Tirso Duarte- Interview

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.

What's going on in London at the moment?

Are you going to be in London soon? Want to know somewhere decent to go?
The legendary DJ Javier has just announced his events and it seems like we have somewhere else to go- yippee!!

THIS SATURDAY IS AN EARLY VALENTINE's DAY:

FREE Salsa Class 9:15 with NELSON (AKA Godfather of Salsa)

DJs Ara and Javier
Timba, Reggaeton, Merengue, Latin Groove
ENTRANCE £ 8
1 venue - 2 Rooms Fully Air Conditioned229 Great Portland Street. London W1
For more info. phone: 020 78373752 or E-mail them:info@salsa-fusion.com

ALSO..check out Thursdays (see below)

So if there's a place to be on a Thursday, it better be The Salsa Music Palace with SalsaTumbao

Popular! Charanga Habanera Documentary

As I start to prise myself away from Tirso's new album, my attention is turning to the highly rated Documentary by Jennifer Paz entitled "Popular!"

She follows the band, giving us an intelligent insider's view of the phenomenon that is Charanga Habanera, with unexpected bonuses like Haila, Juan de Marcos and Chucho Valdes. I'm desperate to see it (please Tirso, let me go!)

If you want to join me, click here to buy

In the meantime, I'll have to make do with this trailer...

Tirso Duarte- Fin del Juego, (review)

Tirso Duarte is the most underestimated talent in modern Cuban music and has given us another opportunity to absorb his distinctive style in his latest release ‘Fin Del Juego’ (Envidia 7193)

We kick off with ‘La Madre Maria’- a catchy opening for the beginning of an album that demonstrates the heavy influence that reggaeton/cubatón will play throughout this release. His unique piano style emerges peeps around the corner and reminds us that not all may be lost in the reggaeton darkness- we have a master before us!

‘Olvida La Pena’ is the second offering. This was a reggaeton hit in 2007 when he was an invitado for the original 0Kopia release and here it has been given a hint of timba which increases throughout the track. Writing credits name Mr Duarte so it’s unclear whether 0Kopia gave it the reggaeton touch, or via versa…”Timba con Aché”? Not quite convinced yet….

‘Fin del Juego’ is the title track and doesn’t fail to disappoint. It starts slow, reminiscent of Adalberto Alvarez or Pachito Alonso (both of whom he’s worked with). It’s slow, well arranged and has beautiful piano parts throughout. It’s also a track dense with so called ‘musical quotes’ and he borrows from Beny More’s ‘Como Fue’ and surprisingly, Dido’s hit ‘Thank You’. The track increases in intensity and develops almost angrily until the coros repeat 'Fin del juego' over and over.

‘Yo Soy Tu Papi’ could be taken straight from a Salsa Mayor release, or that’s how it feels. Maybe it’s the metales arrangement, the trombone style that is especially evident in this release. It’s medium-paced and grows on you with each listen. Turn it up!!! ‘La Niña se va, se va’. There is another interesting musical quote here, this time the theme from ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ in the horns. What has he been listening to lately?

‘Regalame Tu Silla’ was written by Alejandro Sanz, apparently a favourite of Tirso’s. Its rumba introduction gives way to light piano and the sweet voice of Iala Batule in the coro. The track remains like this: haunting and gentle and almost bare until almost 3 minutes through when it’s as if life takes hold, although there is only basic instrumentation until 4 minutes in when the metales come in and we glide away.

‘El Chino Chulo’ is cubatón/reggaeton done á la Tirso. The stepping bassline, electronic drum sounds and occasional rap sections are our link between timba and reggaeton: ‘Esto es timba con reggaeton’… We exit with a great conga/rumba influence and wish all cubaton could be like this!

‘La Cosa Mas Bella’ was written by Eros Ramazzotti and is another track that, once given a Tirso makeover is better than ever and probably the best track on the album. Keyboards, piano then trumpet lead us in to the tight, well-arranged love song. As usual, it breaks into stronger timba. It’s great, great, great and I just want to dance!!

