The second edition of the Black Atlantic series brought an excellent sampling of African and Afro-rooted music to Durham, North Carolina. The first concert featured…
An Excellent Black Atlantic 2019 Festival
Tag: Cuban music
Artist Profiles: Havana Meets Kingston
Back in the closing years of the 20th century, when the Buena Vista Social Club ruled the international roost, Cuban music was all the rage.…
The Timelessly Crafted Cuban Musical Poetry of Eme Alfonso
Eme Alfonso – Voy (independent release, 2018) Voy is the third album by the multifaceted Eme Alfonso. She is one of the most extraordinary young…
Artist Profiles: Roberto Fonseca
Multi-instrumentalist and composer Roberto Fonseca was born on March 29, 1975, in Havana, Cuba. He made his debut at the Havana International Jazz Festival in…
Magela Herrera, Rising Latin Jazz Flutist
Magela Herrera – Explicaciones (Brontosaurus, 2019) Explicaciones (Explanations) is the new solo album from Cuban composer and skilled flute player Magela Herrera. Currently based in…
Ruben Blades Charms with Alter Ego Medoro Madera
Rubén Blades – Medoro Madera (Ruben Blades Productions, 2018) Medoro Madera is Ruben Bades’ fascinating tribute to the great Cuban soneros. He does this by…
Universal Appeal of Cuban Vocal Music
Vocal Universo – Música Universal (Ansonica Records, 2018) Vocal Universo is an acclaimed a cappella ensemble featuring four gifted women: Martha Jacqueline Ramírez Torres, Anna…
Alma Latina’s Tribute to African Diaspora
Julio Montoro y Alma Latina – Black Roots (Tumi Music, 2018) Cuban guitarist and composer Julio Montoro and his band Alma Latina dedicate Black Roots…
Lusafrica Reissues Two Essential Polo Montañez Albums
Acclaimed Cuban singer-songwriter Polo Montañez died in a car accident in Cuba 16 years ago, on November 26, 2002. He was one of the leading…
Jazz Bata 2, the Extension of an Inspired Journey
Chucho Valdés – Jazz Bata 2 (Mack Avenue Records, 2018) Cuban pianist, bandleader, composer and arranger Chucho Valdés’s Jazz Bata 2 is a recording where…