The Clave Chronicles
A journey through the history and global influence of Cuban music, hosted by ethnomusicologist Rebecca Bodenheimer.
Wed, April 23, 2025
The latest in Cuban music with Rafa Escalona
Cuban journalist Rafa Escalona joins Rebecca to talk about the latest trends in Cuban music, including how hard it is to track this information on the island and how recent out-migration has affected the evolution and definition of "música cubana." While contemporary Cuban music is of course dominated by reparto, the songs shared by Rafa provide a broader look into the latest trends. Songs played: Un Momentico + — Melanie Santiler & Dale Pututi Andala Remix — Wildey, Musteerifa & Raydel El Q Manda Suite Para Isaac Oviedo — Jorge Iván Martín feat. Juan Carlos Aguilera Amanacer Sin Ti — Albita & Lenier Tertuliando — Angel Toirac feat. LINKS Newness Cuba playlist (50 best songs in Cuban music from the past year): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1gPyKTGHHQy16z7YO2lhHV Cuba Tracklist (Instagram account with weekly lists of most popular Cuban tracks): https://www.instagram.com/cubatracklist/ Rafa's Substack: https://divagacionesmusicales.substack.com/ A recent piece Rafa wrote (in Spanish) about reparto and YouTube: https://revistaelestornudo.com/reparto-youtube-dicen-charts-musica-cubana/ Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Thu, March 20, 2025
A tribute to Paulito FG
Kevin Moore is back to help us pay tribute to one of timba's brightest stars, Paulito FG (EPD), who died tragically on March 1. Songs played: El humo o la vida, Dan Den feat. Paulito FG Y ahora que, Percussion and vocal track for Entre Dos Amigos No te lo creas, Laura (demo track) El punto Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, February 21, 2025
Breaking down Bad Bunny's Debí Tirar Más Fotos
Finally, we're back with a brand new episode, inspired by Bad Bunny's love letter to Puerto Rico, Debí Tirar Más Fotos ! We get deep into the weeds of the Puerto Rican musical and political traditions that are referenced in Bad Bunny's wide-ranging, exquisitely produced album. Joining Rebecca are Puerto Rican musician and educator Hector Lugo (founder of the Bay Area Latin roots band La Mixta Criolla ), and Puerto Rican writer, translator and Bad Bunny scholar Carina del Valle Schorske . Songs played: A Guayama, Desde Cero Si Yo Fuera Alcalde, Chuíto el de Bayamón Aires de Navidad, Hector Lavoe & Willie Colón La Huelga, La Mixta Criolla Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Mon, November 11, 2024
Send me your questions for a mailbag episode!
Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, November 01, 2024
A conversation with Cuban journalist Jesús Jank Curbelo
Cuban journalist Jesús Jank Curbelo joins Rebecca to speak about a range of topics, including the legacy of El Taiger, one of Cuba's most popular artists who was killed recently in Miami. We also talk about Curbelo's career in Cuba reporting on the reparto movement, as well as the pain of leaving Cuba and challenges of building a new life in Texas. Curbelo has published several pieces at the Texas Observer and Palabra . Conversation in Spanish. Follow along with an English-language transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1El7dqfI2n-eTFs--dNryJI8OBsqXRhePszFu6I1PCzg/edit?usp=sharing Songs played: Coronamos (Remix), Taiger & J. Balvin (feat. Cosculluela, Bad Bunny & Bryant Myers) Hilito Rojo, El Taiger & DJ Conds Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, October 18, 2024
Rosa Marquetti part 2: Celia in Cuba
Part 2 of Rebecca's conversation with Cuban music historian Rosa Marquetti. The second edition of her book Celia en Cuba (1925-1962) was recently published in Spanish, and will be translated into English next year. Conversation in Spanish. Follow along with an English-language transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W8qgbzs7DHwP2JlTl3FDZfbCc2aLSFovv2SVxZSw3Xc/edit?usp=sharing Songs played: Quédate Negra, Celia con La Orquesta Leonard Melody La Sopa en Botella, Celia con La Sonora Matancera Sueños de Luna, Celia con La Sonora Matancera Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, October 04, 2024
Cuban music historian Rosa Marquetti (part 1)
Rebecca speaks with Cuban music historian Rosa Marquetti Torres , author of several books, including one on Chano Pozo and another one on Celia Cruz's career in Cuba—the Celia book has just been released in a new edition! Part 1 of our conversation covers the challenges of conducting research in Cuba and her work on Chano Pozo Conversation in Spanish. Follow along with an English-language transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WKJZoLnQJHo3t85_AMxsZ08p_nwPNZ_rZTBDTKmgoSQ/edit?usp=sharing Songs played: El pin pin, Chano Pozo Tin Tin Deo, Chano Pozo & Dizzy Gillespie Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Thu, September 19, 2024
Corneta china & Cantonese opera: The Chinese musical legacy
Ethnomusicologist Edwin Porras joins Rebecca to speak about Chinese musical influences in Cuba, which date back to the mid-19th century. The double-reeded suona was adopted by Santiago conga groups around 1915, becoming an unmistakable musical signifier for conga santiaguera. **Fun fact: Cuba was the first destination for Chinese laborers in the Americas, before even the U.S.** Songs played: Example of Cantonese opera Lion dancing musical accompaniment (field recording) Caridad Amaran and Georgina Wong performing excerpt of Cantonese opera in Havana (field recording) De Oriente a Occidente, Diana Fuentes Paso Franco en la loma de Tivolí, Conga Paso Franco Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Tue, August 27, 2024
