Available everywhere RIGHT NOW!

Friends, we're SO happy to announce -

Get ready to dance and groove to the Afro-Cuban beats of Conjunto Guantánamo. This dynamic and energetic new track is sure to get you moving with its passionate and soulful melodies.   "We are honored to pay tribute to the legacy of Juana Gonzales de Cabrera and Sexteto Habanero by re-releasing 'Loma de Belén' to a new generation of music enthusiasts," says Ulises Beato, leader of CG. He adds, "The song's historical importance cannot be overstated. We’ve put our hearts and souls into this one.”

New York City - Conjunto Guantánamo, the renowned Afro-Cuban band, is excited to announce the upcoming re-release of the timeless song 'Loma de Belén.' Originally written by the talented Juana Gonzales de Cabrera and first recorded in 1925 by the legendary Sexteto Habanero, this classic piece holds significant historical and cultural value as one of the pioneering tracks of the 'son Cubano' genre. Conjunto Guantánamo's fresh interpretation is available everywhere right now by Nganga Records, bringing a contemporary twist to this beloved musical gem.

'Loma de Belén' is a musical masterpiece that takes listeners on a journey back to the golden era of Cuban music. The song's rich history and the sentimental value it holds make it an essential part of the Latin music canon. Conjunto Guantánamo's rendition pays homage to the original recording by Sexteto Habanero while adding their own unique flair, captivating both devoted fans of the genre and new audiences alike.

Juana Gonzales de Cabrera, the brilliant composer of 'Loma de Belén,' was not only an accomplished artist but also the wife of the esteemed Felipe Neri Cabrera, a founding member and maraca player for Sexteto Habanero when it was established in 1920. This connection deepens the song's significance, as it brings together the talents of a gifted composer and the musical expertise of one of the band's key members.

Conjunto Guantánamo, renowned for their soulful and vibrant performances, brings a refreshing energy to 'Loma de Belén.' With their exceptional musicianship and dedication to preserving the roots of Afro-Cuban music, the band is expected to breathe new life into this beloved composition.

"We are honored to pay tribute to the legacy of Juana Gonzales de Cabrera and Sexteto Habanero by re-releasing 'Loma de Belén' to a new generation of music enthusiasts," says bandleader and Cuban percussionist Ulises Beato. "The song's historical importance cannot be overstated, and we’ve put our hearts and souls into this rendition so it resonates with fans of the genre worldwide."

Conjunto Guantánamo's version of 'Loma de Belén' promises to be a celebration of the authentic essence of Cuban music, featuring the band's signature blend of rhythms and vibrant melodies. As the most popular band in Cuba during the 1920s and 30s, Sexteto Habanero's influence on the ‘son Cubano' genre was unmatched, and Conjunto Guantánamo is eager to continue that tradition with this re-release.

🍾Successes and Wins with Our Latest Song Release 'Rumba Guajira' 🎉

March 10, 2023

As a musician, there are few things more satisfying than seeing your hard work pay off with the release of a new song and seeing it connect with listeners and fans in a big way. Whether it's a hit single or a deep cut, every new track brings with it the possibility of new fans, new opportunities, and new triumphs. The excitement and satisfaction of knowing that people are enjoying your work is hard to beat. But when that new song starts to generate buzz beyond just your immediate circle of fans, that's when you know you're onto something really special. If you're lucky, those triumphs can come in all shapes and sizes - from a glowing review on a great blog to a spot on a popular playlist.

Recently, our new song 'Rumba Guajira' (released February 24, 2023 on Nganga Records) has been experiencing a wave of success that's been both thrilling and humbling. We've been fortunate enough to experience a number of exciting wins, including being interviewed on the radio, receiving positive reviews from bloggers across the globe, and getting added to a number of popular playlists. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Click here to stream the song on Spotify or any other streaming platform you prefer. Don't forget to FOLLOW and LIKE

https://ctoguantanamo.hearnow.com/rumba-guajira

Radio play and interview:

One of the most exciting things that's happened since our new song ‘Rumba Guajira’ was released was getting the chance to be interviewed on the radio. Recently Ulises was lucky enough to have a chat with our friend Luis Pomales on WPKN’s ‘La Esquina Latina,’ a popular community FM radio station that covers the Connecticut and Long Island area. It was amazing to be able to talk to Luis about our music, our creative process, and the history of Afro-Cuban music. The interview gave us the opportunity to connect with listeners who might not have heard our music before, and it was a great chance to get some new exposure with a new audience.

