RHYTHM and SMOKE
The Cuba Sessions

The summer heat caused shimmering waves to emanate from the Havana Streets as musicians began to gather for the Rhythm and Smoke Sessions at the famed SonoCaribe Recording Studios. What began as a film documentary about cigars, culture and music in Cuba evolved into a full fledged recording project with the goal of bringing to the world the best music from Cuba, recorded and produced by the internationally renown Producer Daisuke Hinata.

The Rhythm and Smoke Sessions were recorded in a seven day period in June of 1998. Nineteen groups in all recorded at the SonoCaribe Studios in Havana. During this period each recording session started at 11 in the morning and finished around 4 the next morning. Before the sessions there were phone calls to make, people to meet, car rides to make to meet with those who had no phones, and other necessary things like breakfast and more coffee.Within that one week period over 100 top Cuban musicians recorded for the Rhythm and Smoke project.

Many of the highest regarded artists and groups were sought out to record for this Rhythm and Smoke album, representing a diverse variety of styles of Cuban Music including Son, Nueva Salsa Cubana, Afro-Cuban Jazz, Traditional, Folkloric, and Rumba. The intention was to create an album enriched with performances from not only some of the highest regarded artists in Cuba such as the Grammy winning Changuito along with Los Papines, Orlando "Maraca" Valle, Klimax, Arte Mixto and Bamboleo, but to discover new upcoming talent such as the unpredictable CachiBache, the wonderful a capella group, Catarsis, the uplifting sounds of Cantores de Rosario and the romantic and compelling Cubamar which opens and closes our first Rhythm and Smoke Release.

Life in the studio was memorable to say the least! Recording 19 bands in one week meant lots of work, little sleep, lots of cuban cafÈ, and some unbelievable music and experiences. From a great rumba group (Lally y sus All Stars) rehearsing on the steps of the studio, to arroz con pollo with Los Munnequitos de Matanzas, from being awestruck by the power and majesty of Los Papines to being humbled by the grace of Cubamar, we all left there appreciating Cuban music, musicians, and the Cuban people.

The studio itself was full of history and "sabor" (flavor). Built in 1949, the studio complex (RTV Central) featured television and radio studios, as well as SonoCaribe Recording Studios. The actual recording area was a small amphitheater where, we were told, Nat King Cole and other famous American artists had recorded. Apparently the small theatre was also used for politcal speeches by some very important Cuban leaders. Television programs were being recorded as we worked, so slipping over to watch the latest show being taped (when there was a break in the action) was sometime a possibilty. Once, we were invited to hear one of Cuba's most popular television music groups, Palmas y CaÒas, record. The studion was a throwback to the 50s. It was as if time had stopped. The microphones were classics, the recording console a gem. The music: priceless.

Many top musicians came down just to be there and be part of the project. On any given day, some of the top bands in Havana were represented at SonoCaribe. The camaraderie between musicians and those recording them was a welcome energy boost. After recording for 12 hours, with another 5 or 6 to go, one needed the help! And that wonderful air conditioning! Hey, it was June in the Tropics. With all respect to RenÈ Izquierdo and the great staff at SonoCaribe, when we arrived at the studio we found that the air conditioning was broken. It worked OK in the control booth (if you could put up with the incessant "drip drip drip from the condenser into a bucket or two!) but in the actual studio it was very warm. No one complained at all. Everyone just played great. What an experience!

A lot of magic happened in that short week. While in the studio listening to the great band Vocal Sampling, we met a singer in the band Catarsis. She was there just to hear Sampling. We got to talking about Catarsis. One day later we were at the group's rehearsal, with tears in our eyes, the music was so powerful. The music from eight sensuous voices was heavenly and seductive. The next day they were recording at SonoCaribe.

What can account for the consistent high quality of Cuban popular music? The rich mix of European harmonies from Spain and France and the rhythmic influence brought to Cuba from Africa begins to explain the high quality of music in Cuba. Those wanting to become musicians attend music schools from an early age. Being a musician is important for a variety of reasons and being the best you can be is a very worthwhile goal. Musicians are held in very high regard and an excellent level of musicianship is aggressively sought. Being a music in the first class allows you to travel outside the country. This is very important, as one can imagine. All of these things together, life in Cuba, the warmth of the Cuban people, the educational system, the music in the blood and soul, make Cuban music the driving force it is in the world.

Rhythm and Music is woven into the everyday fabric of life in Cuba. With music, life in Cuba can be somewhat bearable. Without music, one can only imagine what life would be like there. Rhythm and Smoke serves to bring to you the best music occurring in Cuba at this moment in time. In Cuba, things are always changing. The music lives on as a vibrant and dynamic entity and is always re-inventing itself. We hope to be a consistent source of this great music and would like to thank all of those involved. Que viva la musica Cubana.

