This is quite a gem. Remember that after the Suspension Concert, only two members left the group - Dany Lozada and Juan Carlos González. The rest of the group returned to the scene and although they never recorded again, they developed new material. Some songs, like Se que ha fallado, were later done by Charanga Forever, while others, like La suegra, were never officially recorded. Then came the big breakup the following summer of 1998 that yielded Charanga Forever and left Calzado with only Michel Maza and the name "Charanga Habanera". In shockingly short order, he put together the band in this video - one of the greatest in Cuban history. I know I keep saying that about late-90s bands, but I'm tellin' it like is is - many of the great bands of all time were competing against each other on a nightly basis in this brief but magical era.

In any case, this is one of the very best of the Cuban TV documentaries, entitled Charanguero mayor, and including both of the above mentioned rarities, along with Charanguero mayor sung by Michel, Usa condón sung by Tirso and much much more.

For more on all of this:

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Pupy y Los Que Son Son will soon be gracing the stages of Europe. The tour begins in just over one month and will take them to eleven countries including their first-ever concerts in the UK! Pupy will be bringing his legendary music to Glasgow on May 29th and London on the 30th. The London tickets are going fast so please get yours in time. I've seen Pupy in Europe twice and both concerts were sold out. Click here to find a concert near you.

If you've been following our International Timba Month posts, you've seen the 2001 videos of Pupy y Los Que Son Son with Tirso, Pepito and Mandy as well as a guest appearance by Mayito. Here is their most recent video "La Conga Pelotera" from the album "Sin Límites". You can keep up with the latest news about Pupy y Los Que Son Son at their official Facebook page. Dale Like!

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ENGLISH:
During Cubadisco 2014, EGREM was kind enough to give me permission to photograph NG La Banda and Manolito Simonet y su Trabuco in the Casa de la Música Miramar.  The Casas are one of the best options for tourists to enjoy some of the best current Timba bands. You can view the photo gallery here. 

Also, see the Reviews section for new reviews of recordings by NG La Banda, Elito Reve y su Charangón and Moncada. 

ESPAÑOL: 
Durante Cubadisco 2014, EGREM tuvo la amabilidad de darme permiso para fotografiar NG La Banda y Manolito Simonet y su Trabuco en la Casa de la Música Miramar. Las Casas son una de las mejores opciones para los turistas a disfrutar de los mejores grupos que tocan la Timba en la actualidad. Puede ver la galería de fotos aquí. 

Además, vea la sección Reseñas para nuevas reseñas de grabaciones de NG La Banda, Elito Revé y su Charangon y Moncada. 

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This one covers the early history of the bass tumbao up through 1950 and Arsenio Rodríguez. Lots of interesting stuff on changüí.

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