“orq_moderna_tradicion”
Orquesta La Moderna Tradicion
Danzonemos
Candela/Tinder
Just as I find ubiquitous airports and cheap travel making the planet smaller, so I find records like this making the planet larger and more mysterious. Orquesta La Moderna Tradicion (trans: “Modern Tradition Orchestra,” natch) plays danzón-cha, what is considered to be the nation of Cuba’s traditional dance form. Personally, I’d never heard of the danzón, but the all-too-brief liner notes reveal a musical form (and accompanying dance) as clearly structured as any classical gavotte, where passages imply behaviors and dancers are perfectly synchronized to start and stop with the music.
All of that practical knowledge flies out the window, however, as soon as you listen to this disc. Danzón’s distinctive style, impeccably performed by the Orquestra here, is unique in its blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and genteel musical mannerisms. Imagine a blend of Tito Puente and a tango, and you’ll begin to get an idea of the power and beauty of this music. I wonder what other curiosities other corners of the world harbor… Tinder Records, 619 Martin Ave., Unit 1, Rohnert Park, CA 94928; http://worldmusic.com/tinder