‘El Asesino’ goes almost straight into vocal harmony as our intro. The shadow of reggaeton is again present and piano hiding behind the groove but remains one of the purer timba tracks of the album.

We go on to ‘Maldito Dolor’, which is a collaboration with the great José Luis Cortés of NG La Banda, who Tirso is currently working with, but surprisingly, doesn’t grab me much. That’s not to say it’s a bad track, but doesn’t seem a patch on his usual offerings.

The final track ‘Ceci’ is another track reminiscent of Salsa Mayor and was written by Iala Batule and is a good softer track to end with, especially with Tirso’s trademark racing piano.

The entire album proves what can be done with a drop of reggaeton influence, a huge bag of timba and a monton of talent.Add talented writers and musicans such as Osvaldo Huerta of Salsa Mayor, Pedro Pablo Gutierrez of CH and CF, Ciso Guanche of Adalberto (amongst others far too numerous to mention here) and Ariel Guillot Manzano of Issac Delgado and the Soneros All-Stars and you have a release that is a reflection of the times and one not to miss.
Click here to listen

© Carlota Witts

Osvaldo Chacon- live dates in London

Osvaldo Chacon of recent Son Veneno fame (but previously TONS of other artists!) has just announced upcoming gigs for 2008. He's definitely a must-see if the reports are anything to go by. Hopefully, I'll be popping down to say hi before I head off to Cuba again.

Carnaval Cubana, London 2008

Need something to look forward to as the post-Christmas/New Year blues approaches?

The famous Carnaval de Cuba is coming back in June- dates are 14 and 15 June 2008 (unconfirmed as yet)
It's one not to miss with guaranteed live Cuban bands, food, dance classes and shows. Last year it was Pedro Calvo with Sur Caribe (and more that I missed) and it's all for FREE. No pennies. Nada. Yay!

Get the date in your diary and watch this space for confirmation.
Here's a vid of the Sur Caribe hit of 2006 to get you in the mood...

David Calzado interview!!

David Calzado celebrated his 50th birthday on Saturday and in tribute to him (and possibly defence of his recent boy-band tactics!) click here for an article on him and an interview too!!!

Photo taken from a great Italian site. Click on the photo and pay them a visit!!

NG La Banda con Tirso Duarte

If you're really lucky and happen to live in Mexico, keep your ears open for NG La Banda featuring their old friend and bandmember Tirso Duarte. They're currently over there on tour. I may seem to be obsessed at the moment with him (mentira!!) but it's just that I HATE to see such talent wasted. See timba.com for more info about him and watch this space for more updates.

Tirso Duarte new release: Fin del Juego (and....)

Yay! Tirso's new album is out now and available from Prodland. Click here for the US site, or here for the German one.
I can't wait to get my hands on it, I'll just have to be patient through the Christmas post....As soon as I have the album, I promise I'll fill you in!!!

Despite trying to hunt him down in Havana, I couldn't find him until he did a guest spot with Adalberto Alvarez @ Casa de La Musica, Miramar. We had a little chat and he tells me he'd been working with NG La Banda lately, just like in the days when he'd just left Charanga. Watch this space for more updates.

Speaking of Tirso, catch this video recorded in 2000 with Charanga Habanera. How cute and young does Tirso look?!

Musical Chairs in Havana

No need for words.......

Yep, it's another case of musical chairs in the timba department. The lovely Michelle White of timba.com has announced from her Christmas Cuba jaunt that the rumours are true: El Indio is leaving Trabuco to be replaced by El Noro of Salsa Mayor whilst William has left Pupy to be replaced by Lester- a former member of Salsa Mayor. Phew!
Also, the new Los Van Van release is not available from prodland.de so take a look, along with a mysterious new release from Tirso Duarte. Can't wait to get my hands on them!!! (maybe if I ask Santa.....)

Los Van Van new release. The GREATEST hits of greatest hits

JUAN FORMELL Y LOS VAN VAN “AQUI EL QUE BAILA GANA”

At last, Planet Records has announced the long-awaited new release from Los Van Van.
Comprising of double CD and DVD recorded in 2005, it contains a definitive list of songs that helped Van Van's claim on a place in history.

