The Cuban Institute of Music announces delegation to the 2013 Latin Grammy composed of labels directors and nominees
WOMEX 2013, one of the largest trade shows of world music, just awarded in the UK Juan Formell and Los Van Van the top prize. It was an important year for the so-called “Rolling Stones of Salsa”, which also celebrated the Latin Grammy for Excellence, announced for the leader of the iconic Cuban band, to be granted in Las Vegas (USA), within a few days.
Both laurels recognize Formell substantial impact on national music life and validate, as the renowned bassist well said on Thursday, that “Son has not left Cuba”, shattering those who ruled that after 1959, the genre that originated in Cuba was gone with the exodus of artists who emigrated after the revolutionary triumph.
A debtor to that that traditional son heritage and with undeniable contributions from the viewpoint of sound-the use of slide trombones and synthesizers are undeniable example of this-, Van Van become emblematic of that tune renewing Cuba today. From December 4, 1969, as the American journalist and musician Ned Sublette at WOMEX Award ceremony recalled, people “can imagine Cuban music without them.”
For the director, both laurels are the result of a work that extends for almost 45 years and to which have contributed musicians like Changuito, José Luis Cortés (El Tosco), Cesar “Pupy” Pedroso and Pedrito Calvo, to current members the group, with the musical direction of his son, drummer Samuel Formell.
The creator of the orchestra attributed these awards additional importance because it breaks certain barriers marked by domination of the great musical emporiums. So Formell stresses that these are awards that also recognize the work of artists from the Third World.
Hence in the English city of Cardiff, last October a special audience was enraptured for 45 minutes with the so-called “Train of Cuban music.” While many of the attendees were able to take home a collection of the popular group, thanks to the initiative of the national record companies, as another great effort to “cast” our products in the “international markets”.
CUBAN DELEGATION TO THE LATIN GRAMMY 2013
With a ceremony dedicated to important Latino artists this November 20 in the U.S. city of Las Vegas, the American Academy of Arts and Recording Sciences (LARAS, for its acronym in English) will distinguish Juan Formell with the Award of Excellence.
From the Antillean Island and almost ready to leave as part of the Cuban delegation, the leading composer said that this will be a recognition for those who do Son in Cuba, because “really, it’s here,” he said.
Formell will be joined by singer Miriam Ramos, whom he has known for four decades and which is nominated in the category of Best Traditional Tropical Album for her triptych The Cuban song (Producciones Colibri label).
Other Cuban musicians will accompany them to the US, like the tres player Fernando Dewar, director of Septeto Santiaguero and contender with Vamos pa ‘ la fiesta ( Picap Catalan label ), as well as members of the Septeto Nacional Ignacio Piñeiro, with the CD Havana tiene su son ( Bis Music ) – who will attend and who are touring the United States precisely at this time . Both groups also compete in the category of Best Traditional Tropical Album.
Gloria Ochoa, vice president of the Cuban Institute of Music, said that the Cuban representation is completed by artists as pianist Ernan Lopez – Nussa (producer of one of the albums of Miriam Ramos) , and managers of the national record industry.
Asked about the presence of guitarist Leo Brouwer and pianist Chucho Valdes, also nominated for a Latin Grammy, Ochoa explained that Brouwer “will not be able to attend the ceremony ” while Valdes participation depends on “his international commitments. “
Cover photo: Roberto Ruiz / Formell accompanied by singer Miriam Ramos, who is nominated in the category of Best Traditional Tropical Album
