Customer Reviews

Queens of Havana: The Amazing Adventures of Anacaona, Cuba's Legendary All-Girl Dance Band

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a must read for anyone who is into the music and history of one of Cuba's most magical periods. The Castro sisters' music, energy and adventures are incredible. They went through time with some of the best that we also know; son musicians such as the Buena Vista Social Club members, Omara Portuondo, and many other Cuban greats, as well as jazz superstars from all over the world. What a treasure to have Alicia Castro record these memories!

The book is well written, with a complete history of the familiy, mixed-race parents (Chinese-Black) and a lot of daughters enough to form an orchestra that was the base for future generation of all-women orhestras to come. Life in Cuba during the 30's and further is depicted as well as the extensive travel to places all over the world.

Now, the pictures in the book is another story. There are plenty like I've never seen before, with them when young, with a lot of personalities like Alberto Socarras (famous flute player and orchestra director), Celia Cruz, Mario Bauza, in Cuba as well as overseas in nightclubs, theaters and many, many other places. The book is worth every penny just in the strength of the photographs and the price is a steal. This book really belongs to your library.