Various Artists – Mista Savona Presents Havana Meets Kingston Part 2 (Cumbancha, 2022)
Australian multi-instrumentalist and producer Jake Savona returned to the Caribbean to produce another fabulous gathering of Cuban and Jamaica musicians. “Mista Savona Presents Havana Meets Kingston Part 2” continues to intertwine rhythms and genres from two of the most influential islands in the English and Spanish-speaking world.
Although there has been some limited cross-pollination, Jamaican and Cuban music have developed in separate ways. However, the Havana Meets Kingston series has successfully brought together and connected engaging reggae, dancehall, dub, and rocksteady with Cuban son, timba, and salsa, with vocals in English ad Spanish.
One of the most important aspects of Havana Meets Kingston is the participation of top instrumentalists along with famous vocalists. The impressive lineup of guests includes Jamaican singers Clinton Fearon (The Gladiators), Randy Valentine, Prince Alla, Stevie Culture, The Jewels, and Micah Shemaiah. On the Cuban side, you will find vocalists and instrumentalists Cimafunk, Barbarito Torres, Changuito, Brenda Navarrete, Solis, Beatriz Marquez, and Dayán Carrera Fernández,
There are plenty of memorable cuts and some enjoyable surprises. Highlights include the reggae and Pan-African rooted song “The Fire from Africa”; the Flamenco meets Cuban son track “Guarachará” featuring Dayán Carrera Fernández and flamenco guitarist Raynier González, putting a spotlight on the strong Spanish and African influence on Cuban music.
Other high points: the roots reggae song “The Human Chain”; the exquisite laud (Spanish lute) performance by the iconic Barbarito Torres; the irresistible soulful reggae song “Destiny” with Micah Shemaiah; the fantastic instrumental reggae cut “Kingston Nights” featuring stellar guitar and electric organ performances; the dub reggae bolero “Juramento” featuring Solis and Julito Padrón; and the roots reggae song “We Are One” with Prince Alla.
“Mista Savona Presents Havana Meets Kingston Part 2” will be released in June 2022 by Baco Records in Europe; ABC Music in Australia and New Zealand; and Cumbancha in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the rest of the world. It will be available in deluxe CD and double LP packages jam-packed with photos from the historic sessions in Havana and Kingston and tours.
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.