AfroCubism — Al Vaivén de Mi Carreta
Album: AfroCubismAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1361
Length: 4:51
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Los gallos están cantando
Compadre, están anunciando
Que ya empieza la jornada bienEh, entra el año y sale el año
Trabajo de sol a sol
Y cada día estoy peor
Compadre, que desengaño, bienCuando llegaré... cuando llegaré al bohío
Cuando llegaré... cuando llegaré al bohíoEh, trabajo pa' no sé quien
Que refrán más verdadero
Sudando por un dinero
Que en la mano no se ve, ya vesTriste vida la del carretero
Que anda por esos cañaverales
Sabiendo que su vida es un destierro
Se alegra con sus cantares
Cuando llegaré... cuando llegaré al bohío
Cuando llegaré... cuando llegaré al bohío
Compadre, están anunciando
Que ya empieza la jornada bienEh, entra el año y sale el año
Trabajo de sol a sol
Y cada día estoy peor
Compadre, que desengaño, bienCuando llegaré... cuando llegaré al bohío
Cuando llegaré... cuando llegaré al bohíoEh, trabajo pa' no sé quien
Que refrán más verdadero
Sudando por un dinero
Que en la mano no se ve, ya vesTriste vida la del carretero
Que anda por esos cañaverales
Sabiendo que su vida es un destierro
Se alegra con sus cantares
Cuando llegaré... cuando llegaré al bohío
Cuando llegaré... cuando llegaré al bohío
Comments (97)add comment
Fidel would approve.
SquiddlyDiddly wrote:
YES! Very well!!
Eh? I played this album last weekend after not playing it for years. . . then this track gets played today.
I so love the Afro/Cuba mash. . . . it works amazingly well no?
YES! Very well!!
Hey, dawn is approaching The roosters are crowing Compadre, they are announcing That the day is beginning well
bdwhitepm wrote:
I Agree! The more I hear them, the more I like them. Thanx RP!
Thanks Bill for putting this album on my radar! I own it now!
I Agree! The more I hear them, the more I like them. Thanx RP!
EXCELLENT!! I never heard of them before. That is why we come here. I rated it a TEN. Thanx RP!
Thanks Bill for putting this album on my radar! I own it now!
pure 10
great music, and truly great cover art
hehe, cool while smoking a joint 
Ulises wrote:
VH1, your continued attempt to impose your vision on others marks you as an insufferable fascist. Thirdrose made no mention of cultures, musical styles, color, creed, religion or any other trigger word you're subject to. Stop attacking others simply because you wish to project your worst qualities on those you disagree with. Who the fuck died and left you in you charge?
Yeah the word "facist" is always the last attempt on insults when all other fails.
It would help if you would be able to read, then you would realise, that I always "impose" tolerance and acceptance for all cultures and music on "others"!!
Something you absolutely know nothing about when I read your comments here.
Maybe you should go to Wikipedia an read about the meaning of the word "facist".
And from now on you can post what you want Mr Intolerance High and Mighty "my opionistheonlyonewhichcounts" , I will not grace your insufferable outbursts with any comment of mine.
Your are simply not worth it.
Who left you in charge you hateful Idiot? Everyone here can say what they want, but I am against this hateful "this song is just bullshit" or your use of the "f" word, people like you or Thirdrose are so full of hate and despise everyone just because they dare to have another opion than youselves. If you do not like a sing, press PSD. There is no need for comments like "this is just bullshit".
Dispicable!
Less hate, more understanding and tolerance!
For others, for other cultures, for other music styles other opions, or everything basically which does not go along with the mainstream.
VH1, your continued attempt to impose your vision on others marks you as an insufferable fascist. Thirdrose made no mention of cultures, musical styles, color, creed, religion or any other trigger word you're subject to. Stop attacking others simply because you wish to project your worst qualities on those you disagree with. Who the fuck died and left you in you charge?
