Book: Cuba and its Music

Author Ned Sublette
This remarkable book is without doubt the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative history of Cuban music in English. The political history of Cuba itself is brilliantly examined through the story of its music. Combining breathtaking scholarship with extensive personal experience, Sublette is an enthralling storyteller with a passion for Cuba, bringing fresh insight to the country's musical - and political - journey.
Publisher: Chicago Review Press | ISBN no: 978-1-55652-632-9 | Year:

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First published in 2004 and now out in paperback, this remarkable book is without doubt the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative history of Cuban music in English. It is aptly titled since the political history of Cuba itself is brilliantly examined through the story of its music.

Combining breathtaking scholarship with extensive personal experience, Sublette is an enthralling storyteller with a passion for Cuba, bringing fresh insight to the country’s musical - and political - journey. Both old fans and newcomers will find much to relish here. From fascinating journeys to African roots to vivid recreations of life in old Havana and Santiago, he breathes new life into old legends as well as respectfully proposing revolutionary theories on a range of musical and cultural topics.

The book comes to a halt in 1952 with the US recognising Batista’s dictatorship; however a second volume is promised which is certainly worth waiting for. Until that time, no lover of Cuba or its music should be without this essential volume which does what all great music books should - send the reader racing to listen once again to this magnificent music, with fresh ears.

Dave Willetts