by Berimbau » Sun Feb 20, 2005 2:41 am
Greetings to All,
I'm not certain how many of us here are interested in the music history end of Afro-Cuban music. I'm certain that at least a few of us can quote Don Fernando Ortiz chapter and verse. Ned Sublette has recently published a very comprehensive book in English on the development of Afro-Cuban music. Cuba and its Music: From the First Drums to the Mambo is highly recommended. Published in 2004 by Chicago Review Press, the 672 page tome is only the first of two installments. This first volume deals extensively with the history and demographics of Cuba and how the music developed in various social and political environments. The various musical, social, and religious contributions of peoples from Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin, Spain, Haiti, and Kongo are meticulously covered in this most readable book. I believe the book is available through Descarga.com and Amazon.com. Read it and enjoy.
Saludos,
Berimbau
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