Valdes, Arty - Mr Guaguanco [CD]

It is the rhythm of Guaguanco, one of the most original musical expressions of Cuban popular folklore. Originally from Africa, it came to Cuba to stay, and there in the contagious Cuban atmosphere it was transformed into Rumba. One of the music's main progenitors was Arteberto Valdes - better known as 'Arty" Valdes, a revered musical author with deep-rooted prestige in Cuba, featured on this album entitled "Mr. Guaguanco," with the support of a great Guaguanco group. Arty Valdes was the proud author of "Amigo de Que," a musical work that was No. 1 on the Hit-Parade in New York, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Venezuela back in the late 1950s, and is still highly revered among Cuban music aficionados, and fans of the many great compositions and infectious music that flowed from one of the true innovators of Cuban rhythm, the great Arty Valdés. This excellent rare album, originally recorded in the late 1950s, is presented here newly remastered for this special historic archival release.