MANUEL 'GUAJIRO' MIRABAL

Guajiro has been a key figure in the Cuban music scene for over 50 years and has played with just about every Cuban star you could care to mention. During World Circuit’s now legendary recording blitz in Havana in 1996, Guajiro featured on all three of these seminal albums: Afro-Cuban All Stars "A Toda Cuba Le Gusta", "Buena Vista Social Club", and "Introducing Rubén González". The trumpet occupies a hugely important role within Cuban music, and Guajiro is its archetypal exponent, making him the unquestioned choice as the trumpet soloist for all three albums. The phenomenon that followed these releases has brought about a renewed reverence for artists such as Guajiro, who is now in greater demand than ever.

Buena Vista Social Club presents: Manuel 'Guajiro' Mirabal

• Manuel 'Guajiro' Mirabal
• WCD 069
• Indigo

Having been an integral part of the Buena Vista Social Club series of albums and tours from their inception, trumpeter Manuel ‘Guajiro’ Mirabal brings us his debut solo album. This album sees Guajiro leading a tribute to the spirit of the legendary giant of Cuban music, Arsenio Rodríguez. All of the tracks on the album were written by or associated with Arsenio.

The album was recorded almost entirely live in the studio, with minimal overdubs, thus giving it a more spontaneous, late night feel, allowing the musicians room to flex their musical muscle. There is a great deal of warmth and humour throughout Arsenio’s music and that is certainly the case with this recording. For producer Nick Gold this album has been a real labour of love and, for Guajiro, it’s a great thrill to be finally doing his solo album at 71, as he says “Everything comes in time.”

The quiet man of Cuban music has spoken….make sure you turn it up loud!