Cuban Music - TIMBA

Los Van Van

What we now call Timba began with NG La Banda in the late 80's, but the musical concept at the heart of Timba, combining Cuban music with modern creative songwriting, began 20+ years earlier with Los Van Van. Led by bassist Juan Formell ans still going strong, this group continues to represent the definitive popular sound of Cuba. Many ex-members are now legends, if not the new leaders of the hottest groups that share spectacular international acclaim.

One cannot speak of Los Van Van without mentioning several of its key figures: singers Mayito Rivera, Roberto "Guayacán" Hernández, and Pedrito Calvo, pianist César “Pupy" Pedroso, Formell's son and drummer Samuel, and the master percussionist José Luis “Changuito" Quintana. In 2001 they were honored to receive the Grammy Award for 'Best Salsa Album' -Llegó Van Van, and in 2003 a Grammy nomination for 'Best Contemporary Tropical Album' -En El Malecón De La Habana. Their song “Soy Todo (Ay Dios Ampárame)" is a veritable Cuban anthem.

Paulito F.G.

Paulito FG, aka Pablo FG, aka Paulo FG, aka Pablo Alfonso Fernández Gallo, one of the central figures of Timba music, got his big career break came when legendary musician Adalberto Álvarez discovered and recruited him after recognizing his passion for singing. In 1990 he joined Opus 13 and in 1991 assumed leadership and turned it into Paulito F.G. y su Elite. Since then he has consistently been one of Cuba's hottest performers captivating audiences of all ages, races and cultural backgrounds.

Paulito's band, the Élite, has always been exceptional, but in 1997 he assembled the truly amazing collection of musicians who collaborated to create one of Timba's crown jewels, Paulito's masterpiece, "Con la Conciencia Tranquila". This album is definitely the starting point for those getting into Paulito's music, or Timba music for that matter, for the first time. The release of “Con La Conciencia.." has historical importance due to the many musical trends it set.

Manolito y su Trabuco

Founded on February 25, 1993, and having already started to develop their style when various key members were part of Maravilla de Florida, Manolito y su Trabuco was one of the first timba bands, but it wasn't until the second wave, in 1995, that they released their first album, Directo al Corazón. In 2006, about to release their 7th album, Hablando en Serio, they enjoyed a gradual and steady rise in popularity and are now generally considered to be among the top timba bands in Havana.

We strongly recommend that you see this band live if humanly possible. Like Issac Delgado, Manolito y su Trabuco is one of those bands that you have to see live to fully appreciate how great they are -one of the tightest and most powerful ensembles on the planet. They tour Europe regularly and keep threatening to extend their touring to the US. For those who love traditional Cuban music and are nervous that Timba is a bit too modern for their tastes, Manolito provides the clearcut entryway to the glories of Cuban music in the 90's and 00's. They combine the authentic flavor of Son with the raw, African fury of Timba in a way that leaves everyone deeply satisfied.

Lázaro Valdéz y Bamboleo

With its beginnings in 1995, Bamboleo has become one of the most sought after Cuban groups within the last decade. Led by composer, arranger & pianist Lázaro Valdés Jr., they were immediately tagged as "cutting edge" due to their aggressive sound and funky, and avante-garde fashion sense. It is interesting to note they were the first hard-core timbe band to make women the lead singers and main protagonists of their stage show; the female point of view has always been a key element to their sound. As a result Bamboleo has become a socio-cultural phenomenon, integrating a new style of dance, fashion and language into the Cuban culture. Their second and third albums, "Yo No Me Parezco a Nadie" and "Ya No Hace Falta" are must-haves in any timba collection as they feature the hard-driving funky piano style of Valdés and the group's tight, complex, and classy arrangements that mix orchestral and jazzy influences. They are known for the hottest and sweatiest weekday matinees (which are typically very crowded due to their 'moneda nacional' price) at Casa de la Musica Galiano. Don't miss them.