Rum & TuKola

This young piano maestro figures in the book I’m writing about youth culture in Havana. Check out one of his compositions. 

Couldn’t wait. Essential for a Wednesday afternoon as it’s, um, already dark. 

Roberto Fonseca used to play Mondays at the Jazz Cafe in downtown Havana, just in front of the Hotel Riviera, and Thursdays at La Zorra y el Cuervo, when not on tour. Amazing to see someone so talented in regular gigs at intimate venues. Now he’s a big-time music star.

Here’s a review of his new record out this year, Yo — I’ll be posting a few tracks over the next few days. This song was produced by Gilles Peterson, a well-known Havana fan. 

Straying from rock momentarily, because hey, it’s Ella Fitzgerald, and it’s Friday. “Why did I take that trip/ That made me lose my grip?” How many people who’ve been to Havana have felt the same way, for better or worse? 

In honor of the fact that musicians blacklisted from Cuban radio stations for anti-Castrista opinions can now be played on state airwaves— we’re talking Celia Cruz, Paquito d’Rivera, Bebo Valdes, and more— here’s a longtime favorite song. 

Pedrito Martinez’s afro-cuban rhythms are unlike anything I’ve ever really heard before, a combination of familiar rhythms in totally unique ways. He plays frequently in NYC at Guantanamera.

Officially addicted. Cuban version— featuring jazz legend Chucho Valdes’s sister, Mayra Caridad Valdés— of Fela Kuti’s “Roforofo Fight.” 

I wish I’d known that DJ and label owner Gilles Peterson spends half the year in Havana while I still lived there. I’m a big fan of his. Here’s a song by R&B singer Danay from his Havana Cultura: New Cuba Sound album.