Yeah the word "facist" is always the last attempt on insults when all other fails.
It would help if you would be able to read, then you would realise, that I always "impose" tolerance and acceptance for all cultures and music on "others"!!
Something you absolutely know nothing about when I read your comments here.
Maybe you should go to Wikipedia an read about the meaning of the word "facist".
And from now on you can post what you want Mr Intolerance High and Mighty "my opionistheonlyonewhichcounts" , I will not grace your insufferable outbursts with any comment of mine.
Your are simply not worth it.
Who left you in charge you hateful Idiot? Everyone here can say what they want, but I am against this hateful "this song is just bullshit" or your use of the "f" word, people like you or Thirdrose are so full of hate and despise everyone just because they dare to have another opion than youselves. If you do not like a sing, press PSD. There is no need for comments like "this is just bullshit".
Dispicable!
Less hate, more understanding and tolerance!
For others, for other cultures, for other music styles other opions, or everything basically which does not go along with the mainstream.
I love this album: the concept, the title, the cover and the execution! The African-Cuban musical link is a beautiful proof that humans are but a single family, all daughters and sons of Adam and Eve.
Although someones still believe in the superstition that DNA makes people superior or inferior...
Although someones still believe in the superstition that DNA makes people superior or inferior...
Thirdrose wrote:
Oh, congrats for your tolerance for other cultures and music styles! I am so glad though that not all peoples share your limited view of the world!
It must be very lonely in your part of the woods!
VH1, your continued attempt to impose your vision on others marks you as an insufferable fascist. Thirdrose made no mention of cultures, musical styles, color, creed, religion or any other trigger word you're subject to. Stop attacking others simply because you wish to project your worst qualities on those you disagree with. Who the fuck died and left you in you charge?
It's just bullshit this song
VH1 wrote:Oh, congrats for your tolerance for other cultures and music styles! I am so glad though that not all peoples share your limited view of the world!
It must be very lonely in your part of the woods! VH1, your continued attempt to impose your vision on others marks you as an insufferable fascist. Thirdrose made no mention of cultures, musical styles, color, creed, religion or any other trigger word you're subject to. Stop attacking others simply because you wish to project your worst qualities on those you disagree with. Who the fuck died and left you in you charge?
Thirdrose wrote:
Oh, congrats for your tolerance for other cultures and music styles! I am so glad though that not all peoples share your limited view of the world! It must be very lonely in your part of the woods!
It's just bullshit this song
Oh, congrats for your tolerance for other cultures and music styles! I am so glad though that not all peoples share your limited view of the world!
It must be very lonely in your part of the woods! It's just bullshit this song
This is absolutely fab!
Eh? I played this album last weekend after not playing it for years. . . then this track gets played today.
I so love the Afro/Cuba mash. . . . it works amazingly well no?
I so love the Afro/Cuba mash. . . . it works amazingly well no?
We got down to that!
Beautiful, lilting little song. God I love the variety Bill provides!
I like this song very
much. I think my wife would like it even more than I....and she could understand the lyrics (she's Puerto Rican..)
much. I think my wife would like it even more than I....and she could understand the lyrics (she's Puerto Rican..)
Another great finding by a RP listener who uploaded it that ends up in the playlist for my personal musical enrichment.
Thanks to both the listener and Bill and Rebecca.
Time to go order the CD and to give my contribution to RP live long process!
Thanks to both the listener and Bill and Rebecca.
Time to go order the CD and to give my contribution to RP live long process!
aww, pity the lyrics don't show up, his phrasing is Fantastic! I get transported thank you very much, it's heavenly, mmmmm warm taut hips and her long fingers at my neck, we absorb each other on the dance floor
this is great stuff.
Man, I don't like this!!!
paloeguevo wrote:
and tonight Abigail Washburn and Elephant Revival provided the lead in
which is what RP has above any other music service, a DJ that knows and loves music and provides such a wonderful flow to the songs.
