finetune artist: NG La Banda

Their name standing for "new generation - the band", this Cuban group, who have helped move the island's music away from its traditional grounding in salsa, were founded by musical director Jos Luis "Chico" Corts in 1988. A composer, singer and flautist, in the 70s he was previously a member of premier Cuban dance band Los Van Van, subsequently forming Irakere. Most of NG's members were also experienced musicians, Corts stating that "new generation" referred to their intended audience: "I'd say our music is fusion, we're not a salsa band proper, and the amazing thing is that even though our arrangements are really complicated, it's the young kids who most love our music." The group numbers between 13 and 17 when on stage, including two keyboard players, five horns, bass and three singers, plus various percussionists. Dressed in bright colours and featuring explosive, choreographed dance routines, they communicate directly with their audience by incorporating a series of slang terms and sayings adopted from the barrios. Their championing of the "outsider" has brought them into theoretical conflict with the state, even though the group members all support the aims of the Communist revolution. They have become hugely popular in the process, with their January 1993 album, Echale Lim¢n, rocketing to the top of the Cuban charts and remaining there for several months. Its title translates strictly as "Put lemon on it", but in this context it is a Cuban slang euphemism for "What the hell". It was recorded in Japan, while further evidence of their international appeal came from Mexico, where a nightclub in Cancun was named after one of their songs.

Listen to NG La Banda at Finetune.

(1999) The Best of NG La Banda
(1992) En La Calle

Bonito y Sabroso
Papa Chango
Conga de Los Refranes
La Expresiva
Necesito Una Amiga