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Edgar Macías Quintet
Buena Vista Social Club is both the name given to this extraordinary group of musicians and the album, recorded in just seven days in 1996 in Havana’s 1950s vintage EGREM studios. It was clear from the atmosphere of the recording sessions that something very special was taking place. However, no one could have predicted that Buena Vista Social Club would become a worldwide phenomenon – awarded a Grammy in 1997 and, at 8 million copies, outselling any other record in the same genre.
The acclaim of the original album has elevated the artists (including Ibrahim Ferrer, Rubén González & Omara Portuondo) to superstar status, inspired an award-winning film by Wim Wenders, and has contributed to popularising Cuba’s rich musical heritage. Produced by Ry Cooder for World Circuit, the timeless quality of the music and the sheer verve of the veteran performers have ensured that this will go down as one of the landmark recordings of the 20th century”.
The project is about the Edgar Macías Quintet’s “take” on this album or rendition of it. Every single track from this landmark album has been re-arranged and adapted for a Latin Jazz Quintet format, based on the abilities of each member of the group.
Line Up: Edgar Macias – piano/vocals, Chris Bowden, alto sax & hand percussion, Tom Hill – bass/vocals, Miles Levin – drums & Richard Sealy, congas & percussion