Only in RP: From Queens of the stone Age to a Son Cubano.
and tonight Abigail Washburn and Elephant Revival provided the lead in
which is what RP has above any other music service, a DJ that knows and loves music and provides such a wonderful flow to the songs.
Only in RP: From Queens of the stone Age to a Son Cubano.
Nice touch of Cuba son. We were in Havant about a year ago and there were plenty of artists playing in this style. I love it.
please make ti go away!!
ambrebalte wrote:
It's winter, snow all around, night already after a gorgeous sunny day and a orange sun set like a fat balloon, travelling to romeo/lazarus street, lazily on my way to the same terrace as yours, for a café serré sitting and watching the sun waves (lacks a bit of cubes my vision)
Now, it is spring, and you are welcome on my street anytime! Hope you are having a nice time right this minute...
this music is marvelous...
It's winter, snow all around, night already after a gorgeous sunny day and a orange sun set like a fat balloon, travelling to romeo/lazarus street, lazily on my way to the same terrace as yours, for a café serré sitting and watching the sun waves (lacks a bit of cubes my vision)
Now, it is spring, and you are welcome on my street anytime! Hope you are having a nice time right this minute...
this music is marvelous...
Just had to stop working for a few minutes and absorb this sensuous song!
Ah, transports me back to Ecuador!
This is one of the many songs I hear on RP that I have never heard before that inspire me to go and buy the album.
Excellent!
Excellent!
AndyJ wrote:
It's winter, snow all around, night already after a gorgeous sunny day and a orange sun set like a fat balloon, travelling to romeo/lazarus street, lazily on my way to the same terrace as yours, for a café serré sitting and watching the sun waves (lacks a bit of cubes my vision)
Nice Sunday morning music... transports me to another place and another time; sitting outside, almost smell strong black coffee, non-American icgarette smoke from a distant table, sitting outside watching the world awaken... Thanks
It's winter, snow all around, night already after a gorgeous sunny day and a orange sun set like a fat balloon, travelling to romeo/lazarus street, lazily on my way to the same terrace as yours, for a café serré sitting and watching the sun waves (lacks a bit of cubes my vision)
TerryS wrote:
Salsa is exciting, but subject to professionalism. The sheer joy of watching an old couple do their thing in the shadows outside a club is oddly captivating..
Did you miss the "salsa" part? Salsa is what their thing was. Salsa.
Oh, salsa! You should have said ;)
I have this album though. . . it is great and makes me want to visit Cuba even more.
Salsa is exciting, but subject to professionalism. The sheer joy of watching an old couple do their thing in the shadows outside a club is oddly captivating..
Did you miss the "salsa" part? Salsa is what their thing was. Salsa.
Oh, salsa! You should have said ;)
I have this album though. . . it is great and makes me want to visit Cuba even more.
Dig this!
Nice. Works much better than I would have expected when following on from Queens Of The Stone Age.
Nice Sunday morning music... transports me to another place and another time; sitting outside, almost smell strong black coffee, non-American icgarette smoke from a distant table, sitting outside watching the world awaken... Thanks
This is nice....
Definitely, kudos are due to B&R for pulling in much excellent world music.
The ''Maestro'' has struck again what a very apt follow on from ''Al Valven de Mi Carre'' thanks Bill/Rebecca who-ever is responsible. °º©©º°
The core of this tune is based on "Guajiro Music" from Cuba, akin to Country-Western music in the US. Evokes pastoral images of the country side. (Combined with African rhythms and lyrics).
Poacher wrote:
Words fall me.
Salsa is exciting, but subject to professionalism. The sheer joy of watching an old couple do their thing in the shadows outside a club is oddly captivating..
Did you miss the "salsa" part? Salsa is what their thing was. Salsa.
Words fall me.
Salsa is exciting, but subject to professionalism. The sheer joy of watching an old couple do their thing in the shadows outside a club is oddly captivating..