Tracks will be as follows:
CD1: Chapeando; Tim Pop Birdland, Pouturrit, Y Despues De Todo, Que No Que No, Si A Una Mamita, El Baile Del Buey Cansa’o, Anda Ven Y Muevete
CD2: El Negro Està Cocinando, Marilù, Por Encima Del Nivel (Sandunguera) , Soy Todo(Ay Dios Ampárame), Anda Ven y Quiereme, Ven Ven Ven, No Pidas Mas Presta’o, Somos Cubanos

Keep your ear to the ground for more info or check out DJMelao on timba.com with the latest from Miami.

New Reve, New Van Van, New Manolito

Well, the anticipated arrival of new releases from Van Van and Manolito have left me drooling and counting off the months...Van Van's should be out soon-ish and will have a lot of guest appearances and feature the talent of Samuel. Maybe even a DVD too if we're lucky.

Contrary to what the grapevine says, Manolito have only just laid down the finishing touches to the new album (which sounds amazing by the way) and expect it to be out early next year.


And of course, can't fail to mention the new release from Reve- Fresquecito. It's getting rave reviews- can't wait to get my hands on it. At the moment, it only seems available from the website prodland but let me know if you find anywhere else, and I'll do the same!!!

Maikel Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor interview

I've been a little bit busy lately, so excuse my absence. Anyway, as fans of timba.com will know, Maikel Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor have just packed up from their second European tour and have headed home for a quick rest before hitting the Havana scene once again. As I've mentioned, we are all convinced they are the ones to watch, and everyone is keen to know exactly

Who are Maikel Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor???

Well, MrBongo has pointed me in the direction of a great interview to get you clued in. Take a look.

Otherwise check out timba.com for full info of the band...

Los Van Van- Si A Una Mamita

This classic is getting played again and again by Havana DJs at the moment. New version? Yep, reckon so...

Watch and enjoy!!!!

Manolito y su Trabuco @Cafe Cantante

Manolito y Su Trabuco @Cafe Cantante (matinee)

Saw them on their European tour in the summer of 2007 in the UK, and I was disappointed with their set which mainly concentrated on old classics and left me begging for more of their fierce but melodic timba.

On arrival at Cafe Cantante, we were treated to the typical romantica, colombiana and then reggaeton but found we were able to get seats right next to the stage- perfect for my pics :-)

They were all I had hoped for and better- opening with the cubaton "Control" which perfectly blended with the previous tracks and dived into full-on heavy timba madness. The atmosphere was fantastic and all of the singers played with the crowd. El Indio, bless him directed his attention towards the most admiring in the audience several times and Amaray continued to be his usual talented self. Mayami seemed a little tired though, but made up for it by somehow balancing between Riveron's bass drum and the floor and displaying his best moves-wow!

Although crammed is an underestimation, somehow I mangaged to get a little fix of dancing (getting kicked asccidently all the while, mind you!) and couldn't stop. I know people who go EVERY WEEK to see them and never get bored- What a change from Harrogate!

Sources tell me that they are in the studio now putting the finishing touches to their new release which is due for release in early 2008. Can't wait guys, really can't!

Los Ases de la Timba- Aqui Estan Los Ases (review)

Right from lift-off, you can just tell this is a release aching to be a classic.

This Envidia release bursts in with a simple piano tumbao and launches into Tirso, Mandy and Michel all taking turns at introducing themselves through the first track Aqui Estan, each making the track their own despite each artist being extremely distinct and well-known in the timba scene. You'd think that egos and timba wouldn't mix, but they just seem to blend into something that's (unbelievable) even better than each invdividually. It's the perfect intro track- we're pulled in, grabbed by the throat and the bass of Pedro Pablo holds the groove and begs us to dance.

The next track Se Que Vas a Cambiar is Mandy's, reminiscent of early Charanga Forever material but more polished with the piano more prominent. How is possible to be a medium tempo track and sound so smooth yet raw and energetic at the same time?

Then Michel takes his turn with Pa’Que Te Dure which actually feels quite tame compared to the rest of the tracks (tame as in slower and less raw as opposed to rubbish!)

