Abstract
There are different genres of music all over the world. These genres or styles of music are unique in every aspect. Different kinds of music might have originated from somewhere and gradually spread to other parts. During this period, such music was slowly accepted and incorporated in these areas. This paper explores the influences of the Cuban bolero by examining the different aspects of this genre of music and its impacts in different parts. It also gives the individuals who contributed to the advancement of this style of composition.
Introduction
There are different musical genres in Cuba that have always been loved in most parts of the Cuba. These genres include Bolero, trovador and habaneras. The Bolero, for instance, is a well known genre which traces its root back in the 19th Century in Cuba. It is a musical style that that descended from other forms or styles of songs. This genre also became popular in other parts such as Spain although there is a slight difference in these two versions (the Bolero in Cuba and that in Latin America). The Bolero in Spain was danced in a different style in that it involved couples who were divided in to groups. The couples danced while they were slightly apart (Watson, 2010).
On the other hand, the version in the Latin America was danced by a pair of couples who were dancing closely together. The other differences was the manner in which they were written and the rhythms. Most of the rhythms in the Latin version were African based (Bailyn, 2006).
There are several composers who were widely known as a result of their bolero compositions. These include Jose Pepe Sanchez who was a Cuban. One of his famous compositions was “Tristezas” (meaning sadness) in 1885. The song was divided in to two parts and also had a section with the guitar (known as pasacalle) that helped in carrying the melody. The Latin version of Bolero had fast paced rhythms and intense energy (Bailyn, 2006).
The Bolero rapidly found its way in other parts such as Puerto Rico and many places in Latin America. The famous composers that were known in Puerto Rico are Pedro Flores and Rafael Hernandez. Most of their compositions were in Bolero style (AfroCubaWeb, 1998).
Their music became popular and loved by most people and different groups even began to emulate them. The theme of most of these groups’s composition was love (romantic lyrics). It is a type of genre that mostly involves the expression of feelings such as heartbreak and love. Some of these groups include Trio Los Panchos, Trio Vegabageno among other groups (Bailyn, 2006).
The Bolero was not only performed by trios but also individuals. Several soloists like Julita Ross also performed this genre of music. It is known that Cuba produced renowned individuals who made the modern bolero be what it is. These were people with great talents when it came to their compositions and performances in many parts of the world. Though their legacy began to fade away, it has been put back in the limelight. Several recent recordings have brought back renowned composers from Cuba like Ibrahim Ferrer. These were the first people to get involved in Bolero music. The bolero music will live forever since it has spread to other parts of the Latin America and new musicians have come up such as Juan Luis Gimenez who hails from Brazil. In 1930, it spread to the United States and mainly consisted of different drum sounds and beats (Bailyn, 2006).
Ibrahim Ferrer was part of the group Buena Vista Social Club which was made up of renowned musicians from Cuba. The group was known worldwide during the 1990s but this did not affect Ibrahim. He was a humble Cuban who was born on 20th February 1927 in Santiago, Cuba. He lived in a neighborhood where there was a variety of musical forms. He started his career in music with his cousin and together they formed a group known as Los Jovenes del son and most of their shows were in local parties. He joined other groups such as Conjunto Sorpresa, Pacho Alonso and Conjunto Wilson. During this period he was 20 years old. His first record known as El plantar de Bartolo became a hit in 1955 when he was with the group Orquesta Chepin-Choven. This made him to advance in his career and he decided to move partnered with Orquesta Ritmo Oriental in Havana (McGuire, 2008).
He also collaborated with well renowned musician Beny More (Pagano, 2002). Later on Ibrahim in partnership with Pacho Alonso formed the group Los Bocucos. However, Ibrahim later felt that his potentials in Bolero rhythm were not being put in to action. He later retired in 1991 while still with the group Los Bocucos. In 1996, however, Juan de Marcos Gonzalez recalled Ibrahim from his shoe shining business so that they could record music with him. This took place during the Buena Vista sessions and Ry Cooder was lacking a soft voice that would perfectly match the Borero. Although he was hesitant to go to the studio, Ibrahim was later convinced by Juan de Marcos Gonzalez. Ibrahim managed to sing the Bolero in a perfect manner and this caught the attention of Ry Cooder. He also sang in the album A Toda Cuba le Gusta for the Afro-Cuban All Stars. This album was nominated in the Grammy’s. Ibrahim Ferrer began touring several parts of Europe with different groups and personalities such as Ruben Gonzalez. In 1997, Ibrahim went back to Egrem and recorded his solo album Buena Vista Social Club presents Ibrahim Ferrer that was produced by Ry Cooder. This album was a great hit and sold many copies. It proved Ibrahim’s prowess and superiority in bolero music and high tempo compositions. These turn of events brought Ibrahim back to international spotlight and he continued touring different parts of the world such as Asia, North America and Australia. Later on, he wrote and recorded a composition in conjunction with Damon Albarn (McGuire, 2008).
In 2003, he released his second album Buernos Hermanos. His album brings out variety of style and is full of energy and romantic themes which are expressed differently and in an interesting way. This album also won during the 4th annual Grammy Awards. Ibrahim also managed to snatch an award in the U.K. (MOBO award). In 2004, his album Buernos Hermanos also won at the BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music. Ibrahims wish was to release a bolero album which he and his friends began to record in 2004. The group was headed by Roberto Fonseca and other members included Cachaito Lopez and Manuel Galban. They performed some of the tracks which were in the album in 2005. In a bid to popularize the upcoming album, the group decided to go for a tour. After the tour, Ibrahim went back to Havana but unfortunately he fell sick and died on August 6 2005 when he was 78 years of age. His bolero album Mi Sueño was released two years later in 2007 by Nick Gold and this was Ibrahim’s dream. His performances were accepted by people of all ages worldwide who really appreciated his talent and contribution. He will therefore, be remembered for his contribution towards the spread of Cuban rhythms and music that is now appreciated worldwide (McGuire, 2008).
References
Afro-Cuba Web. (1998). Ibrahim Ferrer. Retrieved on 11th May, 2010 from http://afrocubaweb.com/ibrahimferrer.html
Bailyn, E. (2006).Bolero. Retrieved on 11th May, 2010 from http://www.musicofpuertorico.com/index.php/genre/bolero/
McGuire. (2008). Ibrahim Ferrer. Retrieved on 11th May, 2010 from http://www.nonesuch.com/artists/ibrahim-ferrer
Pagano, C. (2002).Benny More and the Cuban Bolero. Retrieved on 11th May, 2010 from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FXV/is_2_12/ai_84543267/
Watson, S. (2010). Spanish Bolero. Retrieved on 11th May, 2010 from http://www.streetswing.com/histmain/z3bolro.htm
