From Afro-Cuban Rhythms to Latin Jazz (Music of the African Diaspora)

Music of the African Diaspora

by Raul A. Fernandez

This book explores the complexity of Cuban dance music and the webs that connect it, musically and historically, to other Caribbean music, to salsa, and to Latin Jazz. Establishing a scholarly foundation for the study of this music, Raul A. Fernandez introduces a set of terms, definitions, and empirical information that allow for a broader, more informed discussion. He presents fascinating musical biographies of prominent performers Cachao López, Mongo Santamaría, Armando Peraza, Patato Valdés, Francisco Aguabella, Cándido Camero, Chocolate Armenteros, and Celia Cruz. Based on interviews that the author conducted over a nine-year period, these profiles provide in-depth assessments of the musicians’ substantial contributions to both Afro-Cuban music and Latin Jazz. In addition, Fernandez examines the links between Cuban music and other Caribbean musics; analyzes the musical and poetic foundations of the Cuban son form; addresses the salsa phenomenon; and develops the aesthetic construct of sabor, central to Cuban music.

Center for Black Music Research

Genres: Music

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Rushay Booysen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raul traces the roots of the latin jazz movement.He explores the interconnectedness between the various latin american countries and the historical journeys and artist who paved the way for this movement.Cuba features prominently in this book and he showcased the wealth that the art form acquired the small island who was locked out from most of its neighbor Goliath.The book also explores the various branches of the movement from Salsa to the Cha Cha to Bachata etc