Cuenta con Los Santos belongs to Tirso and he opens with his rumba call, and then we follow him as his voice rides the constant changes throughout- pausing and then racing away on this feisty track referencing Santeria and bobbing on that fantastic bassline and driving piano tumbao again. This has to be on the ultimate Timba album ever!....

From this point onwards, we're on fire. Mandy takes over again with Tu Tin de Suerte. This man's voice is pure sex!- my eardrums are in love!!!!He smolders then skips on the piano tumbao (what piano it is too) and claims the crown of 'Best Track on the album from Tirso'.

Los Aparencias Enganan is medium paced and features Michel smoking his own way through the track with a flawless delivery and hot timba!

Then Tirso steals the crown back and gives us Estoy Colao- a track of pure dance paradise. The arrangement is FANTASTIC, and he has every right to scream his own immense talent.... "quítate quítate quítate".Did I tell you to buy this yet? You have to!!!

Soy Tu Pesadilla: Mandy is back again! We're heavy on the metales, heavy on the vocals and heavy on the talent.We start gently and get angrier, heavier and more intense as we go on. This is Mandy at his best.

Our last two tracks feature Michel first with Echale.com, and Tirso with La VecinaMichel puts in his last appearance with Echale.com, both of which allow us flutter down from our Timba high to the silence we know will make us start all over again.
And this is the album that it's really possible to do it with. There are no dud tracks, no skipping required. And definitely not for the faint-hearted timba fan! Buy it now and get lost in the perfect of it all. Don't say I didn't warn you!!

To listen, click here

Musicians:
Pedro Pablo- Bass
Karina Gutiérrez- Piano
Jorge Torres “Papiosko”- Conga
Yerisloy Serrano- Timbales
Carlos Amores- Güiro
Frank Padrón- Trumpet
Jesus Angel Chappottín- Trumpet
Cecilio O. Valido- Sax
Mario “Mayito” Gavilan, Wilmer “El Fine” Muñoz- Coro
Armando “Mandy” Cantero, Tirso Duarte, Michel Maza- Vocals

Maikel Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor- Live desde La Casa de la Musica (review)

“They came, they played, the conquered”

Sounds like a cliché, but even this is an understatement compared the past 6 months in the life of this fresh salsa/timba band from Havana. Although Salsa Mayor has quickly become firm favorites with DJs throughout Europe, this summer hailed their first European tour and now the release of their first Live CD.

I’m not normally a fan of live CDs, but my resistance was soon melted away as soon as the opening track booms through- just like being back in Rome- the tension, the anticipation and the feeling that this could be history in the making.

We dive straight into the epic “La Masa”, the track which hooked me onto them in the first place and whose energy never fails to disappoint- HEAVEN FOR DANCERS!!
The distinctive voice of Norisley (often compared to Mandy Cantero, but with his own bone-stirring timbre) is perfect for live performances. As the CD progresses, Ricardo and Norbert each take their turns and proclaim their virtues. Unlike the new incarnations of Charanga Habanera, Maykel has recruited on the basis of talent, and it shows. Great vocals, great musicians, great arrangements- you can’t fault them.

“Esto Esta” was another of the instant DJ hit, originally from the “Recoge y Vete” release (as are several of the tracks) and draws the most comparison with Los Van Van. Despite this, the band already has their own recognisable ‘sello’ which keeps us dancing throughout.

The two tracks that aren’t on previous recordings “La Masa” and “Control” tie the whole disc together- old, familliar and new!

Maykel Blanco has been making music for what feels like forever (and he’s still only just into his late 20s!) and previous tracks with his old band ‘La Suprema Ley’ are introduced in Popurri form. It feels like a greatest hits album, or better still, a “This is us. Take us or leave us!” Our answer? I’ll take it, just give me more!!!!!!!

So if you didn’t make the tour, can’t make it to Havana, or just want to hear it all again-listen then BUY IT.

(DJs- buy Recoge y Vete if you haven’t already I promise, the WILL dance)

Here's the vid for Esto Esta for a little taster.