The Buena Vista Orchestra — KEXP Studio, Seattle, 2024

Recorded on 3 September 2024 in the KEXP radio studio in Seattle, this live session features The Buena Vista Orchestra, an ensemble carrying on the spirit of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club and the Cuban son that conquered the world in the late 1990s. Led by trombonist and musical director Jesús “Aguaje” Ramos, the orchestra rolls out four classics of the Afro-Cuban repertoire: “El Cuarto de Tula,” “Bemba Colorá,” “Santa Lucía” and “Candela.” Between warm brass, virtuosic piano, timbales, congas and shared vocals, the ensemble brings son, guaracha and bolero back to life with infectious energy. The voices of Geidy Chapman and Aldo Álvarez converse with the horn section and the Afro-Caribbean rhythm. A benchmark live filmed concert for discovering Cuban music and the son montuno, this KEXP capture documents the transmission of a living tradition carried by top-flight musicians. A warm full concert that invites you to dance at once.