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      | Are you an agent or a promoter? Would you like to work with our bands? To find out more information on any of our artist and bands please click on a name below PAPA NOEL & PAPI OVIEDO
" Put together the legendary Congolese guitarist Papa Noel and the great Cuban tres player Papi Oviedo and what do you get? The answer is a remarkable personal chemistry and a telepathic musical communication. The result is an album of irresistable Afro-Cuban rhythms that both men regard as a spiritual homecoming, rich in tradition, bold in execution and a sheer delight on the ear." Nigel Williamson (of The Times) If you are a promoter or a festival organiser and would like Papa and Papi to appear at your venue /festival please contact: Tour
organisation & Management Record
Label FELIX BALOY - AFRO-SON ALL STARS
Rich and rhythmic, sparkling and seductive, Felix Baloy's voice marks him as one of Cuba's very finest soneros. These ten magnificent performances showcase a true artist at the peak of his profession. TOURING AGENT: Mulaira
Founded in 1978 by Tiburon (The Shark), one of Cuba's leading soneros, Adalberto Alvarez and Lázaro Rosabal, Son 14 are the most important musicians in Latin America for cultivating son. Son 14 means there are 14 in the band and this is a pun on the genre known as 'son'. The band have recorded some 12 albums and have toured France, UK, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Monte Carlo, USA. They have headlined with Oscar D'Leon, Grupo Niche, Fania All Stars and have reached number one in the charts in 11 Latin American countries (Colombia: 26 weeks at number 1). They have also won several music awards in their 21 years of existence. Cubanía, Son 14's second album for Tumi Music was a well timed album. When the appetite for Cuban music was just beginning, Cubanía delivered the perfect combination of uptempo big band son mixed with salsa elements, a strong horn section and some of Cuba's best vocalists including Tiburon, whose distinctive hoarse voice, ingenious grace and clever improvisations all distil the true essence of son. Tiburon's credentials can be obtained by the likes of Felix Valera Miranda who mentions Tiburon every time he talks about son and also Juan de Marcos as he is forever asking him to join his band! La Maquina Musical, Son 14's third album for Tumi was received to great acclaim during 1999 and the release was followed by a highly successful and well publicised UK tour of 28 dates. Son 14 are a stunning big band with charisma and power. They are very well known all over the world and they are highly respected by the salsa cognoscenti. Musicians in band: 15 (including technician) Contact numbers: Record
company: Touring: Email:
son14@islagrande.cu Genres of music covered: son, salsa, bolero, guaracha, others Discography: Cuba Classics - The Big Sound (TUMICD053, 1995) Cubanía (TUMICD065, 1997) La Máquina Musical (TUMI086, 1999)
Papi Oviedo y sus Soneros were formed with the purpose of playing pure son (not the son changuí which Elio played) and in 1996 Papi recorded his first record for Tumi Music. Encuentro Entre Soneros, his debut album, launched in 1997 assured him of a place on the international circuit. Papi's extraordinary style and energy, like his father's, is rooted in the Afro/European traditions of Cuba. He has lived through many different styles and evolutions of rhythms in Cuba: Son, changuí, son oriental, classical son from Havana, son montuno (son from the countryside) and guaracha son (the current son). While his style of Afro-son and the way he plays is very similar to the blues, some of his work is also can at times resemble the Spanish gypsies' 'Cante Jondo'. El Mayombero, Papi Oviedo's new album recorded exclusively for Tumi Music, is a powerful example of Papi Oviedo y sus Soneros' talent to offer us truly magnificent son. Papi Oviedo's three vocalists excel in different areas: Christina Azcuy in bolero-son, Miguelito Martinez in son and Osvaldo Montalvo in guaracha. Then Afro-Cuban percussion is highlighted by some delightful improvisations by the young Carlos Calderón on bongo and the charismatic Juan Bautista on congas. In the end though it is Papi's improvisation skills on the tres which hold the group's suspense and surprise the listener. Musicians
in band: 11 Record
company: Touring: Genres of music covered: son, bolero, guaracha, others New album: Also available:
