La Habana era una Fiesta: Original Recordings From the Golden Age of Cuban Radio

Spain may have lost Cuba as a colony in 1898 but strong ties remained between the two nations and this remarkable collection demonstrates how a continual musical exchange unfolded across the 20th century. This collection gathers the radio recordings from a time when Havana was one of the greatest (and most corrupt) playgrounds of the Western world. Considering how Spain was decimated and isolated by civil war, Cuba must have appeared like paradise to visiting Spanish artists and the liner notes in this superbly packaged set suggest many stayed in Cuba for a number of years, singing in clubs and casinos, recording for local labels and even venturing to New York.

The first CD features Cuban artists – big names that readers will recognise include Celia Cruz, Orquesta Aragon and Omara Portuondo – while CD2 shows off visiting Spanish artists. Here I only recognise Lola Flores, a hugely popular flamenco singer. The Spanish recordings tend to have dated more than the Cuban artists – the Cuban mambo, rumba and bolero tracks possess a timeless, seductive beauty while the Spanish orchestras recall old films, with dramatic orchestration and occasionally mannered vocals. What is really interesting to consider here is how the musicians of both nations listened to one another and took on musical ideas to refresh and renew their styles. While it is not stated explicitly here, rumba flamenco surely grew out of the Andalusian performers who returned to Spain with an African rhythmic itch. For fans of Cuban music – and anyone interested in old Spanish popular music – La Habana era una Fiesta is an essential purchase. Radio recordings ensure fine sound quality.