Cuban Music

In the 1990s, during the "Período Especial" — the most severe era following the collapse of the Soviet Union — Ryu Murakami conducted many recordings and filled a void in Cuban music history.

In 1991, I visited Cuba for the first time. As I kept going back, I realized something. Cuban music is not just "folk music" or "Salsa." It is much more complex and deep. It has a long history and diversity, just like Black music in the US.

At that time, I was bored with Rock and Jazz, and I only listened to Classical music. But slowly, I became a prisoner of the "magic" of Cuban music.

It is impossible to explain its charm in one word. First of all, the people there need music. And the level of the musicians is incredibly high. After the revolution, they receive top-level classical education at art schools. Even violinists or saxophonists must play the piano.

When these high-level musicians play, it creates a "catharsis." Most Japanese people don't have this experience, so it is very hard to explain the charm of Cuban music. I can only say one thing:"Please, just go and see the stage."