Tirso Duarte is one of the most talents and also elusive musicians of recent years. Having worked with Charanga Habanera, NG La Banda and Pupy y Los Que Son Son, he has recently collaborated with various Timberos, Reggaetoneros and of course, released the fantastic "Fin del Juego" at the end of last year.
I met him on a balmy March evening in Havana to question him on all matters music-related.....
Dj Carlota: We haven't heard much about you recently. What have you been up to?
Tirso: I've been busy! Since releasing "Fin del Juego", I've been working with the Afro-Cuban All Stars again and we're in the studio at the moment putting the finishing touches to our new release
Dj Carlota: Is the CD timba or reggaeton?
Tirso: It's a mixture of both of them: about a 50/50 balance and I'm really excited about it.
Dj Carlota: What are your views on reggaeton? Many of us thought that you weren't a fan, but then you collaborated with 0 Kopia last year with the reggaeton track "Olvida La Pena"?..
Tirso: (sighs and raises eyebrows)I have never said that I don't like reggaeton and I don't know why people think that. On the song "No Es Problema Mio", I said that rap and reggaeton are more simple, basic genres but I have a live-and-let-live philosophy. If you listen to various tracks on "Timba Cubana" and "Fin del Juego", you can hear elements of reggaeton. You see, music has always evolved always will. We need to embrace and experiment with all developments, including reggaeton. Having said that, my roots always have been and always will be timba.
Dj Carlota: You were a founding member of Charanga Habanera. What do you think of the band now and criticisms that they are becoming more and more like a pop/boy band?
Tirso: Well, they're certainly not the same band they once were when I was in the group. Like everything in life, they too are evolving and I'm sure they will soon be something different again.
Dj Carlota: How was it to work with Pupy and why did you leave?
Tirso: Cesar Pedroso is an extremely talented man and I really enjoyed my time with the band. the problem was that I wasn't able to peform my own material and that is an extremely important part of me as a musician- it's a muscle I have to exercise!
Dj Carlota: you have covered a lot of tracks by Alejandro Sanz in your solo releases? Does that mean that you're a great fan of his?
Tirso: Alejandro writes the most romantic songs with the greatest sentiment and feeling. Yes., I'm a big fan.
Dj Carlota: What do you think of timba's popularity outside of Cuba, especially in Europe?
Tirso: You don't have to be Cuban to love timba! Take the Italians for example- many of them are greater fans of the music and better dancers than a lot of Cubans I know.
Dj Carlota: Why do you think that is?
Tirso: There is no explanation- it's just something beyond reason- like a gift from above. Like me- I have never met my African ancestors but I can still sense these rhythms in my blood.
Dj Carlota: So what are your plans for the future?
Tirso: As I said, we're in the studio at the moment and looking forward to the CD's release. We were in Mexico last year and we hope to tour Europe this summer- we always have a fantastic time there!
Dj Carlota: Are you performing at the moment?
Tirso: We prefer to concentrate our efforts on the recording right now but once we have finished, we will be back on the scene.
Dj Carlota: Great! I look forward to seeing you again in action and hearing the new CD too- seems there is release from you every few months. And thanks for your time!
Tirso: You're very welcome.
Tirso seems to be one of the most underrated artsits in the current scenebut remains modest of his own talents and forever dedicated to his work.
Check out the audio examples on timba.com or any of his releases.