For over 50 years, Orquesta America have been one of Cuba's most recognised and prized bands. Their road to fame and popularity began in March 1942 when Enrique Jorrín, America's founder and director made a change to a danzon number and incorporated the rhythms of the chachacha. This arrangement proved so popular that Jorrín decided to create entire songs with the new chachacha genre. Along with Aragón, Conjunto Chapottin and Benny Moré's Banda Gigante, Orquesta A merica were the main musical exponents in Cuba during the 50's golden era of music. As the years went by modern orchestras became increasingly more and more popular and the love for traditional music faded but by the mid 90's European audiences became increasingly aware of the beauty that lay in the traditional music of Cuba. It was at this point that Mo Fini, Tumi Music's founder decided to bring the legendary Orquesta America back to prominence and recorded the seminal 4CD box set entitled Orquesta America with Cuban All Stars - Las leyendas de la Música Cubana. The success of Las Leyendas de la Musica Cubana made Orquesta America, once again, one of the most sought-after live bands on the Cuban music circuit. Today they play in Havana's most prestigious venues. Musicians in band: 14 (including technician) Contact numbers: Record
company: Genres of music covered: son, bolero, guaracha, danzon, chachacha, others Discography: Touring Europe Summer 2001
Jóvenes Clasicos del Son are known as Cuba's magnificent seven. Awarded the prize of Best Cuban Group of 1997 by the Cuban government they have had a string of hits in Cuba. They have been recognised by the international press as the best group from a new generation of young Cuban musicians and have collaborated in the past with Grammy Award winning Compay Segundo as well as with jazz supremo Winton Marsalis. Individually they have worked with members of another award winning band, Vocal Sampling, as well as working with Peter Gabriel among others. Led by the charismatic director and bass player Palma, formerly with Candido Fabre and incorporating two of the most sought after musicians, the singer Nene and the trumpet player Raudel, this traditional seven piece fully acoustic band defy the conventional format and take son to powerful and exciting new heights. Mixing Cuban son with the deepest elements of Cuban music together with soul, jazz, rap and funk this dynamic group is fast becoming the rising star on the international world music scene. In this tour they will be accompanied by YUSA; a new troubadour star from Cuba. Musicians
in band: 7 Contact
numbers: Record
company: Touring: Genres of music covered: Cuban son: traditional, modern, trova, fusion. Discography: Album Fruta Bomba (TUMI084) released on Tumi Music in 1999. New Album: Tambor En El Alma Tumi 116.Touring summer 2003: May-Sept
Since their beginning in 1956 as well as being one of the most important Cuban bands, Orquesta Revé has qualified as Cuba's most important musical school; a place where many of the country's top musicians from bands such as Los Van Van, Los Dan Den and Los 440, began their artistic careers. Now led by Elio Revé Jr, and with an extensive international touring schedule, the legendary band have recorded their long awaited and exclusive album for Tumi Music which presents the rhythm of Chagüí in a new and exciting form. Elio Reve Senior was Born in Guantanamo in 1930. From a very early age he played quinto and bombo drum at the carnivals in Santiago and Guantanamo. He soon became a great rumba musician, a qualified dancer of the French tumba and a true master and revolutionary of changüi. In 1955 he left for Habana and began working with several bands until in 1956 he formed Orquesta Reve. He was the first to use the five-key timbal, one of the first to incorporate the trombone sound into an orchestra, he experimented by bringing in the batá drums into popular music and he created a unique sound when he played the timbales. These musical achievements earnt his band the title of "Orquesta Padre" or "Father of all Orchestras" and through his accomplishments directing and heading Orquesta Revé, Elio became known as "El Padre de la Salsa" or The Father of Salsa. In 1997, the legendary and innovative musical director Elio Revé was killed in a freak road accident. His musical legacy fortunately lives on through his son, Elio Revé Jr who has, since his very first steps as a professional pianist, been a key element in his father's band Orquesta Revé; more commonly known as El Charangón. Tumi Music signed Elio Revé y su Charangón in 1999 and will be releasing their new album to coincide with their new tour in 2000. Musicians in band: 14 (including technician) Contact numbers: Record