From June 7th through the 18th I was in Havana (La Habana) Cuba, serving as co-coordinator, with my good friend Jose Sanchez, for a wonderful CD project, Rhythm and Smoke. The project is headed by a Japanese firm, Pacific Toyama. My main job was to find bands in Cuba, arrnage the studio, book the bands, and make sure that all went well. What an experience! In all, we recorded 19 bands in seven days, most bands recording three tracks.

My time in Cuba was divided between sleeping, an average of four-five hours per day, and being in the studio. We recorded all of the tracks at a very nice studio in Havana, called SonoCaribe. Rene Izquierdo is the studio manager and "Mantecon" was the primary engineer. For those of you who may be going to Havana in the future, please drop by the studios. They're directly in front of the Havana Libre Hotel. Say hello to everyone for me.

I managed to get out only once, to see my favorite band Klimax. Klimax is a very modern Afro-Cuban band. Their leader, Girardo Piloto, is an amazing drummer, wonderful musician and good friend. I gotta tell you, their multi-percussionist Yonder de Jesus Pena, is incredible. He plays so great each time I've seen Klimax. The night I saw the band, Yonder pulled out some new tricks I had not seen before. At certain points in some of the songs, Yonder played clave with the left hand and the most outrageous bongos with his right hand. (He used sticks in both hands.)I mean he sounded better than any bongo player (bongocero) I've heard play with two hands. What a monster! Later that evening I asked my friend Jose how I could ever learn to play like that. Jose looked at me and said "forget it!" 'Nuff said.

I wrote a synopsis of the recording process, outlining what each group brings to the project, called Rhythm and Smoke. The first CD will be out in September and will be available here at my website. You'll find it on this page.

Jose and I made sure to focus on and record many different styles of Afro-Cuban music. We had folkloric drum groups, salsa bands, all vocal ensembles, currently the rage in Cuba, and wonderful groups from the Cuban coutryside. The music is great.

Some stories come to mind. The band Catarsis, made up of four women and four men, is one of the new a capella groups in Cuba. For those of you who do not know, "a capella" groups perform without instruments. Their voices are their instruments. This group is exceptional. They invited Jose and me to a rehearsal. The leader asked me if I wanted to hear a song. Of course I said yes! The next thing I knew, I was surrounded by such beautiful music. I found myself overcome by emotion. It was thrilling.

Los Muñequitos de Matanzas is one of the world's most recognized Afro-Cuban folkloric groups. They come from the port city of Matanzas, about 100 miles from La Habana (Havana). We are extremely fortunate to include them in this project. Jose and I invited all of them (13 in all) to our apartment for arroz con pollo (chicken and rice). What an honor. Afterwards, they recorded two beautiful rumbas. Gorgeous!

Then there was Cantores del Rosario, a group from the unbelievably beautiful countryside of Pinar del Rio, Cuba. This group was so very gracious. They had to wait a long time to record as groups ahead of them were either late or taking their time! The music of Cantores is "son", music from the country. How beautiful. Their music was so soulful and soothing. It moved me immensely. Thanks to all of them.

The group CachiBache, made up of two incredibly talented young men, is a group to look out for. They're like Bobby McFerrin on.....well, let's just they that they get a little excited when they perform! They recorded five songs, just with two voices and one guitar. These guys are going to be major stars, and not only in the Afro-Cuban field.

The drumming was phenomenal. This is the Island of Rhythm. From folklore to traditional, salsa to son, hard driving aggressive salsa to the a capella groups, rhythm is the key. Need I say that being in Cuba is a must for every drummer.

I would like to personally thank all of the wonderful musicians who contributed their work to this project. And much thanks to all at Pacific Toyama. Even though web access is still not available in Cuba, I hope that some of my friends will learn that they are now on the web, in name only so far but watch out for some RealAudio files coming soon!

Synopsis of Groups and Recording - Some of these groups do not appear on Rhythm and Smoke

KINANI Three tracks Afro-Cuban folkloric music featuring the Nani family. Afro-Cuban folkloric drumming from the Yoruban African tribe is a very important part of any compilation of Cuban music. The style of drumming and vocals is very basic and primitive and adds just the right touch of intense integrity to the collection.

LA FARANDULA Three tracks A relatively new band from Havana, Cuba, La Far·ndula epitomizes the strong new wave of Afro-Cuban popular music. Strong rhythms, tight arrangements, and exciting vocals make this band swing.

ONIX Three tracks Onix is a strong addition to the new class of Afro-Cuban popular music called "Salsa Aggressiva", or aggressive salsa. The band hails from Santa Clara, Cuba, and has found a large following throughout Cuba and also in Europe.

LALY ALL STARS Three tracks Rumba, classic Cuban folkloric and popular music, is very well represented by the Laly All Stars. Legends of rumba are featured in this band. The tracks are soulful and a most important part of Rhythm and Smoke.

