Saturday, March 10, 2007

Yahoo LAUNCHCAST song of the day


Artist:Afro Cuban All Stars

Song:Maria Caracoles

Album:A Toda Cuba Le Gusta





The Afro Cuban All Stars were formed in 1997 out of the Buena Vista Social Club sessions in Havana, Cuba. The band is led by drummer Juan De Marcos Gonzalez. He was a member of the successful band Sierra Maestra. He brought together Cuban musicians of all ages to form this big band. Pianist Ruben Gonzalez and singers Ibrahim Ferrer, Manuel Licea & Raul Planas and bassist Orlando "Cachaito" Lopez all appear along with a horn section. Ry Cooder makes a guest appearance on slide guitar. Juan De Marcos Gonzalez does all the arrangements. It's a really good companion to the Buena Vista Social Club album. This video of Habana Del Este taped in Japan gives a good sampling of their sound. The music is not jazz but is heavily influenced by Cuban dance music of the 40s. The Afro Cuban All Stars continue to record though the lineup has changed considerably. Their latest CD is 2005's Step Forward:The Next Generation on Globe Star Records.

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