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Combinación de la Habana, in these last months is the most popular group of Cuban Timba. The Orquestra is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year 2010. In exclusive statements to Cubamusic.com, Gerson Valdés -leader of the band- talks about the success of the new CD “Moda Habana” and their imminent plans. Listen and download the CD “Moda Habana”, by Combinación de la Habana Listen and download the Cuban Salsa hits 2010
GV: Most of the current members of Combinación de la Habana came from Michel Maza´s band; we worked together for three or four years untill he decided to leave the group. I just used to be the musical director and the musicians decided to choose me as the leader of the new band. CM: When was your debut? GV: We made our debut at Casa de la Música at Miramar, in October 25th, 2005. This year we are celebrating our fifth anniversary. CM: Your recent CD “Moda Habana” is wide known in Cuba and abroad. How do you feel about it? GV: I’m astonished! “La Moda” became an hit song and the whole album “Moda Habana” was quickly accepted internationally. The CD is all to dance NEW CUBAN TIMBA, featuring 9 tracks among them “El Pillo”, “Se te fue el avion” and “ La Careta”. I can't believe all this has happened to us but I am enjoying every minute of it. CM: Among the different Cuban musicians, who has a special meaning for you? GV: At the beginning I had influences of the hard Timba bands of Cuba, especially Charanga Habanera, but today I´m a little bit of everything and I’m proposing my own style into the Cuban popular music. The orchestra has recruited more followers every year, especially among youth. CM: What are you working on now? GV: Combinación de la Habana holds several music clubs, among them the one that takes place on Fridays in the capital´s Cafe Cantante Club at the Cuban National Theater and the one from Saturdays at Casa de la Música (Galiano, Centro Habana). CM: How do you plan to celebrate the fifth anniversary? GV: The orchestra will make a big anniversary concert in October at Casa de la Música at Miramar, where we had our first performance. For that date, we´ve invited some members of the popular orchestra Los Van Van, the outstanding singer Tania Pantoja (Bamboleo) and many others. We are planning to film the concert. If you are in Havana in late October, don’t miss this nice opportunity!!! CM: Thank you very much and Congrats on a great success! GV: I really want to thank all of the fans for the valuable support and a special thank to Cubamusic.com, who first launched and promoted our Album “Moda Habana” Thanks a lot. |
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