HOMENAJE A TIO TOM - Smithsonian Folkways Release 2/18/2008

Let's talk about what can be found around that worth having..

Postby ralph » Wed Dec 19, 2007 1:24 pm

Just got this from Willie "El Ruso": (this is the long awaited Rene Lopez Sr. production that he has been trying to get released for a while)

SMITHSONIAN FOLKWAYS TO RELEASE 'A TRIBUTE TO GONZALO ASENCIO, "TÍO
TOM"' ON FEBRUARY 12, 2008

FIRST ALBUM HONORING "THE IRVING BERLIN OF THE RUMBA" BOASTS ALL-STAR
LINEUP OF CONJUNTO TODO RUMBERO LED BY ORLANDO "PUNTILLA" RÍOS


On February 12, 2008, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings will release 'A
Tribute to Gonzalo Asencio, "Tío Tom,"' the first album dedicated to
the legendary Cuban rumba composer's music. The album features the
all-star lineup of the band Conjunto Todo Rumbero, under the direction
of renowned drummer Orlando "Puntilla" Ríos, performing eight of
Asencio's most famous rumba songs as well as a new piece inspired by
his work and influence by Asencio's influential oeuvre. 'A Tribute to
Gonzalo Asencio' pays homage to Asencio's unique story and
contributions to the rumba tradition, which exemplifies the deep roots
of Afro-Cuban music.

"The impact of Tío Tom's career stretches far beyond his lifetime,"
explains Director of Smithsonian Folkways Daniel Sheehy, "as many of
his compositions set the standard for rumba composition and
performance."

Producer René López describes Asencio as "the Irving Berlin of the
rumba," and his numerous and notable contributions to the genre
certainly justify the comparison. Better known as "Tío Tom," Asencio
was born in Cuba in 1919 and began composing when he was only fifteen
years old. Asencio specialized in the popular guaguancó style of rumba,
and he composed songs that were culturally relevant, engaging and often
political. His first work to gain popularity was "Mal de yerba (The Bad
Seed)," in which the singer advises a troubled woman that watching
popular movies (including "The Postman Always Rings Twice," "The Great
Waltz" and "The Bad Seed") will help improve her mood. Asencio's most
famous song, "¿Dondé están los cubanos? (Where Are the Cubans?)," was
also his most controversial: Tío Tom was jailed for criticizing Cuban
President Carlos Prío Socarrás in his patriotic song responding to
North American sailors' desecration of the statue of poet, statesman
and national hero José Martí. Along with these well-known selections
from Asencio's catalogue, 'A Tribute to Gonzalo Asencio, "Tío Tom"'
also includes "Solo, errante y bohemio (Alone, Errant and Bohemian),"
an autobiographical work that describes the lonely life typical of a
rumba musician. This lifestyle left Asencio vulnerable to exploitation
by other musicians, who fraudulently registered his works under their
own names. By the time Asencio died in 1991 in the Guanabacoa
neighborhood of Cuba, his friends had helped transcribe and register
his songs properly, allowing him to claim his composer's rights.

With annotations from distinguished Cuban musicologist Leonardo Acosta
and a foreword by Sheehy, 'A Tribute to Gonzalo Asencio, "Tío Tom"'
traces rumba's African and Cuban roots, its rise in the port cities of
Havana and Matanzas at the turn of the 20th century, and its growth in
the decades since. The talented Conjunto Todo Rumbero led by Orlando
"Puntilla" Ríos showcase Asencio's work and legacy throughout the album
and especially on the final track, "Tío columbia (Uncle Columbia)."
Composed by celebrated rumberos Ernesto "El Gato" Gatel and Ríos, the
song pays tribute to Ascencio's profound impact on rumba music and its
performers.




Edited By ralph on 1198070788
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Postby afrocubarico » Wed Jan 02, 2008 7:57 pm

Good lookin out ralph! I'll be sure to get this as soon as it comes out. Thanks again.

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Re: HOMENAJE A TIO TOM - Smithsonian Folkways Release 2/18/2008

Postby afrocubarico » Fri May 16, 2008 6:51 am

ralph,
I just recently acquired this album and let me say that it is a smoker! Highly Recommended!

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Re: HOMENAJE A TIO TOM - Smithsonian Folkways Release 2/18/2008

Postby bongosnotbombs » Fri May 16, 2008 5:58 pm

I also have this recording, it is very good, I recommend buying a real copy,
as the booklet it comes with is very interesting and well done.........
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