up

One of the most prolific studio musicians in Cuba, guitarist Elmer Ferrer is particularly known and greatly admired for his harmonic brilliance and his fast and furious finger work—think Jimi Hendrix. He is also an accomplished composer, arranger, producer, teacher and leader of the remarkable Elmer Ferrer band. In the early 90s, he hooked up with Roberto Carcassés and Descemer Bueno to form the Estado de Animo band, touring extensively in Europe and Latin America.

Think Bruce Springsteen/Bob Dylan/Paul Simon and you have the black-hatted-clothes-and-shades talent of Carlos Varela. An early, rebel Nueva Trova singer and now, in his mid 40s, Varela has been described as having “a searingly emotional gravel of a voice which can rock you off your seat and then break your heart.” He is very big here, in Spain and in Latin America, draws huge crowds of mainly younger (and not so younger) fans, and is perhaps best heard on the early Como los peces, the delicate and intimate Nubes, and the more commercial Siete. Varela has toured extensively in Europe, Latin America and the US and recently played—along with Bob Dylan, Manu Chao and the Steve Miller Band—at the 2007 Ottawa Blues Festival. His latest album is due out in early 2008.

Guitarist, bassist and singer-songwriter, Yusa has been making big waves both here and outside of the island for some time, especially in Europe and Japan. Often intimate and laid back, sometimes fast and furious, her funky bass playing and loose singing style are a contemporary mix of Cuban, Brazilian, jazz and R & B styles, though she says she is now searching for a quieter simplicity in her work.

A young prodigy from one of Cuba’s most famous musical families, Aldo began composing at 5, playing at 6, collecting awards at 12, and by 17 was playing Prokofiev with Cuba’s National Symphonic Orchestra. In the late 90s, he left for London and Trinity College, and has gone on to develop his multi-faceted talent, performing extensively in Europe, the USA and Latin America. His particular pianistic style mixes the virtuosity of classical music, the vibrant freedom of jazz and the

Most famous for his humorous, passionate, and fiery performances, and with a musical fusion that many say is almost impossible to classify, singer-songwriter David Torrens is an unmissable talent. Aficionados talk about the seamless movement between pop, rock and trova that thread though his most popular songs, and which blend Caribbean rhythms such as mambo, cha-cha-chá, bomba, samba and reggae. With at least two albums to his name (Mi poquita fe (1998) and Ni de aquí ni de allá (2001), this very popular artist “...irreverently mixes tradition and innovation and gives you great songs about the sweet and more savoury sides of daily life.” Moving between Mexico City and Havana, he is presently concentrating on live concerts so catch him if you can at La Casa del Habano (5ta y 16, Miramar) or Club 1830.

From the eastern-most province, Guantánamo, this singer-songwriter duo—Israel Rojas (with a degree in law to boot) and partner Yoel Martínez—are said to be one of the most popular bands among a young, mainly high school and university crowd. Although they can be questioning—much metaphor and irony to express reflective and well-thought out ideas and feelings—they

One of the most influential musicians in today’s fusion scene and with a pedigree musical background—his father is jazzista Bobby Carcassés—Roberto moved from percussion to piano, composition and into the jazz scene straight after graduating.In the early 90’s, with guitarist Elmer Ferrer and bassist Descemer Bueno, he formed the Estado de Animo band.

up

This renowned family-based group—led by bassist/composer Carlos Alfonso and his wife, vocalist and keyboard player Ele Valdés—celebrated their 30th birthday in 2005. Daughter and singer Eme, and award-winning musician/composer son X Alfonso are also a part. Known as Cuba’s first progressive rock band, with early influences of Genesis, Pink Floyd and Yes, they have been described as “…one of the few

up

With bags of personality, attitude and stage presence—a kind of hippy Missy Elliot—this former founder of Free Hole Negro (early hip-hop fusion band) has been developing her solo career at a pace. With songs that talk of love and the trials and tribulations of everyday Cuban life, Telmary´s husky and expressive raps use an innovative mix of Cuban styles (especially rumba) with dashings of contemporary funky sounds, and are influenced by her long and ongoing collaboration with Roberto Carcassés and the Interactivo group. She has toured extensively in Canada and Europe, is signed to the Bis Music label and her latest album, A diario, which won the 2007 Cubadisco award for Best Rap/Dance/Hiphop album, has gone down a storm, especially the very sassy hit “Qué equivocado estás de la vida.” Always worth catching if she’s in town.

In many people’s book, Descemer Bueno is one of the finest contemporary Cuban songwriters around. From boleros, guarachas, son, trova to R&B, his songs have been described as “modern classics, beautifully crafted and with melodies to die for.” Part of the acclaimed Afro-beat band, Yerba Buena, he now concentrates more on his own work, writing for film (best original

up

Music prize upon film scores upon albums upon video clips, X Alfonso has swept the boards in these last few years. Born into the musical and creative hothouse of family group Síntesis, he is known as a consummate artist and wows a mainly younger audience with vibrant energy and an innovative mix of Afro-Cuban/hiphop/rock/reggae and popular Cuban styles.