On August 2nd 2008, Jason Lee Bruns arrived in Havana, Cuba under a professional research visa. Challenging and exciting, his one-month journey began. He spent the days refining local drumming styles at the “Conjunto Folklórico National” and the evenings immersing himself in the live music at Havana’s most known (and most unknown) venues. The culmination of his experiences resulted in the opportunity to produce an ensemble of Cuba’s stars. Recording on a half-broken rented drum set (delivered in a side-car during the pouring rain) at the famous Egrem Studio 101; Jason produced this Cuban-jazz version of a descarga by the late blind Cuban pianist Frank Emilio: Gandinga, Mondongo y Sandunga. Enjoy this recording as Jason shares with you his unique experience, the nostalgia of the people, y el amor de la música.
Performers:
Jesús Fuentes Aldama - soprano sax
Barbara Rose Olorenshaw – violin
Julio Valdrés Iventez – piano
Pedro Ordóñez Padrón - bass
Jason Lee Bruns - drumset
Pedro Alvarez - timbales
Ivette Gonzales Kessel - congas
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