Music

The brief history of Salsa music is the blending of African, Spanish and American influences in Cuba. The music caught on and spread across the globe where many different regions have put their own twist on the sounds. In the Latin world, music and dance are always inter-twinned. 

Getting to know the music takes a while and to the novice, it can be hard to find the beat if you are used to western style pop and rock where the beat is easy to find. Repeated listening will instil a feel for the music and then yohu will wonder why it was ever a problem. 

Salsa compilations are many and varied. Some are good, most are ok. A lot of people ask about the music we play in Horsham and Crawley. In the main we are very Cuban influenced.  Below are a few links to You Tube and some of our favourite bands. You may think we have a bias for Los Van Van, well, yes maybe. They have been the top Salsa band in Cuba for around 20 - 25 years. Perhaps they have something going for them after all.

Anacaona - Mentiras 

Juan Kemell y la Barriada - Planchao

One of my favourite choons of the last year and a bit. La Barriada have also provided Rio Abajo - the warm up tune that goes 'amor amor', there just isn't a video of it anywhere, well not that I've found.

Juan Kemell - Sigue con la Rumba

and another one. This CD was in my car all year and didn't get taken out once (except to play in the club). Trumpeter Juan Kemell is quite simply as good as it gets.

Los Van Van - Tim Pop Con Birdland

Los Van Van, Chapeando

Los Van Van - Vive 

Manolito - Loco por mi Habana 

Polo Montanez - Un Monton de Estrellas (A mountain of stars / loads of stars)

Last modified: March 22, 2015