1970-1974: The Singles

Van Van's second LP was recorded in Spain in 1974, but in the intervening 4 years, they recorded at least five 45 rpm singles. Some of these were re-recorded for the 1974 LP, some were completely rearranged and re-recorded about 20 years later and some can be found on compilations and bootlegs. Here's a list of the LVV singles we know of from this period, none of which (in their single versions) were included on any Van Van LP:

EPA-6285 - Pero a mi manera
(photo courtesy of Cubop)

EPA-6332 - Y que se sepa
(photo courtesy of Cubop)

EPA-6334 - Ponte para las cosas
(photo courtesy of Bill Tilford)

LD-3383 - Compilation LP: Ritmo de mi Habana

EGREM released only about 100 LPs between 1970 and 1974. LVV Volume I, which came out in late 1969, was LD-3320, and Volume II, which came out in 1974 was LD-3421. One clue in trying to date the singles is the Ritmo de mi Habana compilation pictured above, which contained the single versions of Pero a mi manera and Aquí se enciende la candela.

For musical analyses of these and other tracks, and more information, please see our Roots of Timba section.

Personnel Notes: According to the personnel list in the excellent 30 Years of Cuba's Greatest Dance Band compilation, Armando Cuervo replaced José Luis Martínez on vocals in 1973. We'd love to get more information on the early singers. There are few if any guías or pregones on the first recordings and when there's a solo voice it's usually Juan Formell himself. The personnel also claims that El Tosco joined as a flautist in 1970, but apparently the founding flautist Orlando Canto also stayed on until 1995. 1970 seems awfully early for Tosco to have entered the band. His first contributions as a composer/arranger were on Vol. V in 1979. Please help us clear this up if you can.