Wednesday, 14 September 2011 13:57
.jpg "Adalberto Álvarez, the gentleman of Cuban Son")
Adalberto Álvarez, the gentleman of Cuban Son
Cuba has a tradition of Son, which has made generations dance to its popular rhythms in all kinds of places.
A true example of Son is Adalberto Álvarez. Registered in Camagüey, but born in Havana, this artist studied music at the National School of Art (ENA). Admirer of Arsenio Rodríguez, Félix Chapotín and Lilí Martínez, he´s gone straight up ever since he started the groups "Avance Juvenil" and "Son 14," placing himself at the top of popular dance music.
In 1984, "Adalberto Álvarez y su son," was created, which to this day remains successful, as they maintain the fundamental premise of making music for dancing.
Whether at "La Tropical" —one of the most popular dance halls in Latin America— or at the famous "Casa de la Música" in Miramar and Havana Central, there is always enthusiasm and movement when he´s playing. As a typical person aware of our Afro-Cuban roots, he reflects masterfully on religious syncretism in his songs, as well as all things native, referring to the Orishas like Oshúm, Yemaya, Obatalá and Shangó among others, making people dance and feel represented.
His songs have been covered by big stars on the international music scene: Juan Luis Guerra covering "A Santiago en coche" (To Santiago by Car) and Oscar de León with "El son de Adalberto" (Adalberto´s Son). He also maintains a strong friendship with Andy Montañez and with "El caballero de la salsa," (The Gentleman of Salsa) the very famous Gilberto Santa Rosa.
Álvarez won the National Music Award in 2008, and was righty named "El caballero del son," (The Gentleman of Son) due to showing the world this rhythm, making us enjoy ourselves and evoking the grand Son artist Ignacio Piñeiro´s expression, "Son is the most sublime for the amused soul."
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