Please note this is an old page and Fly Global Music has now moved. Please follow this link and search for the entry in the new site.

We’ve checked out Robin Jones’ Mojito and Pitbull’s El Mariel but this is as far away from them as they are each other such is the diversity of ‘Cuban’ music. This album showcases the links with Cuba’s African past.

At its heart this music is all about the drum. Or more accurately, the drums and beats that originally came from West Africa with vocals sung in the French patios of Haiti. Afro-Cuba features some of the finest musicians in Cuba today recorded in Havana and Santiago.

The first track proper ‘Camagüey’, named after the largest of the provinces of Cuba, sets the scene with an introduction, a whistle, female harmonies on a chant and infectious drums. In truth there’s little variation between the tracks to a novice like me but ‘Mapua’ and ‘Muedine Consa’ are particularly manic. Watch out for the couple of tracks that feature just the drums, like ‘Tambores 1’ (as featured at ‘Favourite Things’ this week) and ‘Tambores 2’.

‘Vamos a Divdir’ is a strange one as you almost feel you can join-in the singing of the chorus it’s that joyous.

“Welcome to the sound of Afro-Cuba” says Pedro Perez-Sarduy, the poet, writer and journalist (now living in London) in the spoken introduction. Welcome indeed and prepare yourself to be impressed as Soul Jazz keep up their high standard with another outstanding release.

Hectic Mix nominations: ‘Tamores 1 & 2’, ‘Muedine Consa’, ‘Vamos A Divdir’ and ‘Camaguey’.

Reviewed: AFRO-CUBA : Tumba Francesa (SOUL JAZZ RECORDS) Cat. No. SJR CD136 Release date: 01.11.06

Tracklisting
1 Introduction
2 Camaguey
3 Muerive Yo Dila
4 Mapua Live
5 Vamos A Divdir
6 Tambores 1
7 Ven Mi Morena
8 Muedine Consa
9 Societe Guantanamo
10 Tambores 2

Links:
Soul Jazz Records Ltd 7 Broadwick Street Soho London W1F 0DA England Phone: 020 7734 3341 Fax: 020 7494 1035 www.souljazzrecords.co.uk