Find the whole interview here — https://bit.ly/3ZCoySn

We were also heard in Rome on Roberta Besito de Coco’s show Radio Cuba e Dintorni on Radio Mambo as well as NPR’s World Music Show with our friend Ian Stewart in Virginia on VPM.

Blog Reviews:

Another exciting win we've experienced is getting reviewed by bloggers from around the world. We've had bloggers in countries as far away as Kenya, Turkey, Germany, Mexico, Colombia and the UK take the time to write up glowing reviews of our new song. It's amazing to think that our music is resonating with people across the globe, and we're so grateful for their kind words and support. It's been a thrill to see our music reaching new audiences and getting reviewed by writers who are passionate about discovering new talent.

Check us out on the Aipate Blog from Kenya, R más (R+) music blog from Mexico, Solar Latin Club in Colombia and Rhythm Passport from the U.K.

Playlist Adds:

We've been thrilled to see our new song added to a number of popular playlists. This includes playlists on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, as well as curated lists like Spotify’s Release Radar and Discover Weekly. It's incredible to see our music sitting alongside some of our favorite artists, and we hope that this exposure will help us connect with even more fans. 

Overall, the success of our new song has been an incredibly humbling and rewarding experience. It's amazing to see the impact that our music is having, and we're so grateful for all of the support we've received. Of course, we know that there's still a long way to go - but for now, we're just enjoying the ride. We've already seen a big spike in streams and followers as a result of these wins and we're grateful for the chance to connect with even more music fans around the world. If you haven't checked out our new song yet, we hope you'll give it a listen and join us on this exciting musical journey! Of course, none of these wins would be possible without the support of our fans and followers, who have been spreading the word about our new song and sharing it with their own networks. We're so grateful for the love and enthusiasm that our fans have shown us, and we're committed to continuing to create music that resonates with them and connects with people on a deep level.

 

CG has Four Performances at North Carolina Folk Festival

 

###

.
.
.
.
.
#pepitogomez #conjuntoguantanamo #salsa #nyc #cuban #cuba #barquisimeto #venezuela #cubanmusic #livemusic #dance #salsero #piano #キューバ音楽 #latinmusic #percussions #キューバ #timba #afro-cuban  #futbol #timessquare #ラテン #music #buenavistasocialclub #japan #サルサ #afrocuban #newyork #yamaha #latinpercussion #remo 

 

Conjunto Guantánamo is RECOGNIZED WITH CITY ARTISTS CORPS GRANT FROM NEW YORK FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS

Afro-Cuban sextet, Conjunto Guantánamo is RECOGNIZED WITH CITY ARTISTS CORPS GRANT FROM NEW YORK FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS (NYFA) AND THE NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS (DCLA) 

Conjunto Guantánamo Will Present a Free Concert At The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center on October 20 as Part of the Award Program

New York, NY – Conjunto Guantánamo is one of 3,000 New York City-based artists to receive a full grant through the City Artist Corps Grants program, presented by The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), with support from the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) as well as Queens Theatre.

Conjunto Guantánamo was recognized for their significance in their roles as the “ambassadors of Cuban Folklore,” and they’ll bring their own brand of traditional “Son Cubano” music to this multi-arts cultural institution in the Lower East Side of Manhattan on October 20, 2021 at 8pm. 

Conjunto Guantánamo's soulful sound is layered with authentic Cuban swing and sophisticated influences like "El Barbaro" Benny More, Arsenio Rodriguez, Roberto Faz, and Miguelito Cuní. Playing authentic traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms like Son Montuno, Cha-Cha-Cha, Mambo, and Rumba with contemporary energy, their performances sometimes transition into extended experimental descargas -- a type of Afro-Cuban improvisational jam session -- using musical motifs straight from the streets of Havana and Matanzas, combined with the very spirit of New York City. Their recordings, available on Spotify and everywhere, are also lively and robust revivals of the most traditional compositions of the Afro-Cuban songbook. 

Over the course of three award cycles, more than 3,000 artists will receive $5,000 grants to engage the public with artist activities across New York City’s five boroughs this summer and fall. Artists can use the grant to create new work or phase of a work, or restage preexisting creative activities across any discipline. 

