Originally from Havana, Cuba, Angel Carrazana began playing music internationally in 1979. In the decades since, he’s played in Hungary, France, Spain, Bulgaria, Poland, Argentina, and Paraguay. And now, Mexico is the latest of his destinations. Angel, his son Harold, and four of their friends have formed Caribe Expresso, a band that plays Cuban music at La Bodeguita del Medio in Puerto Vallarta every night after 9:00.
Caribe Expresso consists of six members. Angel, the patriarch and director of the band, plays the piano. Harold, his son, is on keyboards and backing vocals. Alden Correa and Ramon Arguelles make up the percussion section, and Eldemis Fernandez and Yisel Perez are the lead vocalists. The band is unique among Cuban groups because there are two female lead singers, and because there are only six members (many Cuban bands are twice as big). The size of Caribe Expresso is in no way a detriment, however – the members are gifted and have a good chemistry together, and they play complex salsa and bolero songs with ease.
We asked Angel how to listen to Cuban music. He said, “If you start tapping your foot and start connecting to the music, it begins to make sense. You can also learn to appreciate it by looking at the performers – Cubans are very happy people, and we transmit that happiness through the music and the dances. Look at the performers, feel their energy, and see how they move and feel the music.”
As for future plans, Caribe Expresso hopes to renew their contract at La Bodeguita. They like Mexico, and feel that Mexican culture and the warmth of Mexican people is very close to Cuba. In particular, they told us that they love Puerto Vallarta – the beaches and the relaxed pace of life reminds them of Havana.
So, next time you’re in Vallarta, stop by La Bodeguita, check out Caribe Expresso, and pick up one of their CDs for only 150 pesos. You’ll be glad you did.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