Did you miss the "salsa" part? Salsa is what their thing was. Salsa.
1. Heard on RP.
2. Obtained full album.
And that's the second one today.
2. Obtained full album.
And that's the second one today.
netstv wrote:
Yes. indeed. It’s a great song and Radio Paradise crosses the borders.
So this is one of the reasons I love RP so much. I would have NEVER heard this on the radio.
So I bought the album via iTunes. All I can say is great great great....
And on top of it, there is a cool video associated with the video.. kinda like the "make of"...
Highly recommend.
So I bought the album via iTunes. All I can say is great great great....
And on top of it, there is a cool video associated with the video.. kinda like the "make of"...
Highly recommend.
Yes. indeed. It’s a great song and Radio Paradise crosses the borders.
"Al vaiven de mi carreta" = "The rocking of my cart"
According to Google Translate....
When will I,
when will come to the hut?
The swaying of my cart
Born this lament
Compay, hear my quatrain
We have no solution, do you see?
When will I,
when will come to the hut?
Work for English
What fate treacherous!
Fighting for money
That is not my hand, do you see?
When will I,
when will come to the hut?
The life of the road
You go for reeds
Crossing the marsh
Without finding their path
When will I,
when will come to the hut?
According to Google Translate....
When will I,
when will come to the hut?
The swaying of my cart
Born this lament
Compay, hear my quatrain
We have no solution, do you see?
When will I,
when will come to the hut?
Work for English
What fate treacherous!
Fighting for money
That is not my hand, do you see?
When will I,
when will come to the hut?
The life of the road
You go for reeds
Crossing the marsh
Without finding their path
When will I,
when will come to the hut?
AvoidingWork wrote:
No no, it's "Al Vaiven does my carpets." And the chorus is asking "How much does it cost"
I was thinking a carreta was maybe the same as a carucha. At least it made me think of "primer mi carucha (Chevy '39)".
No no, it's "Al Vaiven does my carpets." And the chorus is asking "How much does it cost"
I was thinking a carreta was maybe the same as a carucha. At least it made me think of "primer mi carucha (Chevy '39)".
So this is one of the reasons I love RP so much. I would have NEVER heard this on the radio.
So I bought the album via iTunes. All I can say is great great great....
And on top of it, there is a cool video associated with the video.. kinda like the "make of"...
Highly recommend.
So I bought the album via iTunes. All I can say is great great great....
And on top of it, there is a cool video associated with the video.. kinda like the "make of"...
Highly recommend.
Sabroso!
musica llena de alma y energias maravillosas!!!!! sonidos latinos!!!!!!
TerryS wrote:
Words fall me.
The sheer joy of watching an old couple do their thing in the shadows outside a club is oddly captivating..
Words fall me.
Can't believe all the comments hating on this song... love the inflection of the vocals.
Fantastic run of acoustic music here on RP this morning, and just as I settled in front of my Arcam/Tannoy/DAC system and the 192 Ogg stream, nicely cranked...
Life good!
Life good!
johnjconn wrote:
No no, it's "Al Vaiven does my carpets." And the chorus is asking "How much does it cost"
Al Vaiven de Mi Carreta , in english translate, " Al Vaiven was here"
(or something like that)
(or something like that)
No no, it's "Al Vaiven does my carpets." And the chorus is asking "How much does it cost"
Bad, but it does go on forever!
johnjconn wrote:
lol, where did you get that from? It's not even close xD (no offense!)
Al Vaiven de Mi Carreta , in english translate, " Al Vaiven was here"
(or something like that)
(or something like that)
lol, where did you get that from? It's not even close xD (no offense!)
terrapin52 wrote:
This song is proof that communist countries have crappy music, too.
"¿Cuándo llegaré?"
This song is proof that communist countries have crappy music, too.
