The Case of the Cuban Caress/Corazon

If there has been one area in my repertoire that has been lacking for depth, it is my Latin America theme.

Gringos who wish to dig into the Latin music scene have a pretty easy time finding their way to boogaloo, salsa,  Harlem soul, and Latin Jazz... because those genres were all centered in the U.S., which became the new capital of the Latin music scene following the Cuban Revolution. But the roots of today's Latin sound go back further than that... as we all know, it was the rich scene in Havana in the 40s and 50s when the first magic struck. Few place/moments in time rival that Havana as an incubator for timeless music. But the Cuban embargo has made the music of that scene much more remote for gringos (especially if they insist on vinyl!)

Lately I have been trying to beef up my knowledge... and my vinyl... from Cuba's pre-Revolutionary music scene. I am excited today to bring you a full two hours of material taken from albums I've acquired just this summer.

The first hour of today's show is The Case of the Cuban Caress. These tracks reflect a more polite and well-heeled Cuban society, featuring Danzon, Cha-Cha-Cha, and working our way to Pachanga and even a mild Descarga. Trumpets are rare in this set, with the flute more frequently the featured instrument. Conga drums are non-existent; claves and guiro often carry the rhythm. 

The second hour is The Case of the Cuban Corazon. This hour reveals the more afro-influenced spectrum of vintage Cuban music, ruled by Son rhythms. More gutsy, more brash, and brimming with bravado, this music is the knees and elbows of Cuba's working class. 

Special attention today for Cuban giants Cachao, Arsenio Rodriguez, and Felix Chappottin.