Cachao - Descargas: The Havana Sessions (2007)

Israel "Cachao" López b. 14 September 1918, Havana, Cuba, d. 22 March 2008, Coral Gables, Florida, USA. The name of revered bass player Cachao (who also arranged, composed and played piano, tres, bongo, trumpet and trombone) was linked with the origins of mambo and was virtually synonymous with descarga, which was defined by pianist/band leader Charlie Palmieri as having ‘... no music written. It’s a soloists freedom of expression, ad-libs, an improvisation of the melody... whatever he (she) feels at the moment...’ (quoted by Latin music historian Max Salazar). Leading Cuban band leader of the 50s, Bebo Valdés said in 1991: ‘... if Cachao and Arsenio Rodríguez had not been born, the Cuban music of the 50s and perhaps the last 30 years, would have sounded like the music of the 30s’.López was born to a musical family and started learning guitar when he was six years of age. When he was about eight he played guitar and bongo with Conjunto Miguel De Seste. This was followed by a stint with Ignacio Villa (who later became popular as Bola De Nieve), whose band provided the music for silent films at a movie house in Guanabacoa, Havana. In 1931, he joined the Havana Symphonic Orchestra and remained a member for over 30 years. Meanwhile, López performed with the dance band of violinist Marcelino González, turning out exciting bass solos that earned him the nickname ‘Cachao’ (derived from ‘cachandeo’, meaning ‘lively with joy’).

Tracklist
CD1
01. Descarga Cubana (3:05)
02. Goza Mi Trompeta (3:01)
03. Cogele el Golpe (2:45)
04. Trombon Criollo (3:11)
05. Malanga Amarilla (3:17)
06. Pamparana (2:37)
07. Oye Mi Tres Montuno (2:45)
08. Controversia de Metales (3:01)
09. A Gozar Timbero (3:03)
10. Sorpresa de Flauta (2:49)
11. Estudio en Trompeta (2:24)
12. Guajeo de Saxos (2:25)
13. La Floresta (2:43)
14. Avance Juvenil (3:15)
15. Redencion (3:13)
16. Descarga Mambo (5:03)
17. Juan Pescao (2:52)
18. El Bombin de Perucho (4:29)
19. Descarga Mexicana (4:58)
20. El Fantasma (5:18)
21. Bilongo (2:55)
22. Descarga Numero Uno (2:59)
23. Descarga Numero Dos (2:50)

CD2
01. Leche con Ron (2:55)
02. Las Boinas de Cachao (2:58)
03. Cha Cha Cha de los Pollos (2:47)
04. Mucho Humo (3:17)
05. Es Diferente (2:51)
06. Oguere Mi China (3:23)
07. Descarga General (3:40)
08. El Manisero (3:03)
09. Descarga Guajira (5:51)
10. La Inconclusa (3:31)
11. La Luz (4:41)
12. Rumba Sabrosa (5:05)
13. Descarga Naniga (5:13)
14. Cachao Te Pone a Bailar (16:11)
15. Descarga Cha Cha (6:25)
16. Popurrit de Congas (5:34)