Sophie Giraud
Cubanismo! played to a respectfully full, yet comfortable room on a wintery 6 March Monday night in Toronto.
Walking in at 8:45pm. the concert had already started and the 15 piece band was already into their 2nd song. Thinking they were only going to play one set, we were quite alarmed. The ticket did say "doors at 8pm; show at 9pm."
However, the first impression walking up to the front where dancers were crowding around the stage was one of unbelievable warmth.
Three singers, one of which is one of the world's most loved soneros, Rolo Martinez, played a 45 minute first set of traditional and great Cuban dance rhythms masterfully arranged by band leader and trumpet virtuoso Jesus Alemañy. Rhythms were, of course, the Cuban Son, Songo, Guarachas, Chachas and Danzon.
The band took a 20 minute break to come back to an unexpected 2nd set - another full 45 minute set! The encore that finished the evening had the audience feeling that they had a complete "night out" as opposed to just attending an "in week" concert.
One of the highlights of the night, which generated appreciative shouts from the audience was the solo
taken by all of the musicians - each and every one a virtuoso in their own right.
Several people in the crowd mentioned that this show was one of the best concerts that they had seen in the last couple of years. Although the writer had seen them before at Massey Hall where the sound definitely is superior, the Opera House, while not known for producing good sound, was a real bonus that allowed us to wander around, get close to the stage and dance.
Thanks to the usual generosity of Cuban musicians we were lucky to enjoy them after the show. Cubanismo! stayed around for half an hour to meet the audience, take pictures and sign autographs. They socalized with the local musicians, fans, as well as the Cubans living in Toronto.
A great supporter of the arts, Cuban Consul General Laureano Cardoso was there. He spent time in the evening with festival promoter Patrick Taylor and then took time to visit with the Cubanismo! before they had to leave to the Sheraton by the airport.
Their plane back to Cuba was at 7am. Rolo shared with the writer that he had been hoping to buy some more gifts for his wife. He said they had run out of time the tour schedule had been so tight.
This writer also had a chance to meet Jesus Alemañy, Cubanismo's band leader. He said that although he now lives in England, he spends most of his time in Cuba composing,arranging and recording with fellow Cuban musicians.
It was really a special night out for many of Toronto's great musicians. Jazz trumpeter David Buchbinder was enjoying the band along with trumpeter Alexis Baró ( jazz trumpet)who recently launched his Solo CD Havana Banana. Also singers Evaristo Machado; Yeti from Articulo Veinte; dancers Vladimir and Juan Carlos, singer and Jazz FM presenter Amanda Martinez. The turn-out was a great mix of all ages and walks of life and interests.
Take in a pre-concert interview with Danilo Navas over at latinjazznet.com.
Sophie Giraud's work appears as motion picture company movie set publicity stills.
