Son Yambu plays authentic ‘son cubano’ or Cuban son – the essential Afro-Cuban music that originated in the streets of eastern Cuba at the turn of the last century. Son is a fusion of Spanish and African rhythms and is the root of all salsa music.
Formed in 2011, Son Yambu features a new generation of primarily Cuban musicians based in the UK who are all passionate about maintaining the traditions of the genre, continuing the Buena Vista legacy that put Cuban music back on the map in 1997.
Band members include Yuri on vocals and minor percussion. She is a stellar musician, having performed with the likes of Cachaito of the Buena Vista Social Club. She is a born entertainer, and aficionados have likened her to a young Celia Cruz. Also on vocals and percussion are Tony Danger and Jose Cascaret both wonderful ‘soneros’ from Santiago de Cuba. The skilled Manuel Alejandro Tellez on tres and backing vocals is another high-class performer.
Yambu’s rhythm section features the extraordinary talents of Reynaldo Crespo on guitar, Oscar Vazquez Romero on bass, Rene ‘Menique’ Savigne on congas and Toby Herschmann on timbales. In addition, there’s the trumpet of virtuoso Victor Hechevarria who has toured worldwide with several renowned Cuban bands and is a former member of the Santiago Symphony Orchestra.
Son Yambu is scheduled to perform Friday, June 20th, 2014 from 9:15 – 10:15 pm at the Jungle Stage at the Rainforest World Music Festival in Malaysian Borneo.
Can you give our readers a brief history on how the band was formed?
Son Yambu met in London while playing in various other contemporary Latin and salsa bands. The band was formed in 2011 and the debut album ‘La Maravilla‘ was released the same year.
What do you consider as the essential elements of your music?
The tres (Cuban guitar / mandolin – sometimes referred to in Cuba as the
poor man’s piano) – playing the distinctive arpeggiated figures that give the music its distinctive groove.
Percussion – congas/ bongos / timbales – reflecting the music African roots
Trumpets – playing melodies and mambos
Vocals – reflecting the music’s Spanish influence.
Who can you cite as your main musical influences?
Beny Moré; Arsenio Rodgriguez, Eddie Palmieri, Sierra Maestra, Los Van Van.
Tell us about your first recordings and your musical evolution.
Son Yambu’s debut album, La Maravilla is a combination of re-arrangements of old Cuban standards (including 3 by the legendary blind composer and band leader, Arsenio Rodriguez – written in the 1930’s) and original compositions written by composers from Santiago de Cuba, the birthplace of Cuban son.
Can you share some information about the program you¹ll present at the Rainforest World Music Festival?
The band will be playing some songs from their forthcoming album and from La Maravilla. The music will reflect the varied music styles that come from this remarkably musical island of Cuba.
If you could gather any musicians or musical groups to collaborate with, whom would that be?
As mentioned earlier, plus my grandmother (RIP) on violin. She would have loved the band and the music!
Do you have any upcoming projects to share with us?
About to go into the studio (end July) to record next CD. As soon as we get back from Sarawak, we will be off to Glastonbury, so out with the Wellington boots!
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
