When people attempt to describe Juan de Marcos Gonzales they quite naturally refer to his work on the landmark CD, the Buena Vista Social Club. It did for Cuban folk music what Paul Simon’s Graceland did for the sounds of South Africa.
They also may mention his dedication to bringing Cuban folk music to the world.
While accurate, these summaries fall so short of what the man actually does as to be politely laughable.
He is first and foremost a bandleader, an anachronism for generations who have no memory of Kenton, Ellington, or Basie, his genius in bringing exceptional best musicians together reminiscent of the venerable maestros.
In addition to those living in Cuba, Juan de Marcos reunites expatriates from all over the world.
The roots of his Afro-Cuban All-Stars extend back to the days of slavery when Latin and African music found a common home in the Caribbean.
Their blend of virtuosity with percussion, horns and balladeers yields a sound so seductive as to carry you back to old Havana.
The band members range from those whose lives as musicians began before the Cuban revolution to those who could be their great-grandchildren.
While World Music as a genre can sometimes prove inaccessible, the sound of the All-Stars travels well, excitingly so. This is the soulful music grown in a fertile soil of deprivation. It speaks to us all.
The Cuban All-Stars appear at Jazz Alley through Sunday.