| Moisés Valle, Yumurí, is a man with a remarkable voice, a phenomenal composer and the leader of one of Cuba’s top salsa groups: "Yumurí and his brothers". In an exclusive interview with Cubamusic.com he speaks about "CUBANO CUBANO", the winning CD as best album, and the future plans. Listen and download the CD-Album "Cubano Cubano" by Yumurì Listen and download all the songs by Yumurì y sus Hermanos ******** ********** Cubamusic.com: The CD CUBANO CUBANO obtained the 2009 Cubadisco Award in the category of Best Salsa Album after competing with the most popular bands from Cuba like Adalberto Álvarez, Manolito Simonet, Pupy y los que Son Son, Giraldo Piloto & Klimax, Maraca Gardi. What’s the importance of this award for you? Yumurí: Well, it’s so much easier to express myself through singing or with an improvised "Cuban tumbao", but I can tell you that this prize has brought me a lot of emotions and it is a significant moment in my career. I’m very proud because Cubadisco is a prestigious musical contest and particularly in the category of Popular Cuban Music (which I consider the most relevant and representative of our music) we competed with the Cuba’s leading salsa bands. I proudly received the prize, but I’m very aware of the commitment that it represents. I will always be grateful for this recognition, not only because it means the acceptance of the experts, but also because CUBANO CUBANO is a consequence of the permanent musical work that I have done with my orchestra for almost 17 years representing the authentic Cuban music, singing in direct connection with the demands of the everyday Cuban dancer and visiting each of the Island’s towns during carnivals and popular parties. There is a powerful communication between the orchestra and its fans, because we have been part of the Cuban people daily life. On the other hand we feel a deep sense of belonging about our land which is at the same time our main source of inspiration to create new songs, refrains and "tumbaos". Cubamusic.com: Did you feel the album was to be a success? Yumurí: We worked on this album not in search of awards. During the recording process I had the desire to create a strong piece of work able to captivate the heart of the people. I know it is the usual answer on these occasions but I’m not very sophisticated, I’m just a Cuban sonero who enjoy music. The priceless award for any artist is the support and the respect of the public and I'm very lucky because the Cuban people have given me this privilege. This year I earned the CUBADISCO Award, but beyond prizes I think that the major winners are the Cuban music and the Cuban people, in a moment which anyone could think that the Cuban popular music is declining. However the music that made us an especial piece of the universal culture is alive today more than ever. After several nominations, this is the first time that I receive the CUBADISCO Award, as a challenge to continue forward defending the Cuban identity and the authentic cultural legacy to the new generations. I wish to thank the jury made up of prestigious experts and to share the award with the rest of the nominated bands in the same category. I have great respect and appreciation for their work. Cubamusic.com: Tell us about the CD "CUBANO CUBANO", we know you are also the musical producer… Yumurí: CUBANO CUBANO was made for dancing; full of joy and energy it shows the contemporary Cuban sound, melanged with some other Caribbean rhythms, always preserving the contagious flavour and the particular sonority of my band. This is our seventh album; we waited four years to return to the recording studios but it was worthwhile waiting for. During this time we kept working hard on national and international tours, in permanent contact with the dancers and it gave us new ideas to shape the concept of the album. I'm the musical producer with the collaboration of prestigious musicians, such as Lázaro "El Fino" Rivero, Emilio Vega, Orlando Valle "Maraca" and Juan Bárbaro Pompa. The album's special guests include the pianist Rolando Luna, the trumpeter Alexander Abreu, the trombonist Amaury Pérez, Coco Freeman (choirs) and Cándido Fabré's very special performance in a duet closing the album. The repertoire includes five of my own songs and also works by skilled composers like Cándido Fabré, Osnel Odit, Pedro Pablo Núñez and Cruz Isaac. I'm very pleased with the work of the technical staff and the musicians of my band during the recording process and also with the excellent and original design of the product. BIS Music, our record label, has been an important support and I appreciate it very much. The single "Pegaito a la tarima" from CUBANO CUBANO is already a radio hit and has been rocking audiences at live shows around the country. This song has taken on a life of its own. In my opinion, the awarded CD in the category of Popular Dance Music should find the balance between the musical and technical values and the impact among the dancers; in other words: quality and popularity hand by hand. It is a coincidence very hard to achieve but this year Cubadisco and the Cuban people demonstrated that is possible. CUBANO CUBANO has conquered the most demanding publics in Cuba and abroad in a very short period of time. You can enjoy these songs without getting bored, because they have the beat of the genuine dancing music, then my recommendation is: A GUARACHAR! Cubamusic.com: You are celebrating this year the 17th anniversary of Yumurí y sus hermanos. What are your plans for the near future in Cuba and in other parts of the world? Yumurí: I will keep singing and performing with strength and passion in every Cuban town and anywhere around the world. This is our mission in life because music is a gift and a privilege. CUBANO CUBANO has received a great acceptance in different countries. This summer we'll travel to Japan in order to promote the album and we'll return soon to our beloved Island to perform during the traditional carnival parties. Cubamusic.com: Congratulations and thank you very much. Yumurí: Thanks to Cubamusic.com for this wonderful opportunity. |
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