My wife and I just spent six days in Havana, and they still have a club where the BVSC continues to perform (new members always join as others leave). To be honest, these days the BVSC show is aimed at tourists rather than a unique, authentic Cuban experience.
Because it is aimed at tourists, we chose to go to the La Zorra y el Cuervo Jazz Cafe instead, which was an absolutely brilliant evening of music! The band that night was entirely local Havana musicians who were all young, fresh, and fantastic players!
In that vein, check out Canadian musician Jane Bunnett who has travelled to Cuba for over 30 years to play and record. Give a listen to her Spirits of Havana album done in Cuba. Here’s a link to one of her performances.
Love it! Weirdly, I didn't when it first came out. It took me a few listens to fall in love, but when I did - I fell hard! Buena Vista Orchestra (remaining members) are touring, so excited to see that in September.
We were so fortunate to have Blue Note in NYC sponsor an “educational” trip to Cuba shortly after the company’s first tour with Ry Cooder. We were able to still see a couple of these greats at the actual club in Havana, just before a wave of European tourism filled the club every night since. Now, it’s near impossible for U.S. residents to travel there. Some of these classic songs are still sung on Smule, the largest singers’ app. I remain addicted to this album and its “lost & found” offshoots.
This album was gifted to me as a junior or senior in high school and had a huge impact on my journey with music. I had always been into various genres, but this really shifted me away from rock and metal music and into jazz and more mellow genres. Don’t get me wrong, I still love my rock music, but this expanded my interests and I’m so thankful it did.
Neither will I! Album and CD versions are both a bit shot now! But they’ve had a valued place in my collection nearly as long as my Ry Cooder albums.
My wife and I just spent six days in Havana, and they still have a club where the BVSC continues to perform (new members always join as others leave). To be honest, these days the BVSC show is aimed at tourists rather than a unique, authentic Cuban experience.
Because it is aimed at tourists, we chose to go to the La Zorra y el Cuervo Jazz Cafe instead, which was an absolutely brilliant evening of music! The band that night was entirely local Havana musicians who were all young, fresh, and fantastic players!
In that vein, check out Canadian musician Jane Bunnett who has travelled to Cuba for over 30 years to play and record. Give a listen to her Spirits of Havana album done in Cuba. Here’s a link to one of her performances.
https://youtu.be/igwOH4xee2A
Thanks, we will!
Love it! Weirdly, I didn't when it first came out. It took me a few listens to fall in love, but when I did - I fell hard! Buena Vista Orchestra (remaining members) are touring, so excited to see that in September.
We were so fortunate to have Blue Note in NYC sponsor an “educational” trip to Cuba shortly after the company’s first tour with Ry Cooder. We were able to still see a couple of these greats at the actual club in Havana, just before a wave of European tourism filled the club every night since. Now, it’s near impossible for U.S. residents to travel there. Some of these classic songs are still sung on Smule, the largest singers’ app. I remain addicted to this album and its “lost & found” offshoots.
Always a classic!
This album was gifted to me as a junior or senior in high school and had a huge impact on my journey with music. I had always been into various genres, but this really shifted me away from rock and metal music and into jazz and more mellow genres. Don’t get me wrong, I still love my rock music, but this expanded my interests and I’m so thankful it did.
Unforgettable record :D
An all time classic!
this is in my blood.
these are my people. 🇨🇺
A brand new Broadway musical - it has gorgeous arrangements. Come to New York - don’t miss it. Nothing like hearing the songs live !
Same. This record is an "anytimer." Any time, any season, any emotional moment, it's always great.
Blessed be all who made this project happen.
agreed - I played the first tune and been listening for an hour :) thanks for posting this one!
I’ve always loved Chan Chan!
It s on my summer song list