For real? I think the singing is the best part. Cool voice and style.
finoufk wrote:
i second that
The song would be perfect if the singer could shut up !
i second that
The song would be perfect if the singer could shut up !
johnjconn wrote:
To the swing of my cart
Al Vaiven de Mi Carreta , in english translate, " Al Vaiven was here"
(or something like that)
(or something like that)
To the swing of my cart
prickelpit96 wrote:
I happen to love both!
The Czech Republic fails. This song is great.
I happen to love both!
His husky passionate voice is amazing. He could sing the phone book and it would be amazing.
The Czech Republic fails. This song is great.
Eliades Ochoa is unmistakeable in any language. The Cuban maestro and Afrocubism get an 8 from me.
Hah! Awesome segue between the spainish speaking radio dj at the end of No One Knows into this.
Great Song / Great Album... This is a mix of world class musicians and multi-cultural sounds. If you like QUALITY music, check it out!
netstv wrote:
Me with you.
Don't speak a lick of Spanish but I love this song!
Me with you.
fredriley wrote:
I take precisely the opposite view. Salsa Celtica are vibrant and exciting, this is dullsville. This is a view not entirely uninfluenced by my having seen Salsa Celtica live a few times, and having experienced their gioia della vita first hand. Afrocubism no doubt appeals to jazzophiles, but it doesn't have the sheer brio of Cuban salsa. Some fusions work and generate something greater than the sum of their parts, others don't, and this is in the latter category, as are the other Afrocubism numbers played on RP. IMHO, as ever.
Usually I find myself agreeing with Fred, but this time there is a schism. Having spent a month travelling around Cuba listening to the local music at every stop (the govt. makes a space available for musicians in every town), there is room for different slants on popular and not so popular within the framework. Live music will always work better than that which is confined and recorded, provided you are lucky enough to be there when the magic happens.....
Salsa is exciting, but subject to professionalism. The sheer joy of watching an old couple do their thing in the shadows outside a club is oddly captivating..
I take precisely the opposite view. Salsa Celtica are vibrant and exciting, this is dullsville. This is a view not entirely uninfluenced by my having seen Salsa Celtica live a few times, and having experienced their gioia della vita first hand. Afrocubism no doubt appeals to jazzophiles, but it doesn't have the sheer brio of Cuban salsa. Some fusions work and generate something greater than the sum of their parts, others don't, and this is in the latter category, as are the other Afrocubism numbers played on RP. IMHO, as ever.
Usually I find myself agreeing with Fred, but this time there is a schism. Having spent a month travelling around Cuba listening to the local music at every stop (the govt. makes a space available for musicians in every town), there is room for different slants on popular and not so popular within the framework. Live music will always work better than that which is confined and recorded, provided you are lucky enough to be there when the magic happens.....
Salsa is exciting, but subject to professionalism. The sheer joy of watching an old couple do their thing in the shadows outside a club is oddly captivating..
ick wrote:
Arf! :-D
The cover looks like something Miro would have done... but he was a Surrealist and not a Cubist.
Arf! :-D
dyharenas wrote:
I take precisely the opposite view. Salsa Celtica are vibrant and exciting, this is dullsville. This is a view not entirely uninfluenced by my having seen Salsa Celtica live a few times, and having experienced their gioia della vita first hand. Afrocubism no doubt appeals to jazzophiles, but it doesn't have the sheer brio of Cuban salsa. Some fusions work and generate something greater than the sum of their parts, others don't, and this is in the latter category, as are the other Afrocubism numbers played on RP. IMHO, as ever.
This is quality. An interesting blend, whereas the celtic salsa boys are just bland.
I take precisely the opposite view. Salsa Celtica are vibrant and exciting, this is dullsville. This is a view not entirely uninfluenced by my having seen Salsa Celtica live a few times, and having experienced their gioia della vita first hand. Afrocubism no doubt appeals to jazzophiles, but it doesn't have the sheer brio of Cuban salsa. Some fusions work and generate something greater than the sum of their parts, others don't, and this is in the latter category, as are the other Afrocubism numbers played on RP. IMHO, as ever.
