New album of heavyweight Afro-Cuban rhythms recorded in Havana, Cuba by Soul Jazz Records.
Comes with extensive sleeve-notes (physical only). This album features the many Afro-Cuban rhythms associated with the various religious cults existing in Cuba today. These drums are used to bring spirits and gods (Orishas) into the body of worshippers who are then possessed.
The music originally came from Africa and spread into the new world through the movement of slaves; Soul Jazz Records have recorded and released similar projects in Haiti (Voodoo Drums, Spirits of Life) and Brazil and these new recordings from Cuba feature heavyweight complex rhythms played by some of Cuba’s finest master drummers, all of whom are initiated in the cults including members of the secret Masonic-type Abakua faith.
Featuring an array of instrumentation – Bata Drums, Conga drums, Bongo, Eribo – many of which are sacred in themselves and only used for religious ceremonies. The music and dance of the Abakuá (or ñáñigo) secret societies are considered by many the most original not least because the history of the societies themselves, the most complex and impassioned of all the organizations of African origin established in Cuba and linked to key political and social events. For anyone interested in Latin music this is a fascinating guide into the roots of Afro-Cuban music and features extensive sleeve-notes giving the music a cultural and social context.
Recorded at the Cuban state-owned ICAIC studios, these are high quality recordings and the vinyl comes on super-loud heavyweight vinyl for all DJs!