Introduction to Son with Xiomara Vidal
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] After beginning at the shallow end of the Cuban genre pool with an introduction to the bolero, I’m now going to attach my musical arm bands and…
Category: Cuba
Introduction to Bolero with Xiomara Vidal
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The day after first meeting trovadora Xiomara Vidal, my new Cuban guitar teacher, I arrive at the Casa del Queso for my first lesson. I’m nervous…
Paul McCartney’s Secret Visit to Cuba
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Xiomara beckons me to the back room. She points to a wall with a wooden chair stuck to it. There are two framed notes…
Meeting Xiomara Vidal at the Casa De La Trova
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text] After my first night in Hostel Girasol, I set off in search of a guitar teacher who can guide me through the labyrinth of Cuban rhythms and genres.
Settling in Santiago de Cuba
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I arrive at Santiago de Cuba’s bus station from Bayamo, where I had spent my first 3 days exploring the Sierra Maestra mountain range. Again,…
Cuba Calling | The Genre Journey Begins
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Cuba is a melting pot of African, European and indigenous cultures. It has produced more music genres than you can shake a stick at:…