Cuba's finest hit the road again

Launched in 1997 in Havana, the project brought together some of the finest musicians in Cuba for what started off as a one-off recording session organised by Ry Cooder and the World Circuit record label.

The success of the seven million-selling album, which popularised 1950s-era Cuban son in Europe and the US, subsequently led to 10 spin-off albums and constant world tours over the past decade.

Sadly, during that time, some of the most famous names associated with the project - Ibrahim Ferrer, Compay Segundo and Ruben Gonzalez - have died, as well as one of the band's leading percussionists Anga Diaz.

But the Social Club have hit the road again, this time in a form showcasing some of the instrumental talents of the group - trumpeter "Guajiro" Mirabal, bassist Cachaito Lopez, guitarist Manuel Galban (pictured) and trombonist and band leader Aguaje Ramos, along with nine other musicians and singers.

The tour continues to ply the band's trademark crisp, authentic sound to remarkable effect. The packed hall is imediately enraptured by the split-second virtuosity of the players, who perform with a musical collective spirit so developed that they appear at times to be not so much a group as a single organism.

Indeed, in contrast to the myth that seems to have grown up around the Buena Vista artists - of Ry Cooder and Wim Wenders "rescuing" the impoverished Cubans from obscurity - these musicians have all had long and distinguished careers in their homeland.

Guajiro - his nickname literally means rustic - has been a regular at Havana's celebrated Tropicana Club for decades and a member of both the Orquesta del ICRT, the official Orchestra of Cuban state radio and TV, and the Cuban army's General Staff orchestra.

His work as both a musician and trumpet teacher - often providing this service for free to promising students - has earned him an award from the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba.

Galban, the Duane Eddy of Cuba according to Cooder, has been a legend since his 1960s hits with doo-wop group Los Zafiros.

And Cachaito - whose father wrote the song from which Buena Vista drew their name - has been one of Cuba's most sought-after bass players throughout his 60-year career.

Despite the traditionalism of the music that they play, which, for example, steers well clear of the experimental jazz and breakbeat that were the hallmarks of Cachaito's 2001 album, the sheer mutiplicity of talents provides for a diverse and varied set.

Material from the various artists solo careers is aired, from Guajiro's tributes to legendary Afro-Cuban bandleader Arsenio Rodriguez to Cachaito's original takes on some of the classic Tumbaos, archteypal Cuban basslines.

Every one of the 13 musicians on stage is a master of their instrument and each performs their own breathtaking solo. Laud (Spanish lute) player Barbarito Torres, literally plays with his hands behind his back.

As well as old masters, there are some fresh faces. Pianist Rolando Luna is a revelation, his subtle accompaniment no cover for the raw talent demonstrated in the more frenetic pieces and especially in his shimmering duets with Cachaito.

Of course, the set is rounded off with some of the classics from the first Buena Vista album, with the timeless ballad Dos Gardenias providing the encore. One cannot fail to feel uplifted by this music.

Tour continues until the end of May. Please see www.sasamusic.com.

Dan Glazebrook