The Rough Guide to Afro-Cuba

The Rough Guide to Afro-Cuba

Fusion may be an overworked word denoting an often dubious process, but The Rough Guide to Afro-Cuba should restore anyone's faith in it. And history underpins it: Cuban dance rhythms originated in Africa, were transported during the slave trade to Cuba, were brought back to Africa by liberated slaves in the 19th century, and were re-appropriated by indigenous African musicians in the 20th century. At every stage in the process, the rhythms were enriched and embellished. Permeated by rumba and mbalax rhythms, this lovely compilation reflects an astonishing constancy of texture between groups recorded in Cuba and others recorded in Africa, and its inclusion of some rare vintage stuff--the Septeto Nacional, Balla et Ses Balladins, and the "King of Highlife" E.T. Mensah--deepens its historical dimension. We also get the intricate charms of Orchestra Baobab and the magnificent sound of Sierra Maestra, Cuba's finest son band. The liner notes are good, but why can't they include recording dates? So easy to do, so frustrating when omitted. --Michael Church
Country USA
Brand WORLD MUSIC NETWORK
Manufacturer World Music Network
Binding Audio CD
ItemPartNumber RGNET 1070
Model RGNET 1070
ReleaseDate 2001-08-28
UnitCount 1
UPCs 605633107029
EANs 0605633107029

You might also like...