LA CHARANGA HABANERA

The dust is beginning to settle over Havana after the wave of changes sweeping over La Charanga Habanera in its twenty-fifth year: first the departure of Randy Malcom to Gente D'Zona, then the return of "Lachy Fortuna", Lázaro Maya, to La Revé and most recently and, perhaps most surprisingly, the departure of veteran charanguero Aned Mota to work on projects together with his wife, Diva Haila Mompie. But as Paulo FG might say las aguas tomaron su nivel with the return of Yulién Oviedo to the group, at least for the time being. Indeed Yulién himself sang no hay mal que por bien no venga, and the first video I've seen of the new line up shows us a move back to serious timba, the band having recently won at Cubadisco for their second foray into Latin pop called "Charanga Light 2". According to a recent interview with David Calzado on "23 y M", the new CD will be out soon and will get back to some serious timba.

With that I leave you to ponder the world of musical chairs that is Havana's music scene, and with a sample of what is to come and a look at new singers El Dandy and El Guay; now re-named El Chapy Guay it seems. Say what you will about the hair styles but trust me, after the dance routine, you will enjoy what you hear!

La Charanga Habanera - Partienda la tarima (estreno)

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Thursday, 09 May 2013, 12:41 PM

Pepitín y su Q'mbachá

Pepitín y su Q'mbachá have another single out. "No lo hagas más dificil" was composed by Pepitín and arranged by Lino Lores, who is producing the album for Q'mbachá. The septeto has recorded three songs so far. It is slow going since they are financing the project themselves, but the album will be worth waiting for. Pepitín is one of the most talented young soneros in Cuba. With his distinctive voice, he worked with Maykel Blanco y Salsa Mayor and Manolito y su Trabuco before deciding he wanted to start his own septeto to promote son cubano with a touch of timba. So be patient and enjoy the clip below!

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Wednesday, 01 May 2013, 10:25 AM

La Timba Criolla

For some time now I have been continuing to call Havana the Capital of Timba. But I am beginning to think it's time for me to look at this as the Roman Empire with two Capitals: Havana = Rome and Lima = Constantinople. Another serious timba band has been making waves in Lima: La Timba Criolla. The band writes their own material with a classic 90s timba feel and professional production and presentation.

LTC is made up of a combination of Cuban and Peruvian musicians, some with a conservatory background and others "timberos naturales". Director and pianist Jairo Betancourt, bassist Amarat Stuart Aguila and drummer Manuel Alejandro Moreno "Hueso" are all alumni of Michel Maza y la Tentación. Lead singer Anthony Muzantes is a well-known Peruvian singer as well as being the composer/arranger of the songs. I am very impressed with his work. He is only 20 years old but you can tell that he knows his timba! Other band members: Williams Nicasio "Macarito" - congas and Percy "Chincilla" - djembe/campana are both from Peru Negro and the percussion is rounded off by well-known Peruvian percussionist Marco Antonio Di Maria. The horn section consists of two trumpets, trombone and sax: Roman Coronado, Pedrito Meza, Fernando Shimabuku and Juancito Rondon. Coristas are Adhemir Charun Rivas and Jerson Jeff.

La Timba Criolla will be releasing their CD "Llegó el Timbón" next month, so stay tuned for more information about the band. In the meantime I leave you with a taste of LTC en Vivo! A gozar!

La Timba Criolla live @ Persepolis 2013

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Wednesday, 01 May 2013, 09:38 AM

Contrabando Abriendo Caminos

Contrabando is one of Europe's leading timba bands. Under the direction of Andrés Fernández "El Paísa", Contrabando has released two CDs and has maintained a steady flow of gigs. They will be touring Europe all summer. Click here to find a concert near you. Check out the video below to see what you have to lok forward to.

Contrabando Live @ "Aquí Cuba" 2012