Members of the public can participate in City Artist Corps Grants programming by following the hashtag #CityArtistCorps on social media. 

City Artist Corps Grants was launched in June 2021 by NYFA and DCLA with support from the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) as well as Queens Theatre. The program is funded by the $25 million New York City Artist Corps recovery initiative announced by Mayor de Blasio and DCLA earlier this year. The grants are intended to support NYC-based working artists who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. It is strongly recommended that a portion of the grant be used to support artist fees, both for the applying artist and any other artist that is engaged to support the project. 

###

.
.
.
.
.
#pepitogomez #conjuntoguantanamo #salsa #nyc #cuban #cuba #barquisimeto #venezuela #cubanmusic #livemusic #dance #salsero #piano #キューバ音楽 #latinmusic #percussions #キューバ #timba #afro-cuban  #futbol #timessquare #ラテン #music #buenavistasocialclub #japan #サルサ #afrocuban #newyork #yamaha #latinpercussion #remo 

 

Release of Soul Makossa

 

Conjunto Guantánamo drops their latest single, a remake of Manu Dibango’s hit Soul Makossa.  This musical release, out October 30, 2020, will find a wide audience with both newcomers and aficionados alike.

Preview CG’s ‘Soul Makossa’ via Soundcloud - http://bit.ly/XXXXXXX

“Soul Makossa,” touted as the 70s underground hit that inspired the Disco craze, has been reinterpreted and refreshed as a spectacular Afro-Cuban son by the so-called “ambassadors of Cuban folklore,” Conjunto Guantánamo. (Out Oct 30, 2020/Nganga Records) 

The Afro-jazz-funk classic, composed by Manu Dibango and originally released in 1972, has been either sampled or covered numerous times by scores of different artists throughout the decades, most notably by Michael Jackson in his song “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” off his best-selling “Thriller” album and by Rihanna in her song “Don’t Stop the Music.”

This time though, “Soul Makossa” has been repurposed into an infectious Cuban dance track with new instrumentation and a fresh arrangement by bassist Carlos Mena. It’s the first time “Soul Makossa” has ever been cast as a salsa theme.

 “… Afro-Cuban Ensemble Conjunto Guantánamo [explore] the rhythms of son montuno, cha-cha-cha, mambo and rumba with contemporary energy…”

– Jane Levere, Forbes

“It’s always been one of my favorite tunes ever since I heard it at the age of six,” says percussionist Ulises Beato who’s the leader of Conjunto Guantanamo. “As I first arrived in funky Miami in the early 70s, I heard it on the radio and it immediately had me hooked. It was one of my favorite songs even then.” He adds, “Years ago I had the idea of playing it Afro-Cuban son style but other projects always got in the way of that idea.”

Watch the video of 'Conjunto Guantánamo' - http://bit.ly/XXXXXX

Sadly a few weeks after COVID hit, the song’s composer Manu Dibango contracted coronavirus and passed away near Paris at the age of 86.

“I heard the news and then I realized the loss of this influential guy. I thought this is the time to finally make this song into a son Cubano number and give the tune and composer the appreciation they deserved.” Beato continues, “I talked to the band and due to the quarantine, we started working remotely on interpreting the tune. We were used to always recording all together at the studio at the same time so it was kind of weird.”

This new Afro-Cuban interpretation of the song takes its original Cameroonian roots and rehashes the whole affair in an Afro-Cuban light with the roots of Afro-Cuban polyrhythms stemming from places in Western Africa like Nigeria and the old Congo region. Dibango was from Cameroon and spoke Duala so some of the rhythms used in his original music are from a different end of the African rhythmic spectrum.

Conjunto Guantánamo’s new version definitely has a different feel from DiBango’s and yet it retains the same laid-back swing and power of the original. The harmonies of the backup vocals along with Pepito Gomez‘s powerful lead vocals, the deep, sultry tones of the Trumpet, and the way the Bass and Piano are intertwining their own grooves around the polyrhythms of the Tumba and Bongo are given a steady beat by Pepito’s Tres guitar. Like a steam locomotive steadily driving the dancers with the steady funky beat of its very capable engine.

