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CD Review/Concert Preview
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San Diego Union Tribune, CD Review/Concert Preview >>
EVENTOS LATINOS
DATEBOOK
Sha Cubano at San Dleqo Street Scene, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Saturday; Oualcomm Stadium, - 9449 Friars Road, Mission Valley; $75 to $115; www.street-scene.com
BEST BET - 'AY CARAMBA,' HERE COHES SKA CUBANO
By Eduardo Cuan
Before the Cuban revolution of 1959, there was a great deal of musical sharing among the Caribbean islands. For example, Jamaican sounds were often fused with Cuban beats, which were tangled with African music.
From the revolution onward, however, Cuban interests shifted more toward politics and the level of interaction between islands dwindled.
But what was the old music like? Listen for yourself Saturday, when Ska Cubano takes the stage at San Diego Street Scene.
Ska Cubano is a band with its essence derived from the 1950s. Its fusion of Jamaican rhylhms and Cuban brass takes you back to the days of Benny More and Cuba's legendary musical venue, Buena Vista Social Club. They even dress the part, donning sharp '50s-style suits and lop hats. The band's frontmen are popular ska singers Naity Bo and Cuban Benny Billy.
The 11-piece U.K.-based group is on short U.S. tour performing songs from its second album, "Ay Caramba," which was released in July.
The title of the album is "a popular phrase in Cuba. It's an expression of euphoria," said Havana-born bassist and musical director Rey Crespo. "You say it when you're happy about something or you have good news."
"Ay Caramba!" is more than just a popular saying it's the album's most popular song. "It's incredibly contagious," said Crespo from his home in the United Kingdom. "It's one of those songs you repeat after listening to it. The public really feels it.
"At music festivals in Cuba, everyone either plays or sings along or dances. We expect it to be the same way in San Diego because it's a multicultural city."
The band's tour, only it's second throughout the U.S., began last night in Portland, Ore., continues every night through Sunday, when they perform in San Francisco.
"Ska Cubano is a rhythmic phenomenon," said Crespo. "Introducing ourselves to the U.S. is like introducing ourselves to the world. For an artist, playing in the U.S. is considered the top."
08/03/06
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