This is quality. An interesting blend, whereas the celtic salsa boys are just bland.
Good scchhhhtttttuffffff!
The cover looks like something Miro would have done... but he was a Surrealist and not a Cubist.
Good Cuban Music!
awesome
Misterfixit wrote:
And a glass of Talisker. And a panatela.
Perfection....
Quick Watson, the Needle! Ah, never mind .. we have this song ....
And a glass of Talisker. And a panatela.
Perfection....
Quick Watson, the Needle! Ah, never mind .. we have this song ....
AvoidingWork wrote:
Well I've only been able to afford one bottle of blue label. The rest of the scotch I've had has been in the moderate range when it comes to price. So while my selection of scotch that I've tried might not have been as worldly as others, I thought it was pretty darn good.
Sometimes there's no accounting for taste. What would you suggest?
And water only.
(edit)
That list is single malt while Blue Label is blended. Completely different.
Single malt, that's my point - why drink blended when there are so many great single malts, unless of course you load it with ice... As you say water only, then you should really experiment with some good single malts..
No need to shoot straight for the expensive 20 odd year olds - try the 10s & 12s, decide what you like then treat yourself to an older one.. they just got more rounded, mellow & smooth with age & you'll find you need less & less water to the point with the 18-20+ yrs, you really don't need to add water, sip & swirl in the mouth & allow the flavours to explode ;-)
To give you suggestions would be to give you my preferences & that would be essentially wrong, there's a whisky for everyone out there!
However as you ask ;-)
Most of all, have fun but remember there are a lot of crap whiskies out there too, so tread with care amongst unknown & if you can sample first - that's a great bet. Airport duty frees are great for this ;-)
Discover your own few treasures & they'll reward you evermore - Good luck!
Well I've only been able to afford one bottle of blue label. The rest of the scotch I've had has been in the moderate range when it comes to price. So while my selection of scotch that I've tried might not have been as worldly as others, I thought it was pretty darn good.
Sometimes there's no accounting for taste. What would you suggest?
And water only.
(edit)
That list is single malt while Blue Label is blended. Completely different.
Single malt, that's my point - why drink blended when there are so many great single malts, unless of course you load it with ice... As you say water only, then you should really experiment with some good single malts..
No need to shoot straight for the expensive 20 odd year olds - try the 10s & 12s, decide what you like then treat yourself to an older one.. they just got more rounded, mellow & smooth with age & you'll find you need less & less water to the point with the 18-20+ yrs, you really don't need to add water, sip & swirl in the mouth & allow the flavours to explode ;-)
To give you suggestions would be to give you my preferences & that would be essentially wrong, there's a whisky for everyone out there!
However as you ask ;-)
- For non smoky / peaty, try the Macallan (very clean) or the Dalmore (very rounded & full bodied, almost like an XO cognac)
- For a hint of peatyness I love the Highland Park or Jura Superstition, both very rounded
- For a more heavily peaty flavour I'd go for a Jura Prophecy or a Tallisker
- And for the really heavy peated - I love a good Laphroaig or Lagavulin.
Most of all, have fun but remember there are a lot of crap whiskies out there too, so tread with care amongst unknown & if you can sample first - that's a great bet. Airport duty frees are great for this ;-)
Discover your own few treasures & they'll reward you evermore - Good luck!
Neil66 wrote:
Please select a better whisky, there are literally hundreds to choose from!!! Unless, of course, you put ice in it of course, then go ahead knock yourself out ;-)
Well I've only been able to afford one bottle of blue label. The rest of the scotch I've had has been in the moderate range when it comes to price. So while my selection of scotch that I've tried might not have been as worldly as others, I thought it was pretty darn good.
Sometimes there's no accounting for taste. What would you suggest?
And water only.
(edit)
That list is single malt while Blue Label is blended. Completely different.
