Album Notes

Cubanoson is a traditional Cuban dance orchestra as created by pianist, Leonel “Papo” Ortega. This musically inspired pianist and composer has enjoyed the privilege of working alongside several exceptional musicians, among them, Roberto Rodriguez, Chico Alvarez, Junior Rivera, Jose Fajardo and Candido Camero. Cubanoson unites the “Punto Cubano” and the “Son Montuno” bringing danceable Cuban music to any event, (public or private), concert or festival. The purpose of this orchestra is to unite the talent and dedication of excellent contemporary musicians, (true exponents of our roots), to offer and express our traditional Cuban music to all cultural venues. Cubanoson honors the great artists who have bestowed upon us the utmost musical education. To them and others who have passed on our music through generations, we will continue honoring them with New York’s Cuban dance orchestra, Cubanoson!

This compilation consists of 10 selections of old style traditional Cuban music. It includes 3 compositions by composer and friend Silvio Cebrian, (Monsieur Jose, En la Campiña and No Te Preocupes.) (Side note) Monsieur Jose is a great tune with a new arrangement in which I added some French lyrics and coros, for our European and Canadian friends, and as a special treat, singer Ronnie Baro added his unmistakable voice and French verbiage to introduce this song.

The compilation additionally includes new arrangements of Lagrimas Negras, composed by Miguel Matamoros, Que Mala Suerte, by Arsenio Rodriguez, and Mujeres de Mayari composed by Francisco Repilado known as Compay Segundo to the music world.

The last 4 songs are all original compositions. Son Bailadores, composed by singer and friend, Mario J. Ortiz, music by Papo, resulted in the creation of an old-style guaguanco. Two other songs, Guajiro Soy, a guajira, and the title track Recordando a Cuba, that tribute the 6 original Cuban provinces, were co-written by me and my uncle Sergio Sori. Lastly, Son Cubanoson is a son montuno written by me to introduce the Cubanoson orchestra to the world.

Thank you and enjoy Recordando a Cuba.

Papo Ortega