company: Touring
(Europe): Touring
(USA): Genres of music covered: Changüi, son, bolero, timba, others New album: Changüi en la Casa de Nora (TUMI096) released on Tumi Music in February 2000 Touring USA in March/April 2001, Touring Europe in summer 2001
DAVID ALVAREZ Y JUEGO DE MANOS
Born in Manzanillo in 1972 in Oriente, Cuba he studied percussion, guitar and direction in various cities including Manzanillo, Santiago de Cuba and Havana. He began his professional career touring the country with La Nueva Trova Cubana and then joined Pedro Luis Ferrer's legendary group. A few years later he sought newly qualified music graduates and founded Juego de Manos. Today Juego de Manos is one of the most accomplished new groups in Cuba. They toured Europe in 1995 (Spain, Portugal, Poland, Germany and Sweden) and have recorded their new album for Tumi Music entitled La Ciudad de los Pregones. David Alvarez is also an accomplished songwriter as is the author of the song Bongo; interpreted most famously by the Miami-based international salsa star Willy Chirino. Alvarez's music is deeply rooted in Caribbean music. Whether in cumbia, son or one of his trademark rootsy fusion's, Alvarez adds his unique voice to give the song that special dynamic and zest. He voice has been compared to Carlos Vives' and his music to Chichi Peralta's and by joining surprising and highly original arrangements with clever songwriting, Alvarez has managed to create what is already being classified as one of the most exciting Latin music crossover album of the new millennium. Musicians in band: 11 Contact numbers: Record
company: Touring: European
agent: Genres of music covered: son, bolero, guaracha, cumbia, fusion, others New album: Touring summer 2001
Even for those to whom Afro-Cuban music and culture is an unknown subject, the vitality of each musician and dancer from this prestigious group is striking. With the rhythms of the contagious rumba they invite us to enter with ease into the ritual ceremonies of long forgotten African societies taking us into a universe full of gods, magic and sensuality. All this is carried out in a coherent show without losing its authenticity and maintaining a high artistic level. Twelve or more musicians make up the Clave y Guaguancó show playing old and basic musical instruments such as the "cajas" or boxes, and the "cajones" or smaller boxes, which were the first ever instruments used in rumba. With vocals and percussion they demonstrate a harmonic and contagious atmosphere through the interpretation of the "clave" choirs, yambú, guaguancó, columbia, yoruba songs and chants, abakuá, congo or bantú and the traditional congas Cuban-carnival style. Clave y Guaguancó were formed in the 1940s by Mario Alan Agustín Pinci "Flor de Amor", Agustín Gutierrez "El Bongocero" (whom later became the bongo player for the Septeto Nacional de Ignacio Piñeiro), Martin Rivas "El Gallego", Alberto Zayas "El Melodioso", Gustavo Martinez "Cucharas" and the singer Gloria Mora. They were all friends and initially they played at parties and family gatherings. In the 50s they began playing son but the group soon disintegrated. Then in 1960 Dr Argelier León, a well known musicologist, brought the group back to life by reuniting most of its former members. In the 1980s, Amado de Jesús Dedeu Hernández, Clave y Guaguancó's present director, joined the group. Clave y Guaguancó have always maintained an element of experimentation throughout their 50 years of artistic life. Their artistic development has included constant investigation and education making the group more versatile vocally and more surprising musically. They have been aided, assisted and supported throughout the years by Dr Argelier León, Dr Eduardo Robreno and the Professor and ethnologist Odilio Urfe. Their live shows incorporate all kinds of stage elements and their music has been recorded on television, radio, Cuban cinema and for several record labels. They can be seen most Wednesdays in Havana's UNEAC building (Union de Escritores y Artistas Cubanos) also known as the Peña del Ambia - El Ambia's weekly folkloric gathering also known as the Noche de Rumba. Musicians in band: 10 - 18 Contact numbers: Record
company: Touring: Genres of music covered: Rumba, Columbia, Guaguancó New album:
