More information is coming in on the new CD that Orquesta Revé has just finished recording, which I reported on ealier today. The album will be named
"¡DE QUE ESTAMOS HABLANDO!". Fans will immediately recognize this as one of Elito's battle cries. If you are new to Cuban music I would encourage you to sift through all the information in our Orquesta Revé section. Elio Revé y Su Charangón has been one of the most important bands in the development of modern Cuban salsa since its establishment in 1956.

Elito Revé on the Paris Metro - Photo courtesy of Patrick Bonnard

The title song was written and arranged by Pachi and Andy, the pianist and timbalero respectively. They did other arrangements on the album as well. Aisar Hernández, bassist and musical director, also contributed songs and arrangements, and Elito himself wrote two of the songs on album. All in all there are 12 songs including a rumba as well as a traditional changüí performed by Pipi y sus Estrellas Campesinas. I have a particular fondness for Pipi having spent time at a real changüí party at Casa de Pipi in Yateras.

As for the new charangonera, 26-year old Susel "La China", she is the most recent addition to the band having been with Sello LA previously. Although she's not well known...yet...she sings well and has good technique. I am looking forward to seeing this new addition to the group. As I mentioned in the previous report, "La China" sings "Ya sé cantar, ya sé bailar", a song that was recorded by Elio Revé Matos, probably in the 70s according to our discography. It has been given new life by a Pachi/Andy arrangement.

The more I hear about this CD the more excited I get! So ya'll better get ready over there in El Yuma!

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We have some very exciting news Timba fans! Elito Revé tells us that they have finished recording their new CD and are now in the mixing stage. I can't say when the CD will hit the streets but let's hope it's soon. Revé's previous CD, "Fresquecito" was unquestionably the best CD of 2007 and won awards for Best Album both in France in 2007 and at Cubadisco 2008. I expect the new CD by Orquesta Revé to be another winner.

The CD has an impressive list of illustrious guest artists such as Chucho Valdés, Pancho Amat and the güajiro Mirabal. And a particular favorite of mine is also on the album: Estrellas Campesinas the changüí group under the direction of Pipi from Yateras, Guantanamo . Of course the regular Revé singers recorded as well, Dagoberto, el Sinsonte, Emilo (El Niño) and Susel (La China). Susel sings "Ya sé cantar, ya sé bailar". I've never heard Revé with a female singer, so it will be interesting to hear the results.

Elito Revé - photo courtesy of Cristian Muñoz

And in equally exciting new Elito tells us that the April tour of the US is confirmed with a number of dates in Miami and New York. I hope someone will  bring them out to the west coast as well. I know California is dying to see them live! Uy uy uy que veo!

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REGISTER HERE  -   WEBSITE (MORE INFO)  -  call +1.413.597.3340  -  Official Flyer

Come and join us as we explore and network percussive traditions from the African Diaspora with some of most experienced artists and performers in the U.S. 
Contact: Berta P. Jottar = berta.p.jottar [at] williams [dot] edu 

New Meanings: Afro-Descendant Percussion Practice - A Symposium
Williams College + Mass MoCA | February 12-14, 2010

New Meanings: Afro-Descendant Percussion Practices, explores the impact and direction of musical developments in the African Diaspora.  Through interactive workshops, panels, lecture-demonstrations, video and concerts, the symposium will examine the contemporary interconnectivity that exists between percussion practices from West Africa, the Caribbean and the U.S. Guest lecturers and artists include: Pedrito Martinez, Roman Diaz, M’bemba Bangoura, Ilu Aye, Café da Silva, Tyshawn Sorey, Mike Wimberly, Barbara Browning, Sonny Allen, Frisner Augustine, Atiba Rorie, Berta Jottar, Bashir Shakur, and more!!

Student Registration $35
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Issac y Manolín con Los Van Van en la Yuma

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