Cuban fusion and transnational scenes
Eva Silot Bravo joins Rebecca again to talk about her recently published book, Cuban Fusion: The Transnational Cuban Alternative Music Scene , which focuses on Cuban musicians who have migrated to New York, Madrid, and other major cities since the 1990s. They have created new transnational musical scenes, with some traveling back and forth between Cuba and abroad, fusing jazz, Afro-Cuban folkloric music, nueva trova and other genres. Songs played: Levitando, Ramon Valle Bolero Filin, Gema Y Pavel Café, Interactivo Se Feliz, Fernando Alvarez & Descemer Bueno The Magic Danzonete, Dafnis Prieto Baba Elegguá, Brenda Navarrete Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, August 09, 2024
From the Cuban Serenade podcast: Hilario Durán, The Genius
This week The Clave Chronicles is sharing an episode of Cuban Serenade , a podcast exploring the history of Cuban music in Canada that's hosted by Freddy Monasterio and Karen Dubinsky. This episode focuses on the genius of Cuban-Canadian pianist/composer/arranger Hilario Durán. Follow Cuban Serenade on your favorite podcast platform! Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, July 19, 2024
The Cuban-Canadian musical diaspora
Freddy Monasterio, a Cuban-born researcher, educator and arts administrator based in Toronto, joins Rebecca to talk about the Cuban musical diaspora in Canada. He also co-hosts a podcast on the topic called Cuban Serenade . Songs played: La Reina del Norte, OKAN Cry Me a River, Hilario Duran and his Latin Jazz Big Band La Ceiba de Mayuya, Luis Deniz Group Rebirth, Dee Hernandez Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, July 05, 2024
Timba then and now
Anthropologist and prolific scholar Umi Vaughan , author of Rebel Dance, Renegade Stance: Timba Music and Black Identity , joins Rebecca to speak about his 25 years of research on timba and how the genre has changed in the past three decades. Vaughan has been conducting research in Brazil more recently, and will soon be publishing a book on the repression of Afro-Brazilian religious practice and music. Songs played: La bola, Manolín El Médico de la Salsa De La Habana, Paulo FG No estamos locos, David Calzado y Charanga Habanera Mi medicamento, Havana D' Primera La chica del escenario, Havana D' Primera Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, June 21, 2024
Krudxs Cubensi: Giving voice to Afro-Cuban queer & non-binary identity
Legendary Afro-Cuban hip hop group Krudxs Cubensi (Odaymar Cuesta and Oli Prendes) join Rebecca to speak about their career and the particular challenges they've faced as artists who are Afro-Cuban, queer, non-binary, and immigrants. Their latest album, They/Them Les Elles , features collaborations with Greg Landau and many other Bay Area-based musicians. Songs played: Mi cuerpo es mío You are not better than me They/them les elles Justicia y libertad Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, June 07, 2024
Going deep on the concept of clave
Percussionist and educator David Peñalosa, author of the book The Clave Matrix , joins Rebecca for an in-depth discussion on the concept of clave, delving into its origins, variations and the way it works in various Afro-Cuban genres. If you've ever wondered what 3-2 or 2-3 clave means or what the difference is between "son clave," "rumba clave" and 6/8 clave, this episode is for you! Songs played: Eco (bembé-abakuá), Julito Collazo and Mongo Santamaria Los beodos, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas Era una gran señora, Alberto Zayas Wanileilo (makuta), Cabildo Kunalungo de Sagua La Grande Andule andule (makuta), Cabildo De Congos Reales Chinatown (Philadelphia Mambo), Tito Puente Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, May 24, 2024
The latest in reparto
Back by popular demand, Mike Levine joins Rebecca again to speak about the latest happenings in Cuban reparto, including a recent controversy related to the genre's popularity in Peru. Check out the new Buzzsprout option below to send Rebecca a message about the episode! Songs played: Reparto, DJ Yus, Wampi, Nesty, Wow Popy, Un Titico, JP El Chamaco Por Ustedes (Pornosotros), Wampi Toma que toma, JP El Chamaco Birribiri, Harryson Wampi live in Lima https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVOxxbOe4Lo&t=4s Official video for "Reparto", the response to the controversy, with reparto dancing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TesmP7wL3wM Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, May 10, 2024
Pérez Prado in Mexico
Scholar and singer Hannah Burgé Luviano joins Rebecca to discuss the career of the "King of Mambo," Dámaso Perez Prado. Unable to achieve much acclaim in Cuba because of his unique compositional style, Pérez Prado struck gold after relocating to Mexico in the 1940s. Songs played: México Lindo Mi Gallo Mambo Politécnico Pianola Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, April 26, 2024
