A NIGHT OF CUBAN SOUL
FT. GINO CASTILLO, YUSA & CALIXTO OVIEDO
Special message from Gino.
Musical genres like son cubano, bolero and guajira were largely forgotten after the Cuban revolution but were spectacularly rediscovered and brought to global prominence by the Buena Vista Social Club project in the late 1990s. This music transcends generations and borders, showcasing the rich and vibrant sounds of traditional Cuban artistry.
The audience would be transported by the interlocking rhythms, the soulful vocals, and the improvisational flourishes that are hallmarks of this iconic style.
Gino Castillo is a Charlotte-based Cuban-American percussionist, bandleader, and educator. Born in Santiago de Cuba, Castillo is a master of Afro-Cuban percussion, with a deep understanding of traditional rhythms. His work often bridges the gap between traditional Cuban music and contemporary jazz, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated following. With his band, the Cuban Cowboys, Gino Castillo has played professionally in Ecuador, Cuba, New York City, and the Carolinas.
YUSA
Yusa is a Cuban singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her innovative fusion of traditional Cuban music with jazz, pop, and rock influences. Hailing from Havana, Yusa’s captivating voice and versatile musicianship on instruments like the tres, guitar, and bass, have made her a unique and celebrated voice in contemporary Latin American music. She is praised for her poetic lyrics and her ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical styles. Nominated for two BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards, her dynamic live performances, captured in “Yusa Live at Ronnie Scott’s,” have captivated audiences worldwide.
