Roberto Fonseca – La Gran Diversión ( Wagram Music, 2023)
Roberto Fonseca, a highly talented virtuoso Cuban pianist, has released La Gran Diversión (The Great Fun), embarking on an invigorating voyage through the rich and colorful musical heritage of Cuba.
More precisely, La Gran Diversión is a thrilling tribute to the lively melodies that once echoed through the Cuban airwaves in the 1930s. Fonseca passionately refers to this album as his most personal. Significantly, these are meaningful stories told through music.
Fonseca masterfully and elegantly expresses with his piano and bandmates his meticulously crafted mix of timeless Cuban rhythms, occasionally infused with elements of jazz, R&B, and funk. Furthermore, La Gran Diversión serves as a heartfelt homage to his cultural origins and, above all, to the enduring traditions of Cuban music that has, for many years, creatively brought together African and Spanish traditions. This music has left an indelible mark worldwide, resonating from the bustling streets of New York to the boulevards and cafés of Europe.
Co-helmed by Fonseca and Daniel Florestano, the production of La Gran Diversión spans recording sessions in Havana, Paris, and New York, yielding two captivating singles: “Maní Mambo” and “Sal Al Malecón.”
Notably, the album features an array of superb guest artists, including guitarist Jorge Luis Chicoy (Cuba), violinist Regina Carter (USA), vocalist Carlos Calunga (Cuba) from the Buena Vista Social Club, and Dutch vocalist Clarence Bekker.
Buy La Gran Diversión.
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.