The Artists of the Buena Vista Social Club

In the 1940's it was one of the most popular dancehim a real luxury, holidays in Cuba being relatively
halls in Havana. 50 years later musicians Juan deseldom for North Americans.
Marcos González and Ry Cooder, one CubanIbrahim Ferrer - Born at a dance in 1927, Ferrer was
the other American, brought the Buena Vista Socialliving in retirement and shining shoes for a living when
Club back to life to make a recording that has sinceGonzález found him. The master vocalist was
gone down in history. It was an event that came toonly too happy to return to the stage, and was even
revive traditional Cuban music on the internationalawarded a Grammy in the U.S. at the age of 77.
scene. Here's an introduction to some of the keyRubén González - After financial
players, I hope it inspires you to find out morepressures forced him to abandon his Medical studies,
yourself on your next Cuban holiday.Rubén González decided to pursue his
The Artists of the Buena Vista Social Clubpassion for music. He was quickly established as a
Many people who arrive on a luxury holiday in Cubavirtuoso piano player and is regarded as having
are content to explore Havana's vibrant centre. Yethelped lay the foundation for the Mambo. He too
take the train to nearby Marianao and you'll discoverlived in quiet retirement until the project was
a populous suburb which a vast number of Cubansannounced.
call home. It's off the beaten track and definitely notCompay Segundo - With a name deriving from the
top of the list for most Cuban holiday itineraries. YetSpanish word Compadre (meaning friend or
it was here, in the 30's and 40's, that a real goldenGodfather), Segundo is famous for his energy and
age of Cuban music occurred; described by pianistlongevity. In his youth he made a living working
Rubén González as "an era of realtobacco field and cutting hair. Once his musical career
musical life in Cuba, where there was very littletook off he established himself as an elder statesman
money to earn, but everyone played because theyof Afro-Cuban music.
really wanted to". Trying to find the location of theWim Wenders - The German film-director Wenders
club is, bizarrely, not as easy as you'd assume. Evenwas responsible for an acclaimed documentary on
the locals are in disagreement as to where it oncethe creation of the Buena Vista album, thus bringing
stood, your best guide is to follow the rough claimthe story to an even greater audience.
that it lay, "on Calle 41 between 46 and 48", but doIf have not heard the album or seen the
not throw away days of what should be a luxurydocumentary I cannot recommend it highly enough. It
holiday in Cuba searching in vain! The musicians thatwas responsible for reigniting interest in the Cuban
played there had long since dispersed by 1996 andscene and directly benefited the people of Havana
were a diverse and talented group that trulyby stimulating a fresh interest in Cuban holidays and
represented of their era. Here are some of theCuban tourism. There can be few more inspiring
principal players:stories than this golden age in Cuban history living
Juan de Marcos González - A passionateonce again upon the stage.
advocate of his native Cuban rhythms, it was theThere are many more artists, too numerous to cover
(relatively) young González who wasin this article, that took part in the music of Buena
responsible for tracking down many of the survivingVista. If you'd like to read more then feel free to
musicians from the Club's heyday. His contacts in thelook up: Eliades Ochoa, Omara Portuondo, Manuel
international music scene made the entire project"Guajiro" Mirabal, Orlando "Cachaito" López,
possible.Manuel "Puntillita" Licea, Pio Leyva, Barbarito Torres
Ry Cooder - The widely respected American guitaristand Amadito Valdés. Or ask around the
worked alongside González to make thestreets of La Havana as soon as you arrive on your
entire project happen, producing the album was toCuban holiday!