Neil Spencer 

Gilles Peterson Presents Havana Cultura

Gilles Peterson's foray into the current Havana scene adds hip-hop and pop to the salsa mix, writes Neil Spencer
  
  


The cold war ice continues to melt in Cuba. Overseen by BBC world DJ Gilles Peterson, this double CD set is a snapshot of Havana's music scene two generations on from Buena Vista Social Club. Album one is Peterson's own studio production, a jazzy groove romp with a session band led by piano tyro Roberto Fonseca. Album two is a collection of Peterson's current Cuban faves, heavy on hip-hop from groups such as Free Hole Negro, but also embracing salsa, reggaeton and pop. Whatever the style, delightful quirkiness and invention interplay with the island's trademark rhythms. Fascinating.

 

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