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Cubamusic.com had a pleasant conversation with Ricardo Leyva, the Director of Sur Caribe Orchestra, currently in the preference of Cuban music fans thanks to the super hit “Añoranza por la conga” (conga santiaguera, the musical style known nowadays in the whole world). Cubamusic has had a great privilege, because during this interview he reveals important details about their new CD, as well as their next concerts in Cuba and abroad.
Cubamusic: Sur Caribe´s new CD will be launched at the beginning of the year 2009. What kind of surprises does it bring?
Ricardo Leyva: The title of the new album is “Horizonte próximo” (Near horizon) and it represents a step of quality in Sur Caribe´s work after 20 years of experience, which we are going to celebrate during 2009. The CD brings 14 Cuban songs with links and influences of the international music.
Cubamusic: There are already some comments about important artists involved in this recording. Who are they?
Ricardo Leyva: Exactly, we have exceptional personalities like Juan Formell, for the first time without Los Van Van singing a beautiful song called “Sí” along with the great Omara Portuondo, and Frank Fernández –a genius not only in the classical universe but also in the Cuban popular music- plays a memorable piano solo on the same theme.
Cubamusic: Do you confirm the presence of an admired Cuban reggaeton musician in your new album?
Ricardo Leyva: Yes, as exclusive news for Cubamusic, I confirm the special appearance of Elvis Manuel, a talent of the Cuban music that unfortunately passed away in recent times. The song "Ella y ustedes dos” tells the story of two young men in a dispute because of the same girl and then I intercede for advising them.
Cubamusic: It is definitely an impressive guests´ catalogue...
Ricardo Leyva: ... and all the chorus are done by the exceptional singer Coco Freeman. The presence of these stars in the new album is a victory for the Cuban music and I am deeply grateful to all of them for their support and their high professional level.
Cubamusic: Does the Cuban Conga continue alive in this new CD?
Ricardo Leyva: Certainly. The album includes a fresh conga-pop called "Bonito, bonito”, featuring the fabulous guitarist Elmer Ferrer, and there is also a video clip with images filmed in London, which give us the impression of listening the Cuban music in contexts apparently far from our traditions, close to the Big Ben or in the bridges over the Thames. A good Cuban conga with the Beatles´ style represents the fusion of both cultures.
Cubamusic: Could you tell us something in advance about other musical themes?
Ricardo Leyva: One of the tracks is the conga -house “Donde mi cubana”. In the album there are 5 congas in different perspectives, as evidence of the infinite possibilities of the Cuban music. “Pilón porque sí” is dedicated to Pacho Alonso and Enrique Bonne, bringing the Pilón rhythm to present times in a very modern sonority and revealing the importance of this everlasting musical genre.
Sur Caribe also plays bachata, bolero and son santiaguero, but inside the whole range of moments and atmospheres of the Cuban music, with its infinite possibilities for revealing our feelings, the saddest or happiest moments and the most evocative ideas.
Cubamusic: Are you the composer of all the themes in this recording?
Ricardo Leyva: I have created most of the works but I have also included pieces composed by Roberto Valdés and Albertico Pujols.
This material also includes four videos: “Bonito, Bonito”, “Donde mi cubana”, “Ay que felicidad” and “Arrollando por la ciudad”, besides a documentary with interviews to celebrities like Juan Formell, Enrique Bonne, Omara Portuondo and Frank Fernández.
Cubamusic: After the huge success of the CD “Credenciales” and in particular the single “Añoranza for the Conga” ", Sur Caribe´s fans are now in a great expectation…
Ricardo Leyva: I think this album is a tremendous gift for our fans all over the world. We took a long time to do it because it has been a complex work, but we are satisfied with the results. Our idea is to continue defending the treasures of the Cuban music.
Cubamusic: When the CD will be launched to the market?
Ricardo Leyva: Probably at the end of March. But you, people from Cubamusic.com, will be the first ones to listen this album, because this web is an international reference for all the Cuban music lovers in the world. And I have extra good news for you…
Cubamusic: Thank you, Maestro, what’s it about?
Ricardo Leyva: At the end of 2009, Sur Caribe will also present a compilation integrating the greatest hits of our extensive recording production.
Cubamusic: We would like to know about your next tour dates in Cuba and worldwide.
Ricardo Leyva: On January 1rst we will have a concert in the Cuban province of Las Tunas; then in Guantánamo and we want to present the video “Arrollando por la ciudad” in Santiago de Cuba, considering the large contribution of this city to our culture and especially to our music.
Every year we perform at the Cuba’s Carnival in London, one of the most important events of the Cuban music out of the Island, and I am its president since the previous edition. I have seen there a lot of people enjoying the Conga dancing, and also other Cuban genres. This time the Carnival will be not only in London, but also in two other cities of the south.
During 2009 we have several international tours, between them our usual visit to Scotland to take part in the Glastonbury's Carnival, where our music is highly valued.
Cubamusic: Maestro, finally we would like to ask you a message for your supporters in occasion of the New Year.
Ricardo Leyva: In the name of Sur Caribe, I send my best wishes for all the Cubans wherever they are, for my musical colleagues and their families: I wish them health and many achievements. To our fans: never lose the confidence that you gave to Sur Caribe, because we will continue defending the Cuban music, every hour, every day and everywhere. We feel proud of our music, its composers, directors and interpreters who are worthy of the Cuban people. With all my heart I want to send a very special greeting for the people of my native land, Santiago de Cuba.
Cubamusic: Thank you very much for your kindness and we say good bye with a certainty: 2009 will be The Year of SUR CARIBE.
Listen and download Sur Caribe y Ricardo Leyva
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Concert of Sur Caribe and Ricardo Leyva
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Concert of Sur Caribe and Ricardo Leyva
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| The director Ricardo Leyva |
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