Find the new single ‘Soul Makossa’ on all music platforms starting October 30, 2020

###

.
.
.
.
.
#pepitogomez #conjuntoguantanamo #salsa #nyc #cuban #cuba #barquisimeto #venezuela #cubanmusic #livemusic #dance #salsero #piano #キューバ音楽 #latinmusic #percussions #キューバ #timba #afro-cuban  #futbol #timessquare #ラテン #music #buenavistasocialclub #japan #サルサ #afrocuban #newyork #yamaha #latinpercussion #remo #manudibango #afro-cubanfunk #

 

Our Latsest Single, El Son Convidando — Out Now!

 

###

.

.

.

.

.

#pepitogomez #conjuntoguantanamo #salsa #nyc #cuban #cuba #barquisimeto #venezuela #cubanmusic #livemusic #dance #salsero #piano #キューバ音楽 #latinmusic #percussions #キューバ #timba #afro-cuban  #futbol #timessquare #ラテン #music #buenavistasocialclub #japan #サルサ #afrocuban #newyork #yamaha #latinpercussion #remo 

A big shout out to our friend Alastair Johnston of Muzikfan

A big shout out to our friend Alastair Johnston of Muzikfan for playing our upcoming single 'El Son Convidando' on Muzikfan's Podcast. Listen – http://bit.ly/33KeMAz

###

.

.

.

.

.

#pepitogomez #conjuntoguantanamo #salsa #nyc #cuban #cuba #barquisimeto #venezuela #cubanmusic #livemusic #dance #salsero #piano #キューバ音楽 #latinmusic #percussions #キューバ #timba #duopharma  #futbol #timessquare #ラテン #music #mayitorivera #japan #サルサ #afrocuban #newyork #yamaha #AlastairJohnston #Muzikfan

News from the Richmond Folk Festival 2019 - November 6, 2019

Presave our third single titled ‘El Son Convidando’ before its release on November 29 and you could win some cool prizes while supporting us in a big way. The more Presaves we get for our single before it’s released, the more Spotify is likely to add our song to its own hugely popular curated playlists and that’s GOLD to an independent band like ours. Getting added to playlists helps us grow our fan base exponentially which is a tremendous benefit to Conjunto Guantanamo. Help us get our music to more fans by Presaving now!

Presave 'El Son Convidando' before November 29 on Spotify here

 - 

November 6, 2019

News from the Richmond Folk Festival 2019

A couple of weeks ago we played the Richmond Folk Festival in Virginia and we had such a great experience that I wanted to share it with our Tribe and tell you all the details. The festival was 3 days long and we played a total of six engagements of different sorts so here are some highlights. let’s start at the beginning.

On Friday...

Style Weekly

The first cool thing to happen for the Festival was that the local arts and entertainment publication in Virginia called Style Weekly published a nice article about us entitled Digging Deep and written by Peter McElhinney. It felt good to arrive in Richmond with a little fanfare being shared about us right before we got there.

“Conjunto Guantanamo(’s) musicians are veteran champions of Afro-Cuban music.”

– Peter McElhinney, Style Weekly, Richmond

Digging Deep Article in Style Weekly

To see the full article online click here

Southhampton Elementary School Workshop
Friday started early with us arriving at Southhampton Elementary School for a school workshop that was arranged by the JAM Inc organization. Many thanks to them for inviting us to share our music with the next generation of future musicians. There were around 250 students with us in the school auditorium. It was very gratifying to see these kids enjoy the music so much. In spite of, in some cases, the music being over a century old it was amazing to see how relevant it still is even to third and fourth graders. We taught the kids about polyrhythms in Afro-Cuban music and showed them how it’s put together piece by piece until you have the basis for a song.

Take a look at Jam Inc.’s page about it here

Interview on VPM’s The World Music Show with Ian Stewart
Another big bonus is that on Friday they also posted an interview I was invited to do with Ian Stewart of the Richmond NPR affiliate VPM for his program World Music Show. Ian did a Richmond Folk Festival Artist Profile on me and he asked me to explain the influence traditional Cuban music has had on contemporary popular music. The show is just over five and a half minutes long and some of you might be surprised where we find these influences.

Have a listen to my interview on World Music Show with Ian Stewart here

First Concert at Dominion Energy Dance Pavillion
Our first performance was out of this world. The huge crowd was on FIRE and this made the band feel the love these festival-goers had for our music. There were thousands of people in the audience and it was a sea of people dancing right there in front of us. We were sure to put them through their paces for our hour-long set. We let them have it from the first note we played and that audience knew right away that we meant business! We left them asking for more once we finished. The crowd went wild for us that night. We loved it!

