Music Analysis, Buena Vista Social Club

The revolutionary music of the Buena Vista Social Club launched the growth of Afro-Cuban music around the world. This inspiring group combines American jazz with Spanish melodies and African rhythm. The lyrics and sound come together, to create an emotional experience that defines Cuban culture. The ensemble consisted of: Ibrahim Ferrer (singer), Compay Segundo (guitarist), Ruben Gonzales (pianist), Manuel “Guajiro” Mirabal (trumpeter), Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos (trombonist), Barbarito Torres (laud), Eliades Ochoa (guitarist), Papi Oviedo (tres), Ry Cooder (guitar), Orlando “Cachaito” Lopez (bassist), Joachim Cooder (drums), Carlos González (bongos), Julienne Oviedo Sanchez (timbales), Amadito Valdes (percussion), Juan de Marcos Gonzales (percussion), as well as other percussion players. The Buena Vista Social Club performed live at Le Carre in Amsterdam in 1998. The song “Candela” is an amazing performance with metaphorical lyrics and solos by Manuel Mirabal and Barbarito Torres. Ry Cooder, an American guitarist was invited to Havana and brought together many famous Cuban musicians to create the Buena Vista Social Club. The name of the group was inspired by the “Buena Vista Social Club,” a members club located in Havana during the 1940’s and 50’s. Many of the group’s performers had played at the club during its height or had been performing during this era. The album was recorded in 1996 and then later released in September of 1997. The music displays an emotional and mysterious tone with traditional/pre-revolutionary roots. The style of the music is dated back to its origins between 1930’s and 50’s. Cuba’s long history provides a powerful blend of Spanish and African culture, which was displayed in the music during this time with the infusion of Cuban and African music, creating Afro-Cuban music. The song “Candela” first starts out with Eliades playing the acoustic guitar at a moderate pace (moderato) and moderately loud (mezzo forte). Within seconds the