Septeto Santiaguero

Biography

Cuba’s traditional sounds re-energized for a new generation

Latin Grammy-winning group Septeto Santiaguero brings the authentic grooves of Cuba’s eastern region to Japan this summer as one of the leading exponents of the island’s traditional sounds. The intoxicating emotions of the son, the guaracha, the bolero and other forms reintroduced to a global audience by Buena Vista Social Club are all given a new shot of energy by this eight-piece “septet” from Santiago de Cuba.

The intention of leader Fernando Dewar is not to dwell on an overly theatrical feeling of nostalgia for a bygone Buena Vista sound or compete with the urban intensity of Havana’s timba bands. Instead he looks to strip down traditional Cuban styles to their essential swing and recharge them with fresh vocal harmonies, fat basslines, driving ‘tres’ and guitar hooks and sizzling trumpet runs that conjure up the scorching heat of Santiago de Cuba. Applying this approach to a mix of original material and revisited classics, Septeto Santiaguero offers a powerful demonstration that reimagined traditional forms still have a strong relevance for a younger generation in contemporary times.

Since its formation in 1995, the group has emerged as a key force for revitalizing the island’s traditional sounds and has reinforced this notion through a series of playful and colorful videos and collaborations with some of the legends of salsa including Ruben Blades, Ismael Miranda, Oscar D’Leon and, most notably, Jose Alberto “El Canario.”

Step into the heat and warm musical embrace of Santiago de Cuba this summer!