Immediately after us getting off stage the festival had arranged a portrait sitting for the whole band backstage with photographer Dean Whitbeck for his Folk Festival Portrait Project that will be unveiled online soon.

Check back here to see our Portrait sitting with Dean Whitbeck for the Folk Festival Portrait Project


On Saturday... 

Coverage of us on RVA Hub
on Saturday morning right after breakfast at the Downtown Hilton, where the festival put us up, we found out that some really great photos of us by photographer Richard Hayes had been posted on RVA Hub. Richard took some really amazing photos of us which we really loved. Here are a few of them.

Here's a link to the whole article on RVA Hub

Interview for Music Time in Africa on Voice of America with Heather Maxwell
The Festival had scheduled another cool interview for us. This time with Heather Maxwell who does the show Music Time in Africa. Unfortunately, her production team ran into some logistical issues and the interview didn’t happen but we are looking forward to sitting down with Heather soon and talking about some musicology together.

CD Signing at the Brown’s Island merch tent
Thanks to all the new fans that decided to meet us at the merch tent for a meet and great CD signing. The Brown’s Island tent was run by Plan 9 Records in Virginia and they did such a great job nearly selling out of our CDs. If you’d like your own copy of our actual CD, Plan 9 is carrying our CDs now right at their Richmond store.

Check out Plan 9 Records here

Backstage and Behind the Scenes
As usual, the band had a great time off stage too. Being in a band is like being married to 5 other people. Thankfully in our case, not only do our band members get along really well. We actually party it up and have a total blast together behind the scenes. All the guys in the band have a great sense of humor and the witty jokes, pranks and shenanigans never cease. Our vibe is always professional and en point yet relaxed and full of fun moments.

Party at the Hotel and Open Jam
On Saturday night after dinner, the NCTA held a party for all the musicians playing the festival (there were 35 bands in total) and the festival’s staff. There was a stage and sound system set up and the musicians were invited to jam together on stage. There were quite a few that took turns jumping up on stage and jumping into the jam. The jam went on for a good few of hours and was still going when we left the party after around 1am.

On Sunday...

Altria Stage
Our last concert at the festival was on Sunday afternoon at the Altria stage. There were people there as far as the eye could see. A band had just finished playing there right before us and there were lots of people on the lawn laying on picnic blankets and such. Not that many people were sitting though by the time we started playing. We made sure to turn the energy up a notch on that crowd and halfway through the first song we had tons of people up and dancing. We played hard and they danced hard. It was a great combination. And the energy between the fans and the band was terrific! I think since the crowd knew this was the last show, they showed up in massive droves to hear us one more time and see us off.

Global Voices: Asia to the Americas at the Community Foundation Stage

Global Voices: Asia to the Americas at the Community Foundation Stage
The last event we participated in was Global Voices: Asia to the Americas as part of a panel of musicians from countries discussing and sharing their own respective vocal traditions. There where, among others, Tuvan throat singers, musicians from Aleppo, a choir from the Republic of Georgia and 3 members of CG as part of the panel. The audience that attended really seemed to enjoy what everyone had to share and we really enjoyed taking part in this workshop.

Recordings for the Library of Congress
The National Council for the Traditional Arts Collection
Our performances were recorded and will be included in The NCTA’s archive of original audio recordings which dates back to the 1930s. To date, over 6,000 hours of recordings in The NCTA Collection are now housed at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, where they are accessible to interested scholars and the public. It’s a great feeling to be immortalized in such an important national archive that will be available for so many future generations.

For more info on the National Council for the Traditional Arts Collection of recordings go to

Thanks so much for reading this far. I hope you enjoyed the story. Stay tuned for lots more great music performances and goodies coming up soon. Remember to Presave ‘El Son Convidando’ on Spotify but first, go grab your dance shoes because you’re gonna need them!

And of course, we would like to say a very special thank you to our Artist Hosts who take the time to usher the band around the festival and help make things run smooth like buttuh! Carol, Diego, Julie and Alex, you were indispensable and we're glad to have you as our new friends!

Thanks also to Madeleine Remez, Blaine Waide and the rest of the festival staff who run that huge festival like a Formula 1 racecar! Your efforts are unreal! We love the NCTA!

