Jazz for aficionados

Cuba is probably the only country whose people, history and music are inextricably interwoven. I'll begin Cuba's history and music with "Afro Cuban All Stars", a popular Cuban CD that displays the fascinating music of this country, that's derived from the roots of it's people.

The first cut is Amor Verdadero, it's Guajara-Son, a rural music with more of a Spanish twist. Since there are ten cuts on this CD, I suggest that we take 3 cuts each, look them up on "Wikipedia", and tell us a little bit about them. Cut 2. is Son Montuno; 3. is Danzonete-Cha; 4. is Son; 5. is Guaguanco; 6. is Guaguanco son; 7 is guaracha; 8. is Mazambique; 9. is Son; and 10. is Son Afro. Acman, you take 2, 3, and 4; Frogman, you take 5, 6, and 7; Rok, you take 8, 9, and 10; while I go into other interesting aspects of Cuba's history, and music.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpJ4hF8EBZg

As you know, the roots of the inhabitants of Cuba are a combination of African slaves, and Spanish colonists; hence the music. I expect that defining the types of music, will shed a lot of light on the history of Cuba. In Cuba's revolution for independence from Spain, slaves fought in that war, which is one of the reasons why African music is so prominent in Cuban music. I expect your definitions of the music will dovetail with Cuba's history. I'll wait for us to meet before proceeding.

Enjoy the music.

#8
Maria Caracoles

This is what Wiki has to say.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozambique_(music)

I think I was on to something, when I said the "African" influence in a lot of this music does not really exist. It's just played by people of African decent. Wiki seems to think it's Cuban street music.

Slaves came to to the Americas with just the rags on their backs. No musical instruments, they were not from the same African cluture, different languages and religions etc.... Conditions that made it almost impossible to transport and sustain a culture. That's why, Spirituals, Blues and Jazz, are the most American of all music in this country. No old country influence.

I will complete my 'homework' after gym time. :)

Cheers

*****Cuba is probably the only country whose people, history and music are inextricably interwoven.*****

In Cuba, like almost all other countries and cultures, history and music are inextricably interwoven.

Cheers

Well, I'm batting .500; not bad, I suppose.

****In Cuba, like almost all other countries and cultures, history and music are inextricably interwoven.****

Could not agree more.

****I think I was on to something, when I said the "African" influence in a lot of this music does not really exist. ****

Could not agree less.

That it is considered "Cuban street music" in no way negates the African influence. In fact, depending on one's points of view, it confirms it. Surely, you understand that original musical instruments are not necessary for transporting the musical heritage. Remember the comment by some musicians that perplexed you so ("I wish I could play what I hear in my head")? Similar and related idea.

Great documentaries, btw; thanks.

I will need a day or so to comment on the Afro Cuban All Stars tracks.

Cheers

I just read the Wiki article on "Mozambique". It says this:

"Although the rhythm shares many characteristics with Sub-Saharan African music traditions, it does not have anything to do with music from the African nation of Mozambique"

It's funny how we sometimes see what we want to see. That comment clearly points out the African connection; but, it points out that, although implied by the name of that particular rhythm, it does not relate to the music of the country Mozambique specifically.