In the late 40’s and early 50’s, the Cuban bandleader Luis Santi was a top attraction in the Havana nightclubs, appeared regularly on Cuban television and was a featured artist on Cuban radio station CMQ in Havana throughout the 50’s. His appeal was not limited to the island of Cuba, Luis Santi’s music soon spread to Mexico, South America and Europe. Like so many Cuban musicians of his time, he fled to America shortly after the 1959 embargo. One of the first Cuban expatriates to record i ... [Read More]

Frank Emilio Flynn is one of the most revered and cherished musicians in the history of Cuban music. His career lasted more than six decades. He was present during every major shift in Cuban music in the 20th century. He died at the age of 80 in 2001. Danzas Y Danzones Cubano was recorded in 1959 for the Sonotone label. The label, run by Manuel Mato, documented many of the most important Cuban musicians. Its catalogue, administered by Sound Triangle is highly sought after by collectors and afici ... [Read More]

Some important dude in Cuban music, that's for sure, composing a bunch of hits. This album reissues a session from 1959 that had him on piano and Ana, singing. She's an operatic type, and she puts some opera hurt on the proceedings. The last few tracks are from a session she ran, with him on piano. Recommended. ... [Read More]

For those of you in love with Bebo Valdez, here’s a treat: Frank Emilio Flynn, one of the Cuba’s greatest pianists, recorded 16 tracks in 1959, meant to be a history of Cuban music. It’s stately, and graceful, with pieces by Cervantes, Romeu, Urife, O’Farrill and others. Most of it is solo; seven tracks have him playing with the accompaniment of a guiro. It’s pretty amazing stuff, a musicologist’s dream, and a boon for the fan of Flynn, and the entire Cuban piano tradition. A gem, a ... [Read More]

For those of you in love with Bebo Valdez, here’s a treat: Frank Emilio Flynn, one of the Cuba’s greatest pianists, recorded 16 tracks in 1959, meant to be a history of Cuban music. It’s stately, and graceful, with pieces by Cervantes, Romeu, Urife, O’Farrill and others. Most of it is solo; seven tracks have him playing with the accompaniment of a guiro. It’s pretty amazing stuff, a musicologist’s dream, and a boon for the fan of Flynn, and the entire Cuban piano tradition. A gem, an ... [Read More]

It's 1957. You've made your way to the Caribbean playground of Havana, Cuba. You and your entourage are out on the town for drinks, dancing and a little gambling. Dressed in your finest linen suit and Panama hat you stroll in to the lounge at the Tropicana, order up a cocktail, and enjoy the night's entertainment. While enjoying your company and sipping on that cocktail, sultry Latin jazz envelops you. Up on the stage are the finest Cuban lounge entertainers-Doris le la Torre, Ruben Rios, Hec ... [Read More]