"Labor of Love" is a term that I'm somewhat familiar with, but this amazing book had been a labor of love in progress well before my first trip to Cuba in 1999. Afro-Cuban Percussion Workbook is written by my first timba guru, Curtis Lanoue, about one of the greatest and least-publicized percussion masters of Cuba, José Eladio. It covers all the main folkloric and popular rhythms thoroughly and systematically. Here's the link.

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Almost exactly one month ago I posted about the beautiful and talented new Azúcar Negra singer, Ingrid Leyva, including a video of her singing the new hit Perrita fina . The response to that video has been overwhelmingly positive . So now let's take a look at what Lazarito is doing with Ailyn in Bamboleo. I very much like this new video of a song called La historia de mi prima . Ailyn looks and sounds great, as does the rest of the band! I'd say that Lazarito is going a little less callejero with Bamboleo's sound than he did during Tania's time. What do you think?

Bamboleo with Ailyn Dalleras singing La historia de mi prima

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Charanga Havana All Stars prepare for US tour

The Charanga Havana All Stars are on their way to the US. The confirmed tours dates are all along the East Coast with concerts in Florida, Boston, New Jersey and New York. More dates are expected to be confirmed soon. Click here for the complete list of concerts and check back with us, because we will update as more concerts are confirmed.

The Havana All Stars are a traditional charanga with a playlist that includes son, guaracha, danzón, cha-cha-chá, changúí and even songo. They also have a dance couple with them, which adds an extra visual aspect to the show and is a great way to help the audience gain a better understanding of the connection between the music and the dances.

Bandmembers:
Julio Iznaga - Musical Director -Timbal
Julio Pulido - General Director
Alberto Alejandro Gonzalez - Congas
Angel Abreu - Güiro
Felix del Pilar ( Samy ) - Vocals
Gregorio Ernesto Laza - Vocals
Reineiro Proenza - Vocals
Angel Aristides Santos - Dancer
Yaimara Rodríguez - Dancer
Roxana de las Mercedes - Violin
Edel Lazaga - Violin
Rene Luis Herrera - Flute
Norberto Shand - Piano
Michel Armesto - Bass

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Tom has posted some new photo collages to announce this weekend's San José Jazz Festival. See the Bay Area Report for more photos and more details.

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