Please select a better whisky, there are literally hundreds to choose from!!! Unless, of course, you put ice in it of course, then go ahead knock yourself out ;-)
Well I've only been able to afford one bottle of blue label. The rest of the scotch I've had has been in the moderate range when it comes to price. So while my selection of scotch that I've tried might not have been as worldly as others, I thought it was pretty darn good.
Sometimes there's no accounting for taste. What would you suggest?
And water only.
(edit)
That list is single malt while Blue Label is blended. Completely different.
ziakut wrote:
Agreed!
I like the music, but am absolutely in love with this cover art. Brilliant and perfect!!!
Agreed!
AvoidingWork wrote:
Please select a better whisky, there are literally hundreds to choose from!!! Unless, of course, you put ice in it of course, then go ahead knock yourself out ;-)
Sweet Jesus this is smooth! I need a glass of Blue Label and a Montecristo Panatela.
Please select a better whisky, there are literally hundreds to choose from!!! Unless, of course, you put ice in it of course, then go ahead knock yourself out ;-)
Music they should have in church. I have no idea what he's singing but it stirs my soul.
I like the music, but am absolutely in love with this cover art. Brilliant and perfect!!!
Don't speak a lick of Spanish but I love this song!
Cuba and Mali hand in hand. Truely eclectic and wonderful. Thanks Bill!
Sweet Jesus this is smooth! I need a glass of Blue Label and a Montecristo Panatela.
that was awesome. great mix of wonderful musicians. 8.
I just have to remove my headphones or change station whenever Radio Paradise programs this kind of music... probably because of where I live... I don't know... it just doesn't mix 
no matter how eclectic..
no matter how eclectic.. 
Review
It’s not always a disaster when plans go astray. Fourteen years after the celebrated sessions in Havana that gave rise to the Buena Vista Social Club, AfroCubism is a re-imagining of how that record might have sounded if the original idea of a collaboration between Malian and Cuban musicians had worked out. In the event, the Malians didn’t arrive, so the project became almost purely Cuban, and spawned the eponymous mega-hit.Of course, many of those involved are sadly no longer with us. Even so, AfroCubism brings together core members of the originally envisaged group with several Mali-based luminaries. Although the material is equally divided between the two cultures, the predominant ambience of AfroCubism is West African. In fact, the sound and arrangements often recall the lovely instrumental album Ballad of Manding (2007) by the inexplicably obscure guitarist and ngoni player Zoumana Diarra.
The best-known figure on AfroCubism – and arguably the group’s leader – is guitarist and singer Eliades Ochoa, who featured on Buena Vista Social Club’s version of Chan Chan. He opens the vocals with a beautifully relaxed take on Al Vaivén De Mi Carreta, a song he once recorded with its composer, Cuban troubadour Ñico Saquito. In a deft symbolic gesture, the other main singer Kasse-Mady Diabaté takes over in the second half, gently moderating his usually stern griot tone to suit the vibe.
Kora maestro Toumani Diabaté maintains a surprisingly discreet presence throughout, only really cutting loose on his own fine composition Mali Cuba, and later on Benséma. Djelimady Tounkara will be familiar to fans of the Super Rail Band, and his fluid, mildly psychedelic electric guitar is especially impressive on Djelimady Rumba. Lassana Diabaté drops breathtaking runs on his balafon (wooden xylophone) into many of the pieces. The other major star is ngoni specialist Bassekou Kouyate, who startles by switching to an amplified bass version of his instrument on the spooky and atmospheric Dakan. Horns, a rhythm section and backing vocalists fill out the arrangements.
World Circuit’s two decade-plus exploration of the long history of musical exchange between Cuba and West Africa didn’t necessarily guarantee the success of AfroCubism, but these players seem to have overcome considerable cultural differences and generated good chemistry together. If the ego issues that often beset such supergroups can be kept in check, this probably won’t be their only outing.
love love love that voice
Fidel would approve.
He didn't like music.