A Tuba To Cuba
Not to long ago, I heard the song “Corazón.” I loved it and checked to find out who played it. To my surprise, it was the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. I’ve known of the band for decades but didn’t pay any attention to it. I thought the band just played Dixieland Jazz for tourists, and I’ve never cared for Dixieland. Boy was I wrong. “Corazón” sounds nothing like Dixieland.
Through further exploration, I found that “Corazón” is on the album A Tuba To Cuba, and the album was the product of the band’s trip to Cuba as documented in the film A Tuba To Cuba. It’s a fine documentary, well worth watching. It has a message, not to mention music and good cinematography. The message is expressed by a Cuban drummer
The music unites people and souls. Gives love. Cleanses the spirit. Music is everything.
While watching the film, I remembered a similar effort in the 1990s when Ry Cooder went to Cuba, brought together some under-appreciated Cuban musicians, and produced the album and film The Buena Vista Social Club. Another album and film worth searching out.
I also remembered the organization “Playing For Change.” A slogan of the organization is Peace Through Music; another is Music Is the Key. They are dedicated to forging cross-cultural connections through music. They produce great songs using both obscure and famous musicians from all corners of the world brought together for a single song.
Song to check out from A Tuba To Cuba:
And one from The Buena Vista Social Club: