Cubanismo!

Biography

This all-star Cuban big band was formed in 1995 by Jesús Alemañy (14 October 1962, Guanabacoa, Havana, Cuba; trumpet, ex-Sierra Maestra), initially for a recording session at Egrem studios in Havana with producer Joe Boyd. Also in the line-up were Alfredo Rodriquez, veteran percussionist Tata Gianes, trumpeters Louis Alemañy and Louis Alemañy Jnr. (Jesus’ uncle and cousin, respectively) and various members of Irakere. Jesús Alemañy’s ¡Cubanismo! (the word ‘Cubanismo’ translates as ‘typical of Cuba’) featured a selection of mostly instrumental tracks, based around classic Cuban dance rhythms, all performed with the raw energy and improvisational flair of the best Latin jazz. Critical response to the album was highly favourable and it featured in many world music polls for 1996, in the Best Of Latin category. The band subsequently toured and recorded a follow-up, Malembe. Released in 1997,...

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