Rebecca Bodenheimer

The Clave Chronicles

A Music History , Music and Music Commentary podcast

#152 in Music History · 🇲🇽 #155 in Music History · 🇺🇸

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About the show

A journey through the history and global influence of Cuban music, hosted by ethnomusicologist Rebecca Bodenheimer.

Newest episodes

Cuban Beat & Fantasia

Sep 23, 2026 1 hr 21 min

Rebecca is joined by DJ Garo, one of the curators of a recently released compilation called Cuban Beat and Fantasia (1970-1980), relatively unknown fusion styles from the 1970s. Raised in the Cuban hip hop scene of the 1990s, Garo and fellow DJ/producer AfroQbano went "diggin in the crates" to find these rare beat and fantasia records, which fused Cuban popular music with Black American styles like funk and jazz. Songs played: El Bailador de mi Cuba, Grupo Candombe K1, Grupo VC Solo por Tí, Maggie Carles & Luis Nodal & Los Magnéticos Mi Quimbín, Los Bocucos Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Tribute to a master conguero, Carlos "Patato" Valdés

Aug 14, 2026 47 min

Raúl Fernandez joins Rebecca again to pay tribute to one of Cuba's greatest congueros, Carlos "Patato" Valdés, in honor of the centenary of his birth. Songs played: La Conga del Casino, Conjunto Casino Cuban Patato Chip, Herbie Mann Descarga Cubana, Cal Tjader Dilo Como Yo, Patato y Totico La Comparsa, Bebo Valdés Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

The complicated legacy of Willie Colón

Apr 17, 2026 1 hr 16 min

We're remembering Willie Colón, the pioneering Nuyorican trombonist who was a key figure in the rise of Fania Records and New York-based salsa. Marisol Negrón, author of Made in NuYoRico: Fania Records, Latin Music, and Salsa’s Nuyorican Meanings, joins Rebecca to discuss Colón's contributions, collaborations with Hector Lavoe, and his complex legacy as an artist whose politics were seemingly at odds with the persona he created, "El Malo," early on in his career. Songs played: "El Malo" "Canto a Borinquen" "El Cantante" "El Gran Varón" Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

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All episodes

Cuban Beat & Fantasia

Sep 23, 2026 1 hr 21 min

Tribute to a master conguero, Carlos "Patato" Valdés

Aug 14, 2026 47 min

The complicated legacy of Willie Colón

Apr 17, 2026 1 hr 16 min

The life and legacy of pianist Lilí Martínez Griñan

Mar 6, 2026 1 hr 9 min

Ethnomusicologist Ben Lapidus joins Rebecca again to discuss the life and legacy of Cuban pianist Lilí Martínez Griñan, a Guantanamero who joined Arsenio Rodriguez's band in the 1940s and quickly became his right-hand man in terms of composition and arranging. Lapidus is the editor of a new anthology in Spanish, El hombre y su música: Lilí Martínez Griñán. Songs played: Tumba Palo Cucuyé, Arsenio Rodriguez y Su Conjunto Mira...Cuidadito, Arsenio Rodriguez y Su Conjunto Cero Guapos en Yateras, Arsenio Rodriguez y Su Conjunto Alto Songo, Chappotín y Sus Estrellas Mi Changüí Son, Estrellas de Chocolate El Divorcio, Arsenio Rodriguez La Candela, Los Van Van Musica Suave, El Niño y La Verdad Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Violín and hybrid worship practices in contemporary Cuba

Jan 22, 2026 1 hr 5 min

Ethnomusicologist Robin Moore joins Rebecca to discuss the subject of his forthcoming book, Violín: Mediating Musical Style and Devotional Practice in 21st-Century Cuba. As music used to accompany ceremonies for the ancestors and orishas, violines have been growing in recent decades in Cuba, and are an example of an increasingly hybrid musical approach to worship in Cuba. Songs played (all by Orquesta Estrellas Cubanas except where noted): Ave Maria Plegaria a Obbatalá Two versions of Sea El Santísimo - second one by Ifa Fore & Pepe y Sus Tambores Danzón Virgen de Regla Ochímini II Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Feliz 100 años, Celia!

Oct 21, 2025 53 min

The most beloved Cuban musician of all time was born on this day 100 years ago: Celia Cruz. We're honoring her with a brand new episode featuring Delia Poey, a professor at Florida State University who has written extensively about Celia's Career. Songs played: Quimbara Field recording of Afrocuba de Matanzas' version of Quimbara Chango Ta' Vení Que Le Den Candela Usted Abusó Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

"El rumbero del piano": Paying tribute to Eddie Palmieri

Aug 19, 2025 54 min

Columbia University professor and trombonist Chris Washburne joins Rebecca to pay tribute to "el rumbero del piano," Eddie Palmieri, one of Latin music's most significant pioneers. His music straddled salsa, Latin jazz, and other genres, and he was known for his innovative experimentation in form and harmony. Songs played: Azúcar El día que me quieras Broken home & If (We had peace today), from the Harlem River Drive project Puerto Rico Rebecca's recent piece on Eddie Palmieri: https://www.grammy.com/news/how-eddie-palmieri-changed-latin-music-obituary Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

