bands in Cuba: Los Van Van, Issac Delgado, Klímax, Manolito y su Trabuco, Paulo FG, Tanja Pantoja, Havana D'Primera, Pupy y Los Que Son Son, El Niño y La Verdad, Elito Revé y Su Charangón, Bamboleo and of course Maykel Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor.

That is more than enough to make the Carnaval de la Salsa a must-attend event for any timba fan. But Maykel hasn't forgotten the dancers who want to work on their cubania . By day you can take part in workshops with well-known Cuban dance instructors and the special participation of Maykel Fonts.

For the parties, Maykel (Blanco) is also bringing in international DJs such as Jack El Calvo (France), El Samurai (Italy) and Patricia La Peruana (France), as well as Cuba's best-known timba DJ  - Mandy. There will  be comparsas every day, so this really is going to be an amazing event. I am tempted to ask for vacation, even though I just got back from Cuba three weeks ago. Book your plane tickets now before the prices go up! We will keep you updated, and don't forget to follow Maykel Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor at Facebook .

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