Cuban art music before and after the Revolution
Musicologist Marysol Quevedo joins Rebecca to speak about Cuban art music composers of the mid-20th century, such as Harold Gramatges, Juan Blanco and Argeliers Leon. As she details in her recent book, although their works largely relied on classical music structures and forms, they brought in elements of Cuban popular and folkloric music. Pieces played: Tres preludios a modo de toccata, Harold Gramatges Sonata a la Virgen del Cobre, No. 2, Argeliers Leon Quinteto No. 1, Juan Blanco Cirkus Toccata, Juan Blanco Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, April 12, 2024
The many musical lives of Roberto Borrell
Cuban dancer, musician, and educator Roberto Borrell speaks with Rebecca about his incredibly versatile career, spanning popular and folkloric styles. He talks about growing up hearing the legendary bands of the 1950s like Orquesta Aragón and Chappottín y Sus Estrellas, and attending the Black social clubs that were eliminated in the early years of the Revolution. Songs played: Linda cubana, Orquesta de Antonio Maria Romeu Mambo, Arcaño y Sus Maravillas La engañadora, Orquesta América de Ninón Mondéjar El bodeguero, Orquesta Aragón Pare cochero, Orquesta Aragón Roberto Borrell dance videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHSJFOefUBE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiwhNdxKndY Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, March 29, 2024
The angst and rage of punk cubano
Punk cubano emerged during the Special Period crisis, giving young disaffected Cubans an outlet to express their angst and rage, often toward the Cuban government. Carmen Torre Pérez joins Rebecca to speak about the counter-cultural genre and its DIY ethics. Songs played: Jodidos y perdidos, Rotura Eres tú, Eskoria Azul, Akupunktura Esta no es mi puta guerra, Eztafilokoko Ruido en el sistema, Pólvora Soxial Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, March 22, 2024
ICYMI: The poetry and politics of nueva trova
(Rerun of nueva trova episode, first aired in July 2023) Nueva trova is one of the few Cuban genres that is for listening and reflecting instead of dancing - it's sung poetry, much like other Latin American singer-songwriter genres, namely nueva canción. Rebecca has an in-depth conversation with independent scholar and former Cuban diplomat Eva Silot Bravo about the major figures of nueva trova and how it came to be closely identified with the ideology of the Cuban Revolution. The genre's relationship with the government shifted in the wake of the economic crisis of the 1990s, as newer artists began to openly critiqued the preferential treatment given to foreigners, as well as emigrate abroad. Songs played: Pablo Milanés, Mis 22 años Silvio Rodríguez, Sueño con Serpientes Xiomara Laugart, Paria Carlos Varela, Foto de Familia Gema y Pavel, Se Feliz Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, March 08, 2024
Tonada Trinitaria & Guarapachangueo
Ethnomusicologist and percussionist Johnny Frias joins Rebecca to speak about one of the lesser known Afro-Cuban folkloric practices, the tonada trinitaria, from the central Cuban city of Trinidad. We then delve into the rumba percussion style that has become dominant in recent decades, guarapachangueo, created by a group of brothers from the outskirts of Havana known as Los Chinitos. Songs played: Una corona al General Maceo, Conjunto Folclórico de Trinidad Plegarias, Grupo Abbilona (Los Chinitos) Caridad, Pancho Quinto El conflictivo, Humo + La Liga Rumbera Learn more about guarapachangueo in Rebecca's book: Geographies of Cubanidad: Place, Race and Musical Performance in Contemporary Cuba Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Thu, February 29, 2024
Afrocuba con Su Ritmo Batarumba
Afrocuba de Matanzas is widely considered one of the best preservers of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and dance on the island, but the group also created one of the funkiest and most exciting musical innovations in 1973 when they blended rumba percussion and batá drumming to create batarumba . As the years went on, batarumba became even more complex and versatile, as Afrocuba musicians added in instruments and rhythms from son , Abakuá, Iyesá and adapted the songs of Celia Cruz to a batarumba format. Songs played: Tambor, Afrocuba de Matanzas Baila Mi Guaguancó, Afrocuba de Matanzas Caridad, Afrocuba de Matanzas Rinkinkalla, Celia Cruz & Sonora Matancera Rinkinkaya, Ritmo y Canto Learn more about batarumba in Rebecca's book: Geographies of Cubanidad: Place, Race and Musical Performance in Contemporary Cuba Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Thu, February 22, 2024
The Afro-diasporic fusions of percussionist Michael Spiro
Grammy-nominated percussionist, recording artist and educator Michael Spiro joins Rebecca to speak about his apprenticeship in Matanzas with masters of Afro-Cuban folkloric drumming, differences in drumming styles between Havana and Matanzas, and his innovative recordings, which fuse batá drumming with other Afro-diasporic traditions, such as Brazilian samba, Candomblé, and Zimbabwean mbira music. Songs played: Inspiración a Santiago, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas Para Clave y Guaguancó, Clave y Guaguancó Osain, Michael Spiro & guests Butsu Mutandari/Iyesa, Michael Spiro & guests Maracambique, Michael Spiro, Joe Galvin & guests Stardust (El Encanto), Michael Spiro,Wayne Wallace & guests Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Thu, February 15, 2024
