From Afro-Cuban Rhythms to Latin Jazz (Music of the African Diaspora) [Paperback]

Raul A. Fernandez (Author)

Book Description

Series: Music of the African Diaspora | Publication Date: May 23, 2006

This book explores the complexity of Cuban dance music and the webs that connect it, musically and historically, to other Caribbean music, to salsa, and to Latin Jazz. Establishing a scholarly foundation for the study of this music, Raul A. Fernandez introduces a set of terms, definitions, and empirical information that allow for a broader, more informed discussion. He presents fascinating musical biographies of prominent performers Cachao López, Mongo Santamaría, Armando Peraza, Patato Valdés, Francisco Aguabella, Cándido Camero, Chocolate Armenteros, and Celia Cruz. Based on interviews that the author conducted over a nine-year period, these profiles provide in-depth assessments of the musicians' substantial contributions to both Afro-Cuban music and Latin Jazz. In addition, Fernandez examines the links between Cuban music and other Caribbean musics; analyzes the musical and poetic foundations of the Cuban son form; addresses the salsa phenomenon; and develops the aesthetic construct of sabor, central to Cuban music.
Copub: Center for Black Music Research

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This short, extremely pleasant, and easy-to-read book will enrich your bookshelf in much the same way as Cuban music does the world."--Jrnl of Folklore Research

From the Inside Flap

"From Afro-Cuban Rhythms to Latin Jazz is an illuminating and remarkable study. This book is written with unparalleled authority and expertise, a true gem of a work."--Danilo Lozano, Flutist, Record producer, Whittier College Professor

"As curator of the Smithsonian exhibit 'Latin Jazz: La Combinación Perfecta (Perfect Combination)' and author of its accompanying book, Dr. Raul Fernandez has helped fill a void recognizing the Latino contribution to the American musical idiom of jazz. Now he further expands on that theme by exploring the lives of unsung Cuban musicians who helped shaped not only jazz but also American popular music. Dr. Fernandez is a treasure of musical scholarship that affirms that the Latino involvement in shaping and playing the popular music of the United States is more than just a footnote."--Jesse "Chuy" Varela, Contributing writer, San Francisco Chronicle, Jazz Times, and Latin Beat Magazine

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Product Details

• Paperback: 215 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (May 23, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520247086
• ISBN-13: 978-0520247086
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,216,035 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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3.0 out of 5 stars Intertaining, September 16, 2011

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This review is from: From Afro-Cuban Rhythms to Latin Jazz (Music of the African Diaspora) (Paperback)

Mr. Fernandez has produced a very good book on an often overlooked aspect of American music. This book is a must have for all those interested in Afro-Cuban music.