Recorded in Mexico in the 1950s, rare tracks from the brilliant Cuban guitarist and singer.
Tres player and bandleader Arsenio Rodriguez is the father of the modern Afro-Cuban sound. A prolific composer the songs on this album are original versions of Cuban classics, some performed many years later by Buena Vista Social Club, while BVSC's Ruben Gonzalez cut his teeth playing with Arsenio Rodriguez. It is therefore a document of the golden age in Cuban music. Price: £9.99
From Haiti, drummer and percussionist Tiroro has taken on almost mystical status as one of the world's greatest ever drummers. Surprisingly a CD of Tiroro has never been available until now. This album is the definitive compilation with liner notes that gather most information ever written about him.
Okay, so it's another Cuban compilation, but rather than concentrating on recent recordings of old songs and styles, this features original recordings by the original greats. Beny More, Machito, Sexteto Habanero, Septeto Nacional, Arsenio Rodriguez, Orquesta Aragon from 1940s and 50s. From an era even before, Floro, Trio Matamoros, Maria Teresa Vera, Eusebio Delfin and others from the 1910s onwards. This CD takes you on a chronological journey of the legends of Cuban music. Price: £18.99
Another legacy of the Buena Vista Social Club. Japanese record company gets in touch with musician/director Efrain Rios (of Grupo Raison and Cubanismo) to assemble a group of musicians, to play songs from the Trova and early Son period, and other less well know songs. All the musicians come back from retirement following in the wake of BVSC (according to the liner notes) with the feeling of "we can do all that and do it better", and (not according to the liner notes) the record company with the feeling of "we want a piece of the retro Cuban action too" The record itself is excellent, and the musicians top class. Their version of Ibrahim Ferrer, singer Ignacio Carillo, is particularly enchanting. Comes with English liner notes.
Cuban vocal trio recorded at Egrem studios. Accompanied by bongo, maracas, claves, requinto, guitar, they sing a traditional Cuban song repertoire. Unfortunately the English liner notes are used as self promotion for the Japanese coordinator instead of informing about the music. Still, the music is definitely of high quality, the harmonies and guitar sound particularly sweet. Price: £18.99
Young Cuban pianist Fonesca is a touring member with Buena Vista Social Club and appears on Caichato's album. Afro-Cuban with elements of contemporary
jazz make for a thoroughly engrossing album. Percussion and piano driven, with vocals and brass adding variety. Juan de Marcos Gonzalez reckons he's a future star of Cuban music and he could be right. So far, only available in Japan.
Top Cuban band, featuring ex-singer with Orquesta Reve, recorded during a residency in Tokyo. Price: £18.99
Another Cuban compilation. Shouldn't find these tracks anywhere else though. Artists include Sierra Maestra, Beny More and Orquesta Aragon.
Outstanding compilation of Puerto Rico jibaro (country) legend Rafael Hernandez with band playing pandereta (tambourine) congas, bongos, cuatro, the double stringed guitar and piano. Flores leads a quartet with some wonderful singing. Recordings date from the 1930s and 40s. Price: £18.99
Twenty seven tracks, seventy seven minutes of mainly vintage recordings from Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad, Curacao, Haiti, Brazil, Peru, Grenada, Panama, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, New Orleans, and Surinam. Well sequenced, wide ranging, fascinating and hugely enjoyable.
Jamaican Mento group (the roots of reggae) on a wonderful, evocative Japanese only release. Price: £18.99
Infectious Mento band from Jamaica,not released outside of Jamaica and Japan.
One of Jamaica's best loved mento bands captured live in Tokyo. Price: £18.99
From Trinidad & Tobago, steelband plays calypso and carnival music, exactly as you may imagine.
Christmas songs from Trinidad, delightfully mixing African and European elements. Price: £15.99