LOS PAPINES Three tracks The four Abreu brothers, together as a group for over 40 years, form one of the most recognized musical groups from Cuba. Renowned world wide, Los Papines brings their musical magic and instant name recognition to this Cuban music compilation.

CATARSIS Three tracks In the past few years, the all vocal format of Afro-Cuban music has been a very important addition to world music. Catarsis, formed by four male and female vocalists, brings a fresh approach to a capella song stylings. A very important new group of very talented musicians.

CUBAMAR Eleven tracks What a find! Cubamar is a trio of very talented instrumentalists and vocalists. Each member plays guitar and one of the member doubles on violin. Their instrumental prowess is only matched by their vocal skills. Beautiful music with a wonderful Cuban feel exemplifies Cubamar.

LOS Los MUÑEQUITOS de Matanzas de MATANZAS Two tracks Having LMM on the Rhythm and Smoke soundtrack is a real honor. Known world wide, LMM is one of the greatest emissaries of Afro-Cuban drumming, voice, and dance. Their name alone helps to elevate the project. Their musical contribution will validate this compilation for years to come.

CACHIBACHE

LOS CANTORES DEL ROSARIO Three tracks From Pinar del Rio in Western Cuba, Los Cantores del Rosario exemplify Afro-Cuban soul. The group plays the music of "son", the music of the countryside. The sound is as different from the Aggressive Salsa sound as Clint Black is from Pantera! A very important part of the compilation.

ECO del CARIBE Three tracks The fiery presence of master Cuban guitarist CotÛ is featured in this addition to Rhythm and Smoke. The "son" style is again featured although in a much more aggressive manner. CotÛ is a highly respected figure in Afro-Cuban music and his band shines on the three tracks.

CHICAS del SOL One track An all female group, playing in the Heavy Salsa genre of Afro-Cuban music. Chicas del Sol hold their ground with all of the heavyweights of the newest Afro-Cuban genres. Their contribution to the compilation is an important example of a current trend towards all female bands in the evolution of Cuban popular music.

AZUCAR NEGRA Two tracks Formed from the very popular band, Bamboleo, Azucar Negra features the immensely popular vocalist Jaila in a very intense Aggressive Salsa set. Searing horns, churning rhythms, and fiery melodies will move even the most reserved music fan.

PALMAS Y CANAS Three tracks This band is one of Cuba's most renowned recording bands. Palmas y CaÒas plays on their own television show as well as two radio stations, broadcast every week. Boasting over 100 original songs, this is a very strong dance oriented band in the son and salsa style.

CHISPA y sus COMPLICES Three tracks Aggressive Salsa is huge in Cuba and around the world. This band is making its own mark featuring the wonderful pairing of bassist Ignacio Cervantes and drummer Jose M. Sanchez. The group swings hard and the catchy tunes are meant to keep crowds on their feet for hours.

JOSE MIGUEL Three tracks World renowned as the percussionist with the seminal Afro-Cuban jazz group Irakere, Jose Miguel stretches out with three of his own compositions with his own band. This style of Afro-Cuban jazz is as "in your face" as any top name fusion group from the States or abroad. They're bound to make their mark.

SABOR Y TUMBAO Three tracks Featuring world renowned flautist "Maraca", the two recorded tracks feature another side of Afro-Cuban jazz, or latin jazz. The addition, on one of the tracks, of legend and percussion Master "Changuito" make this group an outstanding addition to the Rhythm and Smoke compilation. Maraca has toured with AfroCubanismo and wrote four songs for the tour. Drum Master Changuito recently won a Grammy. Swinging music!

KLIMAX Three tracks Klimax is one of the greatest bands to come out of Cuban in the past 10 years. Led by Girardo Piloto, Klimax is revered by many top international musicians. The group's musicality as well as it's pop sensibilities make Klimax a must have for any compilation of modern Afro-Cuban music.

MONCADA Two tracks Together for over twenty years, Grupo Moncada has more of a "pop" groove than Klimax or Chispa y Sus Complices. The groups has a strong international following and its groove will attract many more faithful listeners.

CARLOS MANUEL Three tracks Young and talented, Carlos Manuel is one of the new breed of Afro-Cuban vocalists exemplifying the new Havana sound of salsa. His music while not as aggressive as other salsa groups, has an undeniable groove and features Carlos' classic vocals.

YUMURI One track Exemplifying the swing of more traditional "salsa", Yumuri's group adds their special flare to this compilation. Yumuri is the brother of Maraca and also toured with AfroCubanismo. Yumuri is recognized internationally and an important songwriter and singer and is a favorite in Japan and Europe.

SINTESIS Two tracks SÌntesis provides strong world music roots coupled with the tradition of Afro-Cuban folklore. This band, featuring hard driving rhythms, electric guitar, full rhythm section, and wonderful vocals, is a unique and important addition to Rhythm and Smoke. SÌntesis' current album is with Milan Records.