Kiki Valera Y Su Son Cubano at Caramoor Center For Music & The Arts

Son Cubano is a musical genre that originated in the mountains of eastern Cuba and rose in popularity throughout the 20th century. With its Spanish and African origins, call-and-response format, and infectious percussion beats, Son Cubano was a major influence on many other styles, from mambo and salsa to jazz and cha-cha-chá. But you can’t talk about Son Cubano without talking about Kiki Valera. Born the oldest son in the famous multigenerational musical family, Valera quite literally grew up living and breathing the deep-rooted musical traditions of eastern Cuba and is known as one of the world’s greatest players of the Cuban cuatro, a mid-size, eight-stringed guitar....

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Son Cubano is a musical genre that originated in the mountains of eastern Cuba and rose in popularity throughout the 20th century. With its Spanish and African origins, call-and-response format, and infectious percussion beats, Son Cubano was a major influence on many other styles, from mambo and salsa to jazz and cha-cha-chá. But you can’t talk about Son Cubano without talking about Kiki Valera. Born the oldest son in the famous multigenerational musical family, Valera quite literally grew up living and breathing the deep-rooted musical traditions of eastern Cuba and is known as one of the world’s greatest players of the Cuban cuatro, a mid-size, eight-stringed guitar.

“Son Cubano, much like American jazz, has been in a constant state of evolution from its beginnings. Valera continues in that spirit, shedding new and modern light on the music.”
— All About Jazz

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