The magic and artistry of Chucho Valdés
Acclaimed pianist/bandleader/composer/author/educator Rebeca Mauleón discusses the long and incredibly versatile career of pianist/composer Chucho Valdés, who founded the groundbreaking jazz fusion group Irakere 50 years ago. In 2018, Mauleón and Valdés co-authored the book Decoding Afro-Cuban Jazz . In both his Irakere compositions and in his solo career, Valdés has often drawn from Afro-Cuban folkloric music—rumba, batá drumming—for inspiration. Songs played: Misa Negra, Irakere El Tata Cimarrón, Irakere Xiomara, Irakere Ochún, Chucho Valdés featuring Regina Carter Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Thu, February 01, 2024
Ida y Vuelta: Musical exchange between Cuba and España
Ethnomusicologist and prolific scholar Peter Manuel joins Rebecca to speak about the many centuries of musical exchange between Cuba and Spain, which birthed genres like the Cuban punto and contributed to the evolution of flamenco in Andalucía. Author and editor of numerous books on Caribbean and Indian popular music, including an important anthology of Cuban musicology , Manuel's newest book is Flamenco Music: History, Forms, Culture . Songs played: Fandango, Antonio Soler Controversia, Justo Vega & Adolfo Alfonso Corazón Tu Eres Mi Amigo, Luis Gómez Guajira, Pepe Marchena Juro Que, Rosalía Me Voy Contigo, Remedios Amaya Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Thu, January 25, 2024
A working musician in Santiago (en español)
In our first episode en español (!!!), Rebecca interviews Mario Seguí Correoso, a Santiago-based percussionist who has worked with various groups over the course of his career: an innovative rumba group (Kokoyé), a son/salsa group (Sonora La Calle), and currently a more traditional son group (Los Jubilados), as well as a percussion-based group (Los Tambores de Enrique Bonne). We talk about how difficult the situation has been for musicians since the pandemic. **IF YOU DON'T SPEAK SPANISH, CHECK OUT A TRANSCRIPT OF THE CONVERSATION TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QfvV7JelKB2tDjsNFkT_LxXPwOgUO89anRFCIAMMtMI/edit?usp=sharing Songs played: Manigueta, Los Tambores de Enrique Bonne Calle Enramada, Los Jubilados (title unknown), Grupo Folklórico Kokoyé Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Thu, January 18, 2024
Don't call it soukous: The many sub-styles of Congolese rumba
Congolese scholar Ribio Nzeza Bunketi Buse joins Rebecca to speak about the many sub-styles and evolutions within Congolese popular music over the past 60 years. While many in the West refer to the music as "soukous," that's only one specific style of rumba, which also includes rumba chachacha (Joseph Kabasele & African Jazz), rumba odemba (Franco Luambo & OK Jazz), rumba cavacha (Zaiko Langa Langa), and ndombolo (Wenge Musica, Koffi Olomide, Papa Wemba). Dr. Nzeza also explains the significance of the seben , the improvisatory second section of a rumba song featuring virtuosic guitar playing. Songs played: Madre Rumba, La Sonora Matancera featuring Celia Cruz and Celio Gonzalez Africa Mokili Mobimba, Joseph Kabasele & African Jazz Alimatou, Franco Luambo & OK Jazz Nzinzi, King Kester Emeneya Mulolo, Wenge Musica An homage to Grand Kallé (Joseph) Kabasele by Cuban artists and musicians: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY-BVoI93Q4 Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Thu, January 11, 2024
Bad Bunny
Rebecca is joined by reggaeton scholar Petra Rivera-Rideau , who co-created the Bad Bunny Syllabus to provide historical and social context for Bad Bunny's music. His massive hit Un Verano Sin Tí was the most globally streamed album of 2022 and the first Spanish-language album to be nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammys. We speak about what makes him such a unique, versatile artist, and then delve into the ways Cuban and Puerto Rican music have diverged in recent decades. Songs played: Controversia, Ismael Rivera El Apagón, Bad Bunny Titi Me Preguntó, Bad Bunny Yo No Soy Celoso, Bad Bunny Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Thu, December 07, 2023
The Haitian presence in Cuba
Franco-Haitian cultural influences in Cuba date back over two centuries, beginning with the "refugees" from the Haitian Revolution who fled to eastern Cuba in the early years of the 19th century. However, a much larger wave of Haitian migrants arrived in the first decades of the 20th century to fill labor shortages on sugar plantations, and most stayed. Anthropologist Grete Viddal joins Rebecca for an in-depth conversation on this history, the musical and religious practices migrants brought with them (like Vodou), and the ways Cuban descendants of Haitian migrants carry on their traditions today. Songs played: Camagüey, Tumba Francesa La Caridad Yamvalú, Ballet Folklórico Cutumba Haiti Namizé, Grupo Baraguá Neg Anwo, The Creole Choir of Cuba Se Lavi, The Creole Choir of Cuba Gagá, Ballet Folklórico Cutumba Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Thu, November 30, 2023
The Bay Area Cuban music scene
Multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and educator Dr. John Calloway joins Rebecca to speak about the Cuban music scene in the Bay Area. Calloway has written for Grammy-nominated projects and recorded several of his own albums. He has spent 35 years as a music educator in San Francisco public schools and at San Francisco State University, founding the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble and the Afro-Cuban Ensemble at SF State. Songs played: Aprovecha que me voy, John Calloway Dime si te gusta, Jesús Díaz y Su QBA Asere Ko, John Calloway Generaciones, Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble of San Francisco Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, November 17, 2023
Conga santiaguera
Ethnomusicologist and event producer Lani Milstein joins Rebecca to talk about Santiago de Cuba's quintessential musical practice: conga, an Afro-Cuban percussion and song genre linked to the city's famed Carnival celebrations. It involves mass participation by people parading along with the mobile percussion ensemble and continues to be a major symbol of santiaguero identity. Songs played: Abre, Conga de Los Hoyos Va a llover, Conga de San Agustín Añoranza por la conga, Sur Caribe La mujer del pelotero, Baby Lores, Insurrecto & Clan 537 Desi Arnaz performing "Babalu" - at around 0:50, he starts dancing the side-to-side conga step commonly seen in comparsa parades https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAV3bOJaQuY Sur Caribe video for "Añoranza por la conga" - you'll see footage of people arollando with the conga https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC6Vjr0i9sw Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, November 10, 2023
I'd love to hear from you!
No new episode this week, but a quick note from Rebecca, followed by a slow, juicy yambú from the legendary Havana rumba group Clave y Guaguancó. Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, November 03, 2023
Fundamento: The deep African essences of Cuban religion with Ned Sublette
Rebecca speaks with musician/producer/historian Ned Sublette , author of the most comprehensive history of Cuban music in English, Cuba and Its Music: From the First Drums to the Mambo . Sublette is leading trips to Cuba through his organization, Postmambo, and in January will embark on La Ruta de los Fundamentos, a tour focusing on Afro-Cuban sacred sites in western Cuba (email postmambo@gmail.com for more info). We talk about the dense and entangled networks of Afro-Cuban religious practice and play a few fieldwork recordings from rural western Cuba. Tracks played: Song for Ochosi, recorded in the 1950s by Lydia Cabrera in the province of Matanzas Yuka drumming, recorded by Sublette in the province of Pinar del Río Bembe de sao, recorded by Sublette in the province of Mayabeque Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Thu, November 02, 2023
Fundamento: A conversation with Ned Sublette
Rebecca speaks with musician/producer/historian Ned Sublette , author of the most comprehensive history of Cuban music in English, Cuba and Its Music: From the First Drums to the Mambo . Sublette is leading trips to Cuba through his organization, Postmambo, and in January will embark on La Ruta de los Fundamentos, a tour focusing on Afro-Cuban sacred sites in western Cuba (email postmambo@gmail.com for more info). We talk about the dense and entangled networks of Afro-Cuban religious practice and play a few fieldwork recordings from rural western Cuba. Tracks played: Song for Ochosi, recorded in the 1950s by Lydia Cabrera in the province of Matanzas Yuka drumming, recorded by Sublette in the province of Pinar del Río Bembe de sao, recorded by Sublette in the province of Mayabeque Support the show If you like this podcast, please subscribe and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Follow The Clave Chronicles on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Thu, October 26, 2023
Drumming and singing for the orishas
The most well-known African-derived religion in the Americas is La Regla de Ocha or Lucumí, more popularly known as Santería. The music used to accompany rituals and ceremonies involves complex, polyrhythmic drumming and a huge repertoire of songs for the different orishas (Yoruba-derived deities), like Yemayá, Oshún and Changó. Rebecca breaks down some basic features of the religion and its diverse musical ensembles, as well as its widespread influence on Cuban popular music. Songs played: Elegua, Jesus Díaz y Su QBA A Elegua, Merceditas Valdés y Yoruba Andabo Güiro for Oshun, Afrocuba de Matanzas Ogun, Bobi Céspedes Y Que Tú Quieres Que Te Den (1991), Adalberto Álvarez Y Su Son Y Que Tú Quieres Que Te Den (2005), Adalberto Álvarez Y Su Son Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Thu, October 19, 2023
Congolese rumba: Cuban music goes back home
Cuban son, under the label "rumba," became incredibly popular following the success of "El manicero" in 1930, including in the two Congos (at the time colonized by Belgium and France). Congolese musicians heard echoes of their own traditional music and began creating a new genre (Congolese rumba) largely based on son, mambo and cha cha cha and sung in a mix of Spanish, French and Lingala. French historian Charlotte Grabli joins Rebecca to talk about the bi-directional musical exchanges between Cuba and the two Congos. Songs played: El manicero, Don Azpiazu & His Havan Casino Orchestra Marie Tchebo, Manuel D'Oliveira & Georges Edouard El que siembra su maiz, Trio Matamoros El que siembra su maiz, Joseph Kabasele & African Jazz Independence Cha Cha, Joseph Kabasele & African Jazz Cha Cha Cha del Zombo, Brazzos & O.K. Jazz Mwanga, Franklin Boukaka Muanga, Orquesta Aragón Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Thu, October 12, 2023
