Alma de Cuba announces album release

Liverpool’s Alma de Cuba has teamed up with “Orquesta Buenos Tiempos” to present the release of their first album, ‘Plaza de la Revolución’.
Recorded live from the streets of Havana, Cuba, the album has been created by Alma de Cuba’s resident band 6ix Toys, with friends, under the working title “Orquestra Buenos Tiempos”.

“The idea behind the project was to create a unique mix of soul, blues, funk, jazz, rock and Afro-Cuban Latin. We are incredibly proud to combine some of the hottest young UK talents alongside Cuba’s finest musicians,” says producer of the album Fredo.

It contains a mix of popular songs, with a strong Latin American beat, and authentic Cuban sounds from their journey weaved into the production.

The album features live percussion sessions with Roberto Santamaria, nephew to world renowned conga player and Grammy Award winning Mongo Santamaria, whose credits include, Dizzy Gilespie, Tito Puente and Herbie Hancock.

The track list includes versions of Blur’s Song 2, Yolanda Be Cool’s massive summer hit, We Don’t Speak Americano and Michael Jackson’s Black or White.

Jake Foord, bass player from Orquestra Buenos Tiempos, said: “Experiencing Cuba’s culture first hand allowed us to develop a real knowledge of their percussion styles which are prominent throughout the album.

“The recording sessions with Roberto have helped fuse the Afro-Cuban rhythm in to the music. It was so spontaneous and sounds amazing. We were fortunate to work with some of Cuba’s best musicians on the album, such as Jazz legend Orlando Sanchez and Livan Morejon.”

Orquestra Buenos Tiempos will be performing the tracks for the first time at a free gig in Alma de Cuba, on Thursday 25th November, to launch the new album.

The night will also include sets from actor and renowned Radio 6 funk DJ Craig Charles, as well as the soulful vocals of singer Dionne Charles.

Guests will have the chance to reserve their copy of the album on the night, which will be available to buy from Tuesday 14th December.

Helen Tweed, marketing manager at Alma de Cuba, said: “Alma de Cuba isn’t just a venue, it’s an experience, and we wanted our guests to be able to take a piece of that home with them.

“The album is a real World Class fusion of Cuban and popular music, and the sounds Orquestra Buenos Tiempos have created perfectly depict how we wanted the venue represented.

“We are confident the album will be a great success, especially as it’s out just in time to make the perfect stocking filler.”