Presave ‘El Son Convidando’ before November 29 on Spotify here

###

.
.
.
.
.
#pepitogomez #conjuntoguantanamo #salsa #nyc #cuban #cuba #barquisimeto #venezuela #cubanmusic #livemusic #dance #salsero #piano #キューバ音楽 #latinmusic #percussions #キューバ #timba #afro-cuban  #futbol #timessquare #ラテン #music #buenavistasocialclub #japan #サルサ #afrocuban #newyork #yamaha #latinpercussion #remo #richmondvirginia

‘Mamaita no Quiere’ is Available Now!

The second single off of our new album just dropped!

‘Mamaita no Quiere’ is available now!

Spotify users, here’s the Spotify link (and all the other streaming services too) to the song - add it to your library now. Click here.

Our new single, 'Mamaita No Quiere’ hits the ground running with an explosive energy created by what is essentially our six-man rhythm machine. From the first note, the trumpet and percussion beckon itchy feet to the dance floor with an upbeat melody that can lift any spirit. The Spanish lyrics spin the narrative of a party goer who can’t imagine why “Mamaíta” (Little Mama) won’t dance with him only to have him admit the ground will tremble if she does.

‘New York City’s Conjunto Guantánamo… celebrates Cuban folklore as the spirit breathing life into its sound.’  – The Lowell Sun

This second single from the upcoming album gives our tribe yet another teaser before the April 2019 full album release. Co-produced by Ulises Beato and Pepito Gomez, 'Moviendo Los Caracoles’ is a collection of some of the most beautiful and infectious Cuban songs ever written, masterfully refreshed in Carlos Mena’s contemporary arrangements at Brooklyn’s Nganga Records by Conjunto Guantánamo. The album will feature 10 addicting new tracks and never a dull moment. Look for 'Moviendo Los Caracoles’ wherever you get your music starting April 12th, 2019.  

We hope you enjoy our new track and play it in your car, at work, at parties, and share it with your friends. Help us spread our message of fun and infectious rhythm.

And, by all means, write us and tell us what you think of the music. We would really appreciate the feedback.

Until next time… Hasta la vista, baby!!

###

.
.
.
.
.
#pepitogomez #conjuntoguantanamo #salsa #nyc #cuban #cuba #barquisimeto #venezuela #cubanmusic #livemusic #dance #salsero #piano #キューバ音楽 #latinmusic #percussions #キューバ #timba #afro-cuban  #futbol #timessquare #ラテン #music #buenavistasocialclub #japan #サルサ #afrocuban #newyork #yamaha #latinpercussion #remo 

Cuchillo para la Piña Cubana - Out Now!

Conjunto Guantánamo, One of Today’s Most Authentic Traditional Afro-Cuban Ensembles, Drops their Latest Single - Out Now 

‘Cuchillo para la Piña Cubana’ (out now) is the first single from the highly anticipated new album ‘Moviendo los Caracoles’ (coming April 12/Nganga Records) by Conjunto Guantánamo. From its first bars, 'Cuchillo para la Piña Cubana' draws the listener in with one new fresh rhythmic passage after another, before exploding into a full-on, high-energy Cuban dance number with all the strength and driving beat of a steady locomotive.  

The band, once again, flexes its musical muscles establishing it as a true tour de force in traditional Afro-Cuban music and one of the most promising Afro-Cuban son ensembles of its generation. Conjunto Guantanamo are truly the ambassadors of Cuban folklore.

Watch a teaser video of 'Conjunto Guantánamo'

Listen to 'Cuchullo para la Piña Cubana' via Soundcloud

Led by its founder, Cuban percussionist Ulises Beato, the sextet features some of the finest players in traditional Afro-Cuban music today. Pepito Gomez’s lead vocals combined with the lush harmonies of the backup vocals and Itettsu Nasuda’s piano and Hammond style organ solo give this track a festive and contemporary feel, while staying true to the genre's nearly century-old style. The song was arranged by bassist Carlos Mena, whose pounding syncopated bass provides brazen backing to the lively polyrhythms of Mauricio Herrera’s bongo and Ulises’ conga drums.

The band have recently enjoyed the support of the Louis Armstrong House Museum and was recently ranked  Number 6 on ReverbNation’s Latin Music category. They’ve also been featured on WPKN, WFMU, and WVST in the U.S and Celtica Radio in the U.K.

