The Clave Chronicles

We're remembering Willie Colón, the pioneering Nuyorican trombonist who was a key figure in the rise of Fania Records and New York-based salsa. Marisol Negrón, author of Made in NuYoRico: Fania Records, Latin Music, and Salsa’s Nuyorican Meanings, joins Rebecca to discuss Colón's contributions, collaborations with Hector Lavoe, and his complex legacy as an artist whose politics were seemingly at odds with the persona he created, "El Malo," early on in his career. Songs played: "El Malo" "Cant...

Ethnomusicologist Ben Lapidus joins Rebecca again to discuss the life and legacy of Cuban pianist Lilí Martínez Griñan, a Guantanamero who joined Arsenio Rodriguez's band in the 1940s and quickly became his right-hand man in terms of composition and arranging. Lapidus is the editor of a new anthology in Spanish, El hombre y su música: Lilí Martínez Griñán. Songs played: Tumba Palo Cucuyé, Arsenio Rodriguez y Su Conjunto Mira...Cuidadito, Arsenio Rodriguez y Su Conjunto Cero Guapos en Yatera...

Ethnomusicologist Robin Moore joins Rebecca to discuss the subject of his forthcoming book, Violín: Mediating Musical Style and Devotional Practice in 21st-Century Cuba. As music used to accompany ceremonies for the ancestors and orishas, violines have been growing in recent decades in Cuba, and are an example of an increasingly hybrid musical approach to worship in Cuba. Songs played (all by Orquesta Estrellas Cubanas except where noted): Ave Maria Plegaria a Obbatalá Two versions of S...

The most beloved Cuban musician of all time was born on this day 100 years ago: Celia Cruz. We're honoring her with a brand new episode featuring Delia Poey, a professor at Florida State University who has written extensively about Celia's Career. Songs played: Quimbara Field recording of Afrocuba de Matanzas' version of Quimbara Chango Ta' Vení Que Le Den Candela Usted Abusó Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subs...

Columbia University professor and trombonist Chris Washburne joins Rebecca to pay tribute to "el rumbero del piano," Eddie Palmieri, one of Latin music's most significant pioneers. His music straddled salsa, Latin jazz, and other genres, and he was known for his innovative experimentation in form and harmony. Songs played: Azúcar El día que me quieras Broken home & If (We had peace today), from the Harlem River Drive project Puerto Rico Rebecca's recent piece on Eddie Palmieri: https://...