Afro Cuban All Stars

Location:
NEW YORK, New York, US
Type:
Artist / Band / Musician
Genre:
Latin / Jazz / Other
Site(s):
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JUAN DE MARCOS & THE AFRO CUBAN ALLSTARS



STEP FORWARD – THE NEXT GENERATION



For some time now, fans and lovers of Cuban music have been familiar with the art of Juan De Marcos as the co-architect and innovator of the globally celebrated Buena Vista Social Club, and leader of the highly acclaimed Afro Cuban All Stars. The multi-Grammy® Award nominee, De Marcos’ mission has long been to preserve the music of Cuba while addressing its future. Since the Afro Cuban All Stars’ much-admired 1999 recording “Distinto, Diferente,” De Marcos’ productions are always met with anticipation. As such, the future has fortunately, yet again, arrived with the imminent release of Juan De Marcos’ Afro Cuban All Stars’ studio production entitled Step Forward—The Next Generation.



A fantastic endeavor featuring over fifty musicians, Step Forward—The Next Generation was recorded entirely in Havana and spans the entire spectrum of Afro Cuban rhythms—from Contradansse, the precursor of Danzón (Cuba’s national dance); to Timba, the latest Cuban musical extrapolation. From the unforgettable strains of Arsenio Rodríguez classics to the avant-garde resonance of Juan De Marcos’ original creations and the hip compositions of other members of the band. The program incorporates brilliant, innovative works by De Marcos as well as an infectious new version of “A María le gusta,” composed during his tenure as leader of the celebrated son group Sierra Maestra. Step Forward also includes songs by pianist Dave Alfaro; trombonist Juan Carlos Marín; violinist Luis “Achy” Lang and new singing sensation Tirso Duarte.



The current Afro Cuban All Stars is a rejuvenated collective with an average age of 30 years as compared to the Buena Vista’s sixty plus. The new additions are young and highly talented musicians whose contributions go beyond simply playing a particular instrument. Their input provides a renewed impetus to De Marcos’ original concept while infusing the collective with renewed energy that helps define the band’s unique interpretative character.



When it comes to Step Forward—The Next Generation, ‘just amazing’ would be a great accolade for most bandleaders but is insufficient for the ever-demanding De Marcos, with his status as an engineer of grand aggregations and master of equally great performances; able to mesmerize audiences with a single chord! In this instance, the appropriate expression is instead ‘just perfect!’



It's safe to say that many music fans, possibly most, will find Step Forward—The Next Generation to be an engaging, exciting and compelling production. From the first chord on, listeners will be totally captivated, dismissing anything else in their path. Remember, Juan De Marcos is infectious… in the authentic Afro Cuban All Stars style!



$8.50



Music CD
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