The Santiaguero Septet is globally placed as one of the Cuban traditional music groups widely accepted by all audiences. Direct heir of the musical tradition of the east of the country, the band with relevant experience, especially in recent times, entered into the select list of artists and groups nominated to 2013 Latin Grammy in the category of Best Traditional Tropical Album, thanks to its latest phonogram ¨Vamos pa ‘ la fiesta¨.
OnCuba made contact with tres player Fernando Dewar, director of the Septet, who are ending a tour that has taken them to several European stages.
The simple fact of being nominated is already a reward for us, Dewar said via e-mail, and I want to dedicate it to the exceptional Puerto Rican composer and singer Cheo Feliciano. “We send him our best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery.”
“We also thank all those who in one way or another participated in the recording, without them the album would not have been what it is: a dream come true. The fact that guest artists, all great musicians, to have agreed to participate in our production is a great thing for us. “
¨Vamos pa ‘la fiesta, ¨ produced by Catalan record label PICAP, competes in the same category for the coveted prize of the Latin Recording Academy with proven quality materials, like ¨La Habana tiene su son¨ by Ignacio Piñeiro National Septet, belonging to Bismusic label, the triptych of Miriam Ramos named ¨La Canción, ¨ (Colibrí), phonogram that won Cubadisco 2013 Grand Prize, and the CD ¨Un siglo de pasión, ¨by the renown trumpet player Arturo Sandoval.
On the value of the proposal of the Santiaguero Septet, Dewar says through this CD they initially sought thanking all Latin American son musicians for what they have done for the preservation mainly of son and bolero.
Distinctions like this, he noted, show that despite everything son is still there. “On this European tour we have received many public displays of affection, which symbolizes the love and respect the Cuban music has gained worldwide. This should serve to finally give the son the privileged place it deserves in the dissemination of music in Cuba “.
One of the great attractions of Vamos pa ‘la fiesta is the list of guest artists: Puerto Ricans Cheo Feliciano and Edwin Colón Zayas, American Jimmy Bosch, Venezuelan Luis Quintero, Panamanian Rubén Blades and Dominican Jose Alberto “El Canario” .
Precisely, the last two of them gave their impressions to Fernando Dewar when knowing about the nomination.
Blades, well known in Cuba by his hits ¨Pedro Navaja¨ and ¨Tiburon¨, among others, considers a privilege and an honor having been involved with the Septet in the recording of the album.
Cuba and its history, he noted, represent a foundation that was essential to the development of music in America and the Caribbean. “Being invited by Santiago de Cuba to be part of its children’s work honors and distinguishes me. Thanks to all”.
El Canario, very popular due to his interpretations of songs such as ¨Discúlpeme Señora¨ and ¨Bailemos Otra vez,¨ thanked for the opportunity to work in a production that he qualifies as “amazing”.
“A thousand thanks to all the guys for this opportunity. Your brother Jose Alberto El Canario wishes you thousands of successes always. “
The awards ceremony of the Latin Grammy is scheduled for the evening of November 21st at Mandalay Bay Hotel in the U.S. city of Las Vegas, where, in addition to the prizes of the 48 categories in competition, special recognitions will be granted.