Changüí, Cuban roots music
Grammy-nominated musician, ethnomusicologist, and professor Benjamin Lapidus joins Rebecca for a deep dive into the eastern Cuban roots music called changüí, considered to be one of the antecedents of son. Songs played: Nengón, Kiriba y Nengon de Baracoa Así Es El Changüí, Grupo Changüí de Guantánamo Fiesta en Cecilia, Grupo Changüí de Guantánamo 21 de Mayo, La Orquesta Revé Quiriba, Los Universales del Son Ochún, Las Flores de Changüí Cuidemos La Capa de Ozono, Popó y su Changüí Documentary, Orígenes del Changüí - clips of changüí dance at 20:30: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn2yYJUZ7wg Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, October 06, 2023
A tribute to Tirso Duarte, QEPD
Timba star Tirso Duarte (pianist, singer, arranger, songwriter) passed away tragically on Sept. 29 in Colombia. Timba.com creator Kevin Moore, who worked closely with Duarte and wrote a book about him, joins Rebecca to pay tribute to "el angel negro" and discuss what made him so special as a musician. Songs played: El bla bla bla, La Charanga Habanera Iala, Tirso Duarte Aquí Están, Los Ases de la Timba Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Wed, September 27, 2023
Gloria Estefan, Queen of Latin crossover
Gloria Estefan walked so Shakira and Ricky Martin could run. She's the OG Latin crossover star, the artist who broke through to the mainstream with Miami Sound Machine and their massive hit "Conga" in 1985. She was also one of the best female balladeers of the 1980s, with songs like "Anything For You" and "Don't Wanna Lose You." In 1993 she released her first solo Spanish-language album, Mi Tierra , an homage to Cuban music. It spent a whopping 58 weeks at the top of the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart, only overtaken in 2020 by Bad Bunny. Songs played: Conga Can't Stay Away From You Volverás Mi Tierra No Hay Mal Que Por Bien No Venga Tradición Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Wed, September 20, 2023
Women and feminism in salsa, from Celia to La India
Esteemed scholar of Latino/a popular culture and identity Frances Aparicio joins Rebecca to speak about the most significant women in salsa, beginning with the Queen herself, Celia Cruz. We talk about the many struggles female salsa musicians have faced in the music industry over the decades and the different strategies they've used to speak/sing back to the patriarchy and claim space. Songs played: Yerbero Moderno, Celia Cruz with La Sonora Matancera Burundanga, Celia Cruz with La Sonora Matancera Puro Teatro, La Lupe Usted Abusó, Celia Cruz and Willie Colón La Voz de la Experiencia, Celia Cruz and La India Que Manera de Quererte, Albita Basta, Choco Orta An amazing clip of La Lupe on the Dick Cavett show, 1973 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wCPNvP2osg Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Fri, September 08, 2023
Cuban social dance: casino and rueda
Musicologist, dancer and educator Sarah Town joins Rebecca to speak about the history and evolution of Cuban social dance, specifically casino and a particularly intricate and complex style called rueda de casino, danced in a circle. These styles of dance have become a global phenomenon since the 1990s and the rise of timba, and there are many local scenes across the U.S. and around the world. Check out this incredible clip of a rueda de casino group: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZAjkXAhlXU Songs played: Las Alturas de Simpson Rock Around the Clock, Bill Haley & His Comets Abre Que Voy, Gonzalo Grau y La Clave Secreta Esa Soy Yo, Elito Revé y Su Charangón Para Bailar Casino, Adalbero Álvarez y Su Son La Bailarina, Habana D' Primera Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Wed, August 30, 2023
Más Timba: Pupy, Paulito, Bamboleo & Revé
Part 2 of Rebecca's conversation with Kevin Moore focuses on several major timba groups and their unique styles: Pupy Y Los Que Son Son, Paulito y Su Élite, Bamboleo and Elito Revé y Su Charangón. Songs played: De La Timba a Pogolotti, Pupy Y Los Que Son Son La Borrachera, Pupy Y Los Que Son Son Enredadera de Amor, Paulito FG Ya No Hace Falta, Bamboleo Dale Agua al Dominó, Elito Revé y Su Charangón Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Wed, August 23, 2023
Timba: NG La Banda & Charanga Habanera
Finally, a timba episode! Rebecca speaks with Kevin Moore, the mastermind behind Timba.com , the largest Cuban music website in the world, who explains what makes timba unique and how it revolutionized Cuban dance music. This episode focuses on the pioneering innovations of NG La Banda and La Charanga Habanera. Check out Kevin's book Beyond Salsa For Beginners for an incredibly comprehensive musical breakdown of timba. Songs played: Los Sitios Entero, NG La Banda Picadillo de Soya, NG La Banda Nube Pasajera, La Charanga Habanera Charanguero Mayor, La Charanga Habanera El Temba, La Charanga Habanera Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Wed, August 16, 2023