Candido Fabre is considered one of the most versatile and ingenious soneros in Cuba. His gift for improvisation and rhythms allow him to convert any sort of situation, slang or expression, sorrow or joy, into a 'son'! Candido Fabre was the songwriter, arranger and main vocalist with the great Orquesta Original de Manzanillo. He then formed Candido Fabre y su Banda with a 14 strong orchestra featuring some of the very best Cuban charanga specialists. He is one of Latin music's greatest songwriters with over 1,000 songs to his name. His songs have been performed by Orquesta Aragón, Los Van Van, Manguaré, Isaac Delgado, Ritmo Oriental and Los Karachi and on the international scene by Celia Cruz, Oscar D'Leon, Jose Alberto el Canario and Willy Chirino. Candido and his band have toured all over the world and shared the stage with the greatest exponents in Latin music including Grupo Niche, Cuco Valoy, Wilfrido Vargas, Oscar D'Leon and many more. Candido Fabre y su banda have been heavily in demand in Europe for the last 4 years. They were one of the first ever Cuban bands this decade to perform at major venues. In their three European tours they have played over 80 concerts in Britain, France, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, Ireland and Spain. Musicians in band: 15 (includes technician) Contact numbers: Record
company: European
Touring Agent: www.endirectocom.com Genres of music covered: Charanga, son, bolero, guaracha, others New album: Habana quiere Guarachar Contigo (TUMI097) released on Tumi Music in April 2000. Also available:
Since the 50's the Bravo Brothers were made up by the brothers Juan, Felix, and Tony Bravo and in the early 60's the great percussionist Marcos Barnet (Marquitos) joined. They began their musical careers playing bolero, ballads, son and conga but it was the latter genre which brought them national success. This came as a direct result of the group's planning: they embarked on a courageous challenge to play conga music - the real conga from the Oriente region of Cuba which is normally performed by dozens of musicians at carnivals - with a band of only four or five members and putting added touches such as vocal harmony arrangements; something which was never done before. Thus the brother's conga was extremely melodious, precisely executed and maintained a highly uptempo raw feel. The group successfully toured nationally and internationally. By the end of the 80s they had toured a staggering 58 countries including: USA, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, Spain, France, Japan, Italy, and all the countries of the old socialist block. Their songs became well known to concert audiences: Hasta Santiago a Pie, La Batea, Tírala por el balcón among others. Unfortunately in 1992 two of the original band members fell terminally ill and the band was unable to continue causing a void of conga music on the Cuban music scene. But as family traditions dic tate, the sons of the original Bravo Brothers, under the guidance of Tony Bravo, one of the original members, continued their fathers' exciting and unparalleled musical heritage and formed the new Hermanos Bravos. Every year, as has been the centuries old tradition, there are carnivals held in Cuba's major cities. The Bravo Brothers have become one the main attractions at these carnivals and in 1997 they received first prize for Esteban Bravo's song "Que Baile la Habana" at Cuba's biggest carnival. The Bravo Brothers are an exciting, loud but highly melodious and friendly band. They bring audiences to life with their vividly colourful costumes and energetic dancing. They enchant you with their stage presence and the five piece act bring you into world of the infectious Cuban carnival. Musicians in band: 5 Contact numbers: Record
company: Touring: Mahindra Genres of music covered: Conga, rumba, son New album: Touring summer / winter 2001
Founded in 1929 in Matanzas, this excellent conjunto is a key Cuban dance group in Havana. Their new album will be released soon on Tumi Music. Musicians in band: 11 Contact numbers: Record
company: Genres of music covered: Traditional sonero format New album released on Tumi Music in 2000.
A fantastic son band from Cuba. Their new album has been recorded for Tumi Music and will be released in late 2001. Musicians in band: 11 Contact numbers: Record
company: Genres of music covered: son, guaracha, other Cuban rhythms New album released on Tumi Music in 2000.
Cuba's leading troubadour is available for touring and will be releasing his new album through Tumi Music. Musicians in band: 1 Contact numbers: Record
company: Genres of music covered: troubadour New album released on Tumi Music in 2000.
