Changüí – The Sound of Guantánamo
Guantánamo’s Rhythms: Spirit and Energy of Afro-Cuban Music
“This extensive boxed set, annotated with lyrics and musicology, offers Afro-Cuban music at its most elemental and kinetic” – New York Times
“But above all, [the recordings] capture the spirit of what makes the music from Guantanamo so special.” – NPR Weekend Edition
Changüí: The Sound of Guantánamo (Official Trailer)
Narrated by Gianluca Tramontana
“Changüí: The Sound of Guantánamo” is a Deluxe three-disc box set featuring brand-new field recordings from the most compelling Changüí players in the Guantánamo region of Cuba.
FEATURING:
- Introduction by Arturo O’Farrill (Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra)
- Liner notes by box set producer Gianluca Tramontana, with additional essays by Changüí historians – José Cuenca Sosa, Gabriel Rojas Perez & Benjamin Lapidus, Ph.D.
- 50 track listing with full lyrics and their translations
- Deluxe silkscreened box and full-color book with over 100 original photographs
Between 2017 and 2019 music journalist Gianluca Tramontana traveled to the Guantánamo region of Cuba and immersed himself in a 150-plus-year-old culture of rural, riff-based, foot- stomping, largely improvised music. Through his journey into changüí music he recorded these musicians in their homes, backyards, and porches. The results are three and a half hours of music played for the sole purpose of making you dance ’til you drop.
4 Minute Video Trailer
Purchase 3 Disc Box Set
or stream the tracks here:
radio interviews
Narrated by Gianluca Tramontana
“Changüí: The Sound of Guantánamo” is a Deluxe three-disc box set featuring brand-new field recordings from the most compelling Changüí players in the Guantánamo region of Cuba.
The Centuries-Long History Of Changui Music In Cuba
Music journalist and broadcaster Gianluca Tramontana discusses the significance of Changui music in the Guantanamo region of Cuba.
Huey marks the 25th anniversary of Buena Vista Social Club
Huey hears from Ry, Juan and the album’s producer Nick Gold, as well as from Gianluca Tramontana, who recently recorded the album Changui: The Sound Of Guantanamo, which many are comparing to Buena Vista.
MOJO
"It's like finding 50 rough, discarded demos for the Buena Vista Social Club: recorded in situ, in in the rural parts of the eastern province of Cuba, where back-breaking labour is interrupted by impromptu parties that last all weekend, this 3-CD box set, curated by journalist Gianluca Tramontana, is arguably the first in-depth survey of the folk music that gave birth to a revolution" - MOJO
ALLMUSIC.COM
"Changüí: The Sound of Guantánamo is arguably the global roots music release of 2021. It's an irresistibly listenable, infectiously danceable musicological document that will keep listeners engaged and returning for more" - Allmusic.com (⭑⭑⭑⭑1/2 Stars)
Audiophile Review
"There are hooks-a-plenty across the three CDs of music you’ve likely never heard before… Changüi: The Sound Of Guantánamo is essential listening.” - Audiophile Review
JAZZ WEEKLY
"A trip to a world rarely visited and yet always enjoyed." - Jazz Weekly
SONGLINES
"A vital historical document - and a party in a box" - Songlines
BANDCAMP DAILY
“…Tramontana’s collection will be a paradigm shift for many U.S. listeners.” - Bandcamp Daily
AFROPOP WORLDWIDE
“A landmark box set… a hidden treasure of Cuban music” - AfroPop Worldwide
Sample Tracks
Changüí en Yateras (from the Changüí: The Sound of Guantánamo Collection) ·
Inspiración de los Pueblos (from the Changüí: The Sound of Guantánamo Collection) ·
PRESS INTERVIEWS
Dance to the Heartbeat of Cuba
mojo magazine
