Cuba-- Still Smokin'
by John Marchant
 Cuba leads the way when it comes to hard working
rhythmic dance music boasting Changui, Mambo, Rumba, Chachacha, Danzon
and Son. The unique evolution of Cuban music stands in high relief against
the back drop of other sites on the Afro-American music odyssey. For one,
the Spanish colonists of Cuba did not prohibit their slaves from playing
drums as did many fearful American colonialists. This continuity of rhythm
set the foundation for a panoply of music forms which mixed the Iberian
and African influence with the indigenous character of the Island nation.
Presently, three popular branches of Cuban music are Rumba,
with it's strong afro-hispanic rhythms and roots, Danzon, a more
genteel dancehall style with a European flavour from Haitian French colonization
and Son. East Cuban with Afro-Hispanic roots, Son is possessed
by rhythms central to Cuba's predominant religion - Santeria. Like all
Cuban music, Son also has it's vocal base in lyrical romanticism and playful
politicization, e.g. 'Cuba is a beautiful woman who commands much respect
but can get out of hand sometimes!' 
While Cuban exiles Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan and Arturo
Sandoval (of Irakere) continue to delight audiences around the world,
Cuban music would wield even greater influence if Cuban nationals were
allowed to perform in the U.S.
Great examples of Cuban style abound. For starters check
out the Corason label's excellent field
recordings including Cuaretto Patria: A Una Coqueta and !Ahora
Si Here Comes Changui also from Qbadisc Ritmo Oriental's Historia
De La Ritmo Vols. 1 and 2 and Irakere Live at Ronnie Scott's
from Cema/Capitol.
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