This lead single from their upcoming album gives fans a teaser until the release of the full album in April 2019. Co-produced by Ulises Beato and Pepito Gomez, Moviendo los Caracoles is a collection of some of the most beautiful and infectious Cuban songs ever written, masterfully refreshed in contemporary arrangements at Brooklyn’s Nganga Records by Conjunto Guantánamo. The album will feature 10 infectious new tracks and never a dull moment. Look for ‘Moviendo los Caracoles’ wherever you get your music starting April 12, 2019.

Watch a teaser video of 'Conjunto Guantánamo'

Listen to 'Cuchullo para la Piña Cubana' via Soundcloud

Led by its founder, Cuban percussionist Ulises Beato, the sextet features some of the finest players in traditional Afro-Cuban music today. Pepito Gomez’s lead vocals combined with the lush harmonies of the backup vocals and Itettsu Nasuda’s piano and Hammond style organ solo give this track a festive and contemporary feel, while staying true to the genre's nearly century-old style. The song was arranged by bassist Carlos Mena, whose pounding syncopated bass provides brazen backing to the lively polyrhythms of Mauricio Herrera’s bongo and Ulises’ conga drums.

The band have recently enjoyed the support of the Louis Armstrong House Museum and was recently ranked  Number 6 on ReverbNation’s Latin Music category. They’ve also been featured on WPKN, WFMU, and WVST in the U.S and Celtica Radio in the U.K.

This lead single from their upcoming album gives fans a teaser until the release of the full album in April 2019. Co-produced by Ulises Beato and Pepito Gomez, Moviendo los Caracoles is a collection of some of the most beautiful and infectious Cuban songs ever written, masterfully refreshed in contemporary arrangements at Brooklyn’s Nganga Records by Conjunto Guantánamo. The album will feature 10 infectious new tracks and never a dull moment. Look for ‘Moviendo los Caracoles’ wherever you get your music starting April 12, 2019.

###

.
.
.
.
.
#pepitogomez #conjuntoguantanamo #salsa #nyc #cuban #cuba #barquisimeto #venezuela #cubanmusic #livemusic #dance #salsero #piano #キューバ音楽 #latinmusic #percussions #キューバ #timba #afro-cuban  #futbol #timessquare #ラテン #music #buenavistasocialclub #japan #サルサ #afrocuban #newyork #yamaha #latinpercussion #remo 

Global Mashup - Cuba Meets Bluegrass at Flushing Town Hall

He had a great Performance at Flushing town hall having a great mashup with Buddy Merriam and his crew. Watch the video posted by Queens Public Television (this link will take you to the video on QPTV's Facebook page)

Click here to see the full live concert

###

.

.

.

.

.

#pepitogomez #conjuntoguantanamo #salsa #nyc #cuban #cuba #barquisimeto #venezuela #cubanmusic #livemusic #dance #salsero #piano #キューバ音楽 #latinmusic #percussions #キューバ #timba #afro-cuban  #futbol #timessquare #ラテン #music #buenavistasocialclub #japan #サルサ #afrocuban #newyork #yamaha #latinpercussion #remo #buddymerriam #Queens #flushingtownhall #globalmashups

Free Download Offer - Oye Como Suenan EP

The following is a test of our emergency music sharing systems. This is just a test. Had this been a real emergency, you would have been instructed to grab your dance shoes and head to your nearest dance party.

https://bit.ly/3lPG2IQ

This concludes this test of our emergency music sharing systems. Carry on...
.
.
.
.
#pepitogomez #conjuntoguantanamo #salsa #nyc #cuban #cuba #barquisimeto #venezuela #cubanmusic #livemusic #dance #salsero #piano #キューバ音楽 #latinmusic #percussions #キューバ #timba #afro-cuban  #futbol #timessquare #ラテン #music #buenavistasocialclub #japan #サルサ #afrocuban #newyork #yamaha #latinpercussion #remo 

###

.

"... A musical foundation of their Afro Cuban identity"

"Conjunto Guantánamo, whose goal is to bring traditional Cuban music back to New York City consciousness, proudly asserts their African heritage with every beat of the clave and conga drums–A musical foundation of their Afro Cuban identity"

– Maylis B. Student, Columbia University
.
.
.
.
.
#salsa #soaandreggaeclass #combiauniversity #abridgetothepast