Quimantu's second album for Tumi Music, Pilgrimage to the Andes, is a beautiful selection of Christmas songs and music written as a reaction to the oppression suffered by Chilean miners under the cruel Pinochet regime. The haunting sound of the large pan pipes, the melodious sound of the charango and the moving atmosphere created by the violin bring this diverse repertoire beautifully together. These songs celebrate the religious lives of the Andean people introducing the listener to music from a mass, festival or Christmas celebration. The album was the result of two separate but relative projects: Miner's Mass, a People's Prayer (tracks 1 - 7) and Andean Christmas (tracks 8 - 12). This is Quimantú's long awaited second album following their popular debut Camino al Sol (TUMICD044). Led by the Chilean Mauricio Venegas, a former member of 80s chart toppers Incantation, Quimantú's exceptional music and talent have been recognised and admired by many including the renowned classical guitarist John Williams, with whom they have toured and recorded. Quimantú have also recorded soundtracks for the films The Mission, Priest and The Honorary Consul. They take their name from the language of the Araucanians, the Mapuche of Chile (the people of the land) - the only indigenous people not conquered by either the Spanish or the Incas before them who live in the southern part of Chile. That is probably a good metaphor for the music of this band. Staying true to their resilient roots, they have a strong sense of identity yet have an educated world-view on music. Quimantú can therefore freely draw on many musical traditions of their country, their continent and of their adopted homeland Britain. Musicians in band: 5 Contact numbers: Record
company: Band director
/ touring contact: Touring: Genres of music covered: A vast range of music from Latin America including traditional Andean music, son, bolero, fusion, etc. New album: PILGRIMAGE TO THE ANDES (TUMI082)
The Pillco Family are a musical institution in Cuzco, Peru, home to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Pichu. Coming from a long line of violinists and harp players which have for the last 100 years delighted audiences with their traditional songs, the prodigious Pillco Family, father and son, have produced an unique recording full of charm and intimacy. Their music carries a pure yet highly sophisticated acoustic resonance, ideal for a classical, jazz or roots music fan. Musicians in band: 2 / 3 Contact numbers: Record
company: Genres of music covered: Huayno, yaraví and Andean rhythms. New album 'Violins from the Andes' out now on Tumi Music.
Formed in the mid seventies in Cuzco (Peru), the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Expresion's music comes from the very soul of the Inca. In this their first exclusive album, the five members of Expresión communicate messages of a socio-cultural nature by offering a variety of traditional folk songs played at key festivals in the Inca calendar. Musicians in band: 5 Contact numbers: Record
company: Genres of music covered: (Indigenous) pan pipes, charangos, ancient traditional instrumentation and Andean rhythms. Discography:
Pachatusan are dedicated to bringing back ancestral music of Latin America using original instruments such as ocarinas and shells discovered in the desert regions of Nazca, Paracas and Chancay (Peru). This is a unique recording which recreates for the first time the roots of Latin America's indigenous music. Using over 200 pre-Hispanic wind and percussive instruments from their historic collection, the Peruvian group Pachatusan, have re-created the sound of the Andes as it might have been heard in the most sacred Inca rituals. The highly acclaimed Pachatusan who tour the USA, Holland, Japan and Switzerland regularly are not only talented musicians but also experienced musicologists, giving lectures and talks on their culture and music as well as performing. Tierra Sagrada is a homage to the mountain Gods giving them energies through their music. We recommend this album as an ideal companion for meditation, healing or relaxation programmes. Musicians in band: 5 Contact numbers: Record
company: Genres of music covered: Authentic Inca music from Cuzco who play over 50 traditional pre-Colombian instruments Discography: TIERRA SAGRADA / SACRED LAND (TMGCD1, 1998)
ARAC, from Cuzco, are dedicated to bringing back ancestral music of Latin America using original and ancient instruments. Through a deep philosophy and historical understanding of their music, they have managed to create a meditative recording which brings to life the music of their ancestors. Musicians in band: 3 Contact numbers: Record
company: Genres of music covered: Fusion of Andean music using traditional instruments New album to be released by Tumi Music in 2000. IF YOU ARE HOLDING A FESTIVAL MANY OF THESE GROUPS CAN BE BROUGHT TO YOU DIRECTLY FOR INDIVIDUAL FESTIVALS BY CONTACTING THE BAND LEADER AND WITHOUT GOING THROUGH A THIRD PARTY.
AGENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR LARGER BANDS FOR EUROPE AND THE USA. PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH US.
Copyright © 2001 Tumi Music Limited, http://www.tumimusic.com | ||||||
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