Pre-Revolutionary Cuba

In this week's episode we move away from Jamaica across the Caribbean Sea to Cuba. To explain the theological precursors to modern Cuba, Jeremy and Tim start with the history of slavery on the island and the influences of Congolese and Uruban religious and musical practices the trafficked people brought with them. We hear about pantheism, master drummers and a musical culture centered around danced devotional rituals where percussion was key.

Later in the show we cover Batista's brutal takeover of the island, the emerging links between Cuban and New York musicians, Rhumba, and the phenomenal popularity of Mambo. Join us next week, where revolution's in the air.

Tim Lawrence and Jeremy Gilbert are authors, academics, DJs and audiophile dance party organisers. They’ve been friends and collaborators since 1997, teaching together and running parties since 2003. With clubs closed and half their jobs lost to university cuts, they’re inevitably launching a podcast.

Produced and edited by Matt Huxley.  

Tune in, Turn on, Get Down!

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Tracklist:

Grupo Oba-Ilú - Oshún
Conjunto Kubavana de Alberto Ruiz - Rumba en el Patio
Afro-Cubans - Sopa de Pichon
Afro-Cubans - Tanga
Dizzy Gillespie & Chano Pozo - Manteca
Perez Prado - Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White
Tito Puente - Night Ritual
Rolando Aguiló - Descarga Roja

Books:
Ned Sublette - Cuba and its Music
Timothy Brennan - Secular Devotion: Afro-Latin Music and Imperial Jazz