Cuban reggaeton and reparto
In the past two decades, reggaeton has become the soundtrack of Cuba, eventually resulting in the birth of a more localized genre called reparto. Ethnomusicologist Mike Levine speaks with Rebecca about how reggaeton took hold first in the eastern part of the island, where Jamaican and Caribbean influences are much stronger, and how artists in Havana have transformed it into a uniquely Cuban genre that represents their contemporary lives. Songs played: Señor Oficial, Candyman Soy Cubanito, Cubanito 2002 Bailando, Enrique Iglesias featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona El Ditu, Elvis Manuel Bajanda, Chocolate MC Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Wed, August 09, 2023
Los Van Van in the Special Period & beyond
Part two of the Los Van Van series, where Rebecca covers the band's evolving lineup, sound, and song themes in the 1990s and 2000s. Songs played: Disco Azúcar Un Socio La Fruta Soy Todo Ven, Ven, Ven Después de Todo Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Thu, August 03, 2023
Los Van Van: Cuba's salsa train
Los Van Van has been Cuba’s premier dance band since its formation in 1969, with its longevity earning the band the nickname El tren de la salsa (the salsa train). Rebecca covers the band's first two decades and the innovations of Los Van Van's founder/bassist Juan Formell, as well as other musicians like drummer Changuito and pianist Cesar "Pupy" Pedroso, such as the group's signature rhythm (songo). With its charismatic lead singer Pedro Calvo, in the 1980s Los Van Van achieved an almost-perfect synthesis of catchy, danceable music and satirical commentary on diverse social issues and controversies. Songs played: Marilu Llegada Dale dos La Habana No Aguanta Más Sandunguera No Soy de la Gran Escena Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Wed, July 19, 2023
The poetry and politics of nueva trova
Nueva trova is one of the few Cuban genres that is for listening and reflecting instead of dancing - it's sung poetry, much like other Latin American singer-songwriter genres, namely nueva canción. Rebecca has an in-depth conversation with independent scholar and former Cuban diplomat Eva Silot Bravo about the major figures of nueva trova and how it came to be closely identified with the ideology of the Cuban Revolution. The genre's relationship with the government shifted in the wake of the economic crisis of the 1990s, as newer artists began to openly critiqued the preferential treatment given to foreigners, as well as emigrate abroad. Songs played: Pablo Milanés, Mis 22 años Silvio Rodríguez, Sueño con Serpientes Xiomara Laugart, Paria Carlos Varela, Foto de Familia Gema y Pavel, Se Feliz Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Wed, July 12, 2023
Rap cubano part 2
Part 2 of a conversation with Pablo Herrera on Cuban hip hop, including a discussion of the relationship between rap cubano and repartero, or Cuban reggaeton. Songs played: Madre Tierra, Las Krudas Tengo, Popy y La Moda El Rap es Guerra, Los Aldeanos Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Thu, July 06, 2023
Rap cubano
We've got an amazing conversation with Pablo Herrera , an anthropologist and one of Cuba's most influential hip hop producers. Pablo speaks about how he got interested in hip hop and the ways Havana's scene of the 1990s sought to emulate American hip hop, especially east coast styles, before becoming more localized and grounded in Cuban culture. The Special Period, Cuba's deep economic crisis, was the backdrop for the emergence of Havana's hip hop scene, and we discuss its influence on Cuban rap lyrics, as well as the continuing racial inequality that the Cuban Revolution never successfully eradicated. Songs played: Primera Base, Igual que tú Amenaza, Achabon cruzao Instinto, Kirino con su tres Orishas, A lo cubano Hermanos de Causa, Tengo Popy y la Moda, Tengo Unfortunately it's very difficult to find translations of the lyrics of these songs online, but if you're interested in translations, send us a message and we may be able to send you some translated lyrics. @clavechronicles on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Wed, June 28, 2023
The 1950s dance crazes: mambo & cha-cha-cha
Cuban dance genres of the 1950s, specifically mambo and cha-cha-cha, were hugely popular in the U.S. and all over Latin America. Both were outgrowths of the danzón, but each had its own distinct sound. Different styles of mambo are discussed, including the original style that emerged in Antonio Arcaño's band in the late 1930s and the vastly more well-known style of the "King of Mambo," Pérez Prado, who partnered with Benny Moré and popularized the mambo globally. In New York, it was Tito Puente's band that reigned supreme. Songs played: Mambo, Arcaño y Sus Maravillas Mambo #5, Pérez Prado Locas por el mambo, Pérez Prado and Benny Moré La engañadora, Orquesta América Mambo gozón, Tito Puente Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Wed, June 21, 2023
The evolution of salsa
Part 2 of Rebecca's conversation with ethnomusicologist Chris Washburne , author of Sounding Salsa: Performing Latin Music in New York City , and professor at Columbia University. This episode discusses salsa's evolution away from the Cuban son, the ways it became a symbol of pan-Latin identity, and the different ways Celia Cruz and La India navigated the genre's heteronormative gender politics. Songs played: La Murga, Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe La Negra Tiene Tumbao, Celia Cruz Ese Hombre, La India Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Wed, June 14, 2023
The birth of salsa
Rebecca is joined by ethnomusicologist Chris Washburne , author of Sounding Salsa: Performing Latin Music in New York City , and professor at Columbia University. As a professional trombonist, he played with Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, Ruben Blades, La India, and many others. We discuss the influence of Cuban music in New York in the first half of the 20th century, the controversy around the term "salsa," and the way Puerto Rican and other Latinos built on this foundation to create a new musical style. Songs played: I Like It Like That, Pete Rodriguez Mi Gente, Hector Lavoe Calle Luna, Calle Sol, Hector Lavoe and Willie Colon Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Wed, June 07, 2023
Jazz meets Afro-Cuban music
Rebecca is joined by Raul Fernandez , author of Latin Jazz: La Combinación Perfecta , to discuss the musicians who created Afro-Cuban jazz in the 1940s, and the way this movement paved the way for Latin jazz. Songs played: Tanga, Machito & His Afro-Cubans U-Bla-Ba-Du, Graciela with Machito's band The Peanut Vendor, Stan Kenton Manteca, Dizzy Gillespie and Chano Pozo Guachi Guaro, Cal Tjader Watermelon Man, Mongo Santamaria Afro-Blue, Mongo Santamaria Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Wed, May 31, 2023
Arsenio Rodriguez and his musical legacy
Ethnomusicologist David Garcia speaks with Rebecca about the significance and musical legacy of Arsenio Rodriguez, the prolific Cuban composer, tres player and bandleader. He spent the later decades of his career in New York, and his music was foundational for the emergence of salsa in the 1960s. Songs played: No hay yaya sin guayacán Mi china me botó La vida es un sueño Dame un cachito pa' huele Pa' huele, Eddie Palmieri Quítate tu, Fania All-Stars Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Wed, May 24, 2023
Rumba
Learn about rumba, the quintessential Afro-Cuban music and dance genre that's sometimes referred to as the heart and soul of Cuban music. Rebecca breaks down the different rumba styles and dances, discussing the historical and social context of its emergence in the later 19th century, and its wider influence. Songs played: Conga Yambumba, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas Maria Belen, Yoruba Andabo Oyelos de nuevo, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas Recuerdo a Malanga, Columbia del Puerto Clips of guaguancó dancing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHRwiA7eoQk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPqWwldJHI0 Clips of columbia dancing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24PRcrBAFuI&list=UULfwnZCq0oJa0afq6NCxbuw&index=105 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2sn_N9ljUA Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Wed, May 17, 2023
A deep dive into danzón, with Robin Moore
Rebecca is joined by Cuban music scholar Robin Moore to delve into the long and deep history of the Cuban danzón, including its links with American jazz, the ways it was initially denigrated as too "African" by elites, how it was eventually fused with other Cuban popular music genres, and how it came to be one of the most beloved genres in Mexico. Songs played in the episode: El Sungambelo Las Alturas de Simpson Campoamor, Frank Emilio Flynn La Patti Negra, Orquesta Pablo Valenzuela El bombín de Barreto Almendra, Abelardo Valdés Recordando Veracruz, Alejandro Cardona Mi gran pasión, Gonzalo Rubalcaba Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Wed, May 10, 2023
The Cuban origins of the bolero
This episode traces the Cuban roots of the quintessential Latin American romantic song, the bolero, which has been one of the most popular genres across Spanish-speaking countries for the past century. Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Wed, May 03, 2023
The roots of the Buena Vista Social Club
The Buena Vista Social Club was a massive success 25 years ago, spawning numerous albums, Grammy awards, a documentary film, and decades of international tours. This episode traces the roots and evolution of the genre the Buena Vista Social Club project set out to revive, the Cuban son , which had its heyday from the 1920s to the 50s. Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
Mon, April 24, 2023
Welcome to The Clave Chronicles
An introduction to The Clave Chronicles, a new podcast about the history of Cuban music and its global influences, hosted by Rebecca Bodenheimer. More about Rebecca's research on Cuban music: https://rmbodenheimer.com Check out her book, Geographies of Cubanidad: Place, Race, and Musical Performance in Contemporary Cuba (2015, University Press of Mississippi): https://www.amazon.com/Geographies-Cubanidad-Performance-Contemporary-Caribbean/dp/1496813154 Send us a text Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions
loading...