Beyond the world of Cuban trova and the intimate sounds of singer songwriters was the rich musical territory explored by Habana Abierta, an open group of young and creative Cuban artists who played a combination of Latin rock, modern ballads, son, boleros, acid jazz and beautiful contemporary lyrics. Despite all these modern elements, Habana Abierta’s music was full of Cuban rhythms.
Habana Abierta embraced electric instruments and the power of rock and rap with ease. Like their peers in the rest of the world, many young Cubans listen to rock, hip-hop, grunge, pop and other genres. Argentinean rock artists such as Charly García and Fito Paez are well known there and have influenced many Cuban rock musicians.
To talk about Havana Abierta it is necessary to mention fellow Cubans Gema y Pável. It was Gema y Pável who had been planning for several years to record an album that would feature the music that they and many other young musicians from Havana were making in Cuban clubs. First, they sought the support of Spanish label Nubenegra, who produced a nearly clandestine album in Havana with Luis Alberto Barbería, Pepe del Valle, Carlos Santos, Boris Larramendi, Superávit, Andy Villalón, Kelvis Ochoa and José Luis Medina. The album came out under the name “Habana Oculta” (Hidden Havana).
In July of 1996, Luis Alberto Barbería, Pepe del Valle, Boris Larramendi, Andy Villalón, Kelvis Ochoa and José Luis Medina traveled to Spain to perform at several festivals and clubs. At a concert at the then top world music club in Madrid, Suristán, the Spanish press fell in love with the Cuban performers and shortly after several labels showed interest in signing some of the artists. The musicians from Havana Abierta settled in Madrid in 1997 and collaborated with top Spanish pop and Flamenco artists, such as Ketama and Ana Belén.
Gema y Pável were asked by the label to produce an album with all the separate artists making them sound like a group. Two additional Cuban musicians were added to the line-up: Alejandro Gutiérrez and Vanito Caballero. BMG-ARIOLA Spain signed the artists under the name Habana Abierta. The best way to describe all these different personalities as a single band is to listen to them live or to listen to the CD.
Habana abierta toured extensively across Spain.
Habana Habierta’s line-up:
Alejandro Gutiérrez – He is probably one of the best new bolero singers, with influences from Cuban ‘Filin’ and South American urban songs, although he is capable of playing the most contemporary rock music. Alejandro Gutiérrez is also known for his beautiful compositions and singing style.
Barbería – Uses Cuban rhythms in a subtle way to create cosmopolitan dance beats. His melodies show acid jazz influences.
Andy Villalón – His main influences come from Brazil and current jazz combined with his Cuban background. He is a skilled guitar player and singer.
Ihosvani “Vanito” Caballero – A singer songwriter whose versatile approach ranges from sensitive modern ballads to Cuban traditional music.
Boris Larramendi – His lyrics talk about the struggles and dissent of a whole generation both socially and sentimentally. Boris Larramendi uses traditional Cuban rhythms and melodies combined with grunge and acid jazz.
Kelvis Ochoa – He is fundamentally a pop singer with some rock influences. Kelvis Ochoa also has Cuban influences in his way of singing and improvising.
Medina – His main influences are British pop combined with Cuban rhythms. Medina is ironic and direct with his lyrics. He can write cruel social criticism and conciliatory ballads.
Pepe del Valle – he sings ballads that combine Cuban traditional music such as guaracha and son with poetry.
Discography:
Habana Oculta (1998)
Habana Abierta (BMG Ariola Spain)
24 horas (BMG Ariola Spain)
Boomerang (2006)
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.
