The foundation of this legendary group is connected to Ry Cooder, an equally legendary American guitarist having worked with international artists and illluminaries such as the Rolling Stones and Van Morrison. Ry travelled to Cuba and recruited the old forgotten local musicians. Buena Vista Social Club was originally a members club in Havana, Cuba where famous musicians and dancers met in 1940’s. With the same name they formed a music group in 1996. Their performances led to an international success. Upon the release on 17 September 1997, the CD went far beyond that of most world music releases and won a Grammy Award in 1998. Today, the album’s global sales stand at over 8 million.
The ensemble was encouraged to play with a full line-up in Amsterdam (1998). Wim Wenders, the German director made a documentary about the live concerts in Amsterdam, and later at the Carnegie Hall (New York), with the title “Buena Vista Social Club”, which was nominated for Academy Award and won numerous prizes.
After 7 years success and cooperation Compay Segundo and Rubén Gonzalez died at the age of 94 and 84 respectively. Two years later unfortunately Ibrahim Ferrer also left the group (1927-2005). Buena Vista Social Club had a huge role in making Cuban- and Latin music world famous. Their recollection and cultural heritage is immortal.
More information: http://www.buenavistasocialclub.com/
Members of Buena Vista Social Club:
• Luis Barzaga – choralist
• Joachim Cooder – udu (drum)
• Ry Cooder – guitar, mbira
• Julio Alberto Fernández – singer, maraca
• Ibrahim Ferrer (1927-2005) – singer
• Carlos González – bongo
• Juan de Marcos González – bandmaster
• Rubén González (1919-2003) – piano
• Salvador Repilado Labrada – double bass
• Manuel „Puntillita” Licea – singer
• Orlando „Cachaito” López – double bass
• Benito Suárez Magana – guitar
• Manuel „Guajiro” Mirabal – trumpet
• Eliades Ochoa – singer, guitar
• Omara Portuondo – singer
• Julienne Ovideo Sánchez – dulcimer
• Compay Segundo (1907-2005) – guitar, singer
• Barbarito Torres – laúd (traditional Cuban instrument)
• Alberto "Virgilio Valdés – maraca
• Lázaro Villa – guiro
• Amadito Valdés - timbales (type of drum)
• Pio Leyva – singer
Discography:
1997 Buena Vista Social Club
1999 Buena Vista Social Club (DVD)
2008 Buena Vista Social Club at Carnegie Hall
by Zsuzsa Melkvi
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About the Author: Zsuzsa Melkvi is a salsa dancer and teacher, having competed in Latin-American and Standard dances from 1995-1998. She is also the founder of Baila Cuba (www.bailacuba.hu), a Dance company focused on giving exclusively pure Afro-Cuban workshops in Hungary. Zsuzsa holds a BA degree in Economics from the University of Hertfordshire.
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