jorge wrote:where do people think clave-based popular dance music is headed in the next few years? From what Abakua has been saying, Australia seems to be going toward timba Cubana. Where is NYC headed?
Que bola Jorge, while NYC typical salsa is still popular with the great majority of 'dance schools' which pack out the clubs and festivals, it is Salsa Cubana/Timba that has the greatest following though with material for clubs, also with bands, their repertoire is heavilly Cuban influenced, the US style salsa has just round out of steem here, being overrun by the more hardcore grooves of the likes of the popular groups of Cuba.
This is also the case in many European countries and also South America. There is a huge Timba/Salsa Cubana following in these countries. The top Cuban bands are constantly touring Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, with Peru by far having the most frequently arriving bands from La Habana.
In fact it has proven so fruitful in terms of $$$$ that Tirso Duarte (one of the most powerful modern Cuban singers) has relocated to Colombia and runs a promotional agency booking Cuban artists/bands and events. He is doing very well, lining up tours etc through all of sth and central america, with the likes of Alexander Abreu y Havana D'Primera, Maykel Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor, Pupy, Los Van Van, Charanga Habanera, NG etc etc...
Mayito Rivera has recently left Los Van Van (replaced by Mandy Cantero) and relocating out of Cuba, he is currently based in Colombia due to so much work being offered his way and will soon also be touring with Miami based group Timbalive.
The top Cuban groups are in constant demand throughout Europe, Sth America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa, with on average 4 - 5 of the most popular groups out of the island on tour at any given time, its like tag team, as a few more return, a few more leave, all year round.
As for some prior ignorant comments re me needing to get out of Australia to see whats happening in the world, sorry champ, try again. I have travelled extensively throughout Sth America, US, Europe and Asia, both personal and through music. And recently also, not 30-40 yrs ago when the 'salsa' world was alot different to today.
Not to mention being in constant communication with my contacts throughout these countries and the blogs etc which update whos who and whos travelling where etc...
I choose to return now to Cuba for such a lengthy stay not only because it houses all my favourite musical genres from folkloric to popular modern, but also because of its sheer reality, honesty, creativity, originality and energy, everywhere you turn music is bursting with life and has the 100% support of its people, a truly musically educated and appreciative public.
Live open air rehearsals constantly turn into all out parties with crowds dancing away and partying on while the bands run their repertoire...