Los Van Van's music continues to evolve even as Timba gains prominence among Cuba's new generation. But Van Van has slowed down. They play less frequently now partly because of Juan Formell's declining health. With César "Pupy" Pedroso's departure from the group in 2001, the sound has changed. Edmundo asserted that Van Van can go on without Formell because it is an old orchestra with a classic tradition like that of Duke Ellington. Formell's genius will sustain the band even without him according to Edmundo. Both Le Le and Edmundo said that Pupy left the group to pursue some new ideas independent of the group he has been with for 32 years. Because of Pupy's influence on Van Van, Le Le said Pupy's new group, Los Que Son Son, is almost the same as Van Van. Le Le thinks Pupy's new group is great and he has collaborated on some of its first arrangements.

TA: Do you like the new Timba music such as that of Michel Maza?

LL: The music is better done than salsa in general. The horns for example are played much better at a certain level compared to how Salsa is played. The musicians in the Timba bands have gone to the music schools.

Note: I did not know it when I asked the question, but Le Le writes arrangements for Michel's group. The song i deas are Michel's. The band's sax player writes the music.

TA: Why did Pupy leave Van Van?

12px !important; line-height: 1.5 !important;" align="left">LL: Pupy's new group is almost the same as Van Van. He wanted to try some new ideas independently. He was part of Van Van for 32 years.

TA: What do you think of Pupy's ne w group.

LL: I think it's great! He has a very well defined style.

TA: How long have you been with Van Van.

LL: Eight years.

TA: Before that, what were you doing?

LL: I played with Eliades Ochoa. I used to sing vocals and play maracas. I also played with Grupo Karachi from Santiago.

CS: What American singers do you like?

LL: Al Jareau, Bobby McFerrin.

TA: Who else do you listen to nowadays?

LL: Yellow Jackets, Al DiMeola, Pat Metheny, NG La Banda, Issac Delgado is very good, Manolito Simonet.

TA: What do you think of the Buena Vista Social Club phenomena.

LL: It rediscovered Cuban music. Ibrahim was at home cleaning shoes. Now he's a millionaire. Other great retired Cuban musicians weren't so lucky. For example Carlos Embale died penniless. He could have been much greater.