Volume 3 is now available in eBook and audio formats at LPM.

This one picks up the story after the Cuban Revolution. While 1950s Cuban music was thriving in New York as  "salsa", the Cubans on the island continued to evolve in a variety of eclectic directions.

Volumes 3 and 4 can be thought of as companions to timba.com's free online book The Roots of Timba, covering the same period from the pianist's point of view and paying special attention to Los Van Van, Ritmo Oriental, Irakere, Aragón, Los Maravillas de Florida, Orquesta 440, Opus 13, and Nueva Generación, the predecessor to NG La Banda.

Volume 3 also covers pilón, mozambique, and extensive appendix on Afro-Cuban folkloric rhythms

All told there are 106 audio files covering a wide range of tumbaos and exercises for feeling folkloric rhythms correctly.

Click here for a quick preview - and here to download the eBook and audio.

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RUMBANKETE @ Yoshi's Oakland - Open Dance Floor - Thursday, February 11 2010 
14-piece All Star contemporary Cuban music (Timba) orchestra from Los Angeles

Many heartfelt thanks from TIMBA.com & Rumbankete to CUBAVERA and e.K. Clothing for their financial support. Participation from Cubavera, as the presenting sponsor, and e.K. Clothing as the associate sponsor allows contemporary Cuban big band music to thrive and deliver its cultural contribution to the community at large.

PRESENTING SPONSOR
shop online for CUBAVERA guayaberas, jackets, suits, pants & hats
Cubavera is a division of Perry Ellis International

Building on the success of Perry Ellis International, George and Oscar Feldenkreis decided to capitalize on the growth, potential, and appeal of Latin culture by expanding into a full lifestyle brand, and in 2000 launched CUBAVERA. Since its inception the Cubavera brand has transformed the ideals, joy and "sabor" of Latin culture into apparel. Taking authentic fundamentals from the traditional guayabera, the brand couples innovative fabrics and design for a new twist on a traditional staple. The line has developed from its signature shirts into a collection offering a variety of suit separates, shirts, jackets, pants and shorts.

ASSOCIATE SPONSOR
shop online for salsa dresses, dancewear, dance shows & dance accessories 

e.K. Clothing is a Los Angeles based store devoted exclusively to offering REASONABLY PRICED social dancewear. Because we specialize in Latin dancewear, our styles are very popular with Salsa, Tango and Ballroom dancers looking for social dance outfits or practice wear. However, the wearability and fit of our styles make e.K. Clothing even more practical when looking for night clubwear, party attire and cocktail dresses. 

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continue reading Pa' Ponerte en Talla

I am still way behind on my projects due to my five-week vacation, but I have finally published my review of "Animals of Cuban Music: salsa vs reggaeton", Jen Paz's second documentary in her contemporary Cuban music series. The DVD has been out since fall 2009 and really should have been on the gift list of all fans of Cuban music, no matter whether you like timba or reggeaton. For me the documentary is not about trying to convince anyone that one is better than the other or to make fans out of anyone. It is just an honest, unadorned look at what is really happening in Havana today. It also happens to be full of excellent concert footage from both timba and reggaeton concerts.  It is a must-see film for anyone who wants to keep up with the Cuban music scene of today. To read the full review click here.

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continue reading Timbera Mayor

Tuesday January 26th - Yoshi's San Francisco

Unfortunately the great master pianist many of us were lucky enough to see with Cubanismo has not come back from the dead, but the young and very much alive Alfredo Rodríguez is well worthy of his famous name. Tom saw him at the 2009 Monterery Jazz Festival and was completely blown away. Next Tuesday.

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