The latest in Cuban music with Rafa Escalona

Apr 23, 2025 1 hr 19 min

Cuban journalist Rafa Escalona joins Rebecca to talk about the latest trends in Cuban music, including how hard it is to track this information on the island and how recent out-migration has affected the evolution and definition of "música cubana." While contemporary Cuban music is of course dominated by reparto, the songs shared by Rafa provide a broader look into the latest trends. Songs played: Un Momentico + — Melanie Santiler & Dale Pututi Andala Remix — Wildey, Musteerifa & Raydel El Q Manda Suite Para Isaac Oviedo — Jorge Iván Martín feat. Juan Carlos Aguilera Amanacer Sin Ti — Albita & Lenier Tertuliando — Angel Toirac feat. LINKS Newness Cuba playlist (50 best songs in Cuban music from the past year): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1gPyKTGHHQy16z7YO2lhHV Cuba Tracklist (Instagram account with weekly lists of most popular Cuban tracks): https://www.instagram.com/cubatracklist/ Rafa's Substack: https://divagacionesmusicales.substack.com/ A recent piece Rafa wrote (in Spanish) about reparto and YouTube: https://revistaelestornudo.com/reparto-youtube-dicen-charts-musica-cubana/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

A tribute to Paulito FG

Mar 20, 2025 1 hr 0 min

Kevin Moore is back to help us pay tribute to one of timba's brightest stars, Paulito FG (EPD), who died tragically on March 1. Songs played: El humo o la vida, Dan Den feat. Paulito FG Y ahora que, Percussion and vocal track for Entre Dos Amigos No te lo creas, Laura (demo track) El punto Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Breaking down Bad Bunny's Debí Tirar Más Fotos

Feb 21, 2025 1 hr 28 min

Finally, we're back with a brand new episode, inspired by Bad Bunny's love letter to Puerto Rico, Debí Tirar Más Fotos! We get deep into the weeds of the Puerto Rican musical and political traditions that are referenced in Bad Bunny's wide-ranging, exquisitely produced album. Joining Rebecca are Puerto Rican musician and educator Hector Lugo (founder of the Bay Area Latin roots band La Mixta Criolla), and Puerto Rican writer, translator and Bad Bunny scholar Carina del Valle Schorske. Songs played: A Guayama, Desde Cero Si Yo Fuera Alcalde, Chuíto el de Bayamón Aires de Navidad, Hector Lavoe & Willie Colón La Huelga, La Mixta Criolla Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Send me your questions for a mailbag episode!

Nov 11, 2024 4 min

Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

A conversation with Cuban journalist Jesús Jank Curbelo

Nov 1, 2024 1 hr 6 min

Cuban journalist Jesús Jank Curbelo joins Rebecca to speak about a range of topics, including the legacy of El Taiger, one of Cuba's most popular artists who was killed recently in Miami. We also talk about Curbelo's career in Cuba reporting on the reparto movement, as well as the pain of leaving Cuba and challenges of building a new life in Texas. Curbelo has published several pieces at the Texas Observer and Palabra. Conversation in Spanish. Follow along with an English-language transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1El7dqfI2n-eTFs--dNryJI8OBsqXRhePszFu6I1PCzg/edit?usp=sharing Songs played: Coronamos (Remix), Taiger & J. Balvin (feat. Cosculluela, Bad Bunny & Bryant Myers) Hilito Rojo, El Taiger & DJ Conds Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Rosa Marquetti part 2: Celia in Cuba

Oct 18, 2024 43 min

Part 2 of Rebecca's conversation with Cuban music historian Rosa Marquetti. The second edition of her book Celia en Cuba (1925-1962) was recently published in Spanish, and will be translated into English next year. Conversation in Spanish. Follow along with an English-language transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W8qgbzs7DHwP2JlTl3FDZfbCc2aLSFovv2SVxZSw3Xc/edit?usp=sharing Songs played: Quédate Negra, Celia con La Orquesta Leonard Melody La Sopa en Botella, Celia con La Sonora Matancera Sueños de Luna, Celia con La Sonora Matancera Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Cuban music historian Rosa Marquetti (part 1)

Oct 4, 2024 56 min

Rebecca speaks with Cuban music historian Rosa Marquetti Torres, author of several books, including one on Chano Pozo and another one on Celia Cruz's career in Cuba—the Celia book has just been released in a new edition! Part 1 of our conversation covers the challenges of conducting research in Cuba and her work on Chano Pozo Conversation in Spanish. Follow along with an English-language transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WKJZoLnQJHo3t85_AMxsZ08p_nwPNZ_rZTBDTKmgoSQ/edit?usp=sharing Songs played: El pin pin, Chano Pozo Tin Tin Deo, Chano Pozo & Dizzy Gillespie Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Corneta china & Cantonese opera: The Chinese musical legacy

Sep 19, 2024 1 hr 5 min

Ethnomusicologist Edwin Porras joins Rebecca to speak about Chinese musical influences in Cuba, which date back to the mid-19th century. The double-reeded suona was adopted by Santiago conga groups around 1915, becoming an unmistakable musical signifier for conga santiaguera. **Fun fact: Cuba was the first destination for Chinese laborers in the Americas, before even the U.S.** Songs played: Example of Cantonese opera Lion dancing musical accompaniment (field recording) Caridad Amaran and Georgina Wong performing excerpt of Cantonese opera in Havana (field recording) De Oriente a Occidente, Diana Fuentes Paso Franco en la loma de Tivolí, Conga Paso Franco Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Cuban fusion and transnational scenes

Aug 27, 2024 1 hr 1 min

Eva Silot Bravo joins Rebecca again to talk about her recently published book, Cuban Fusion: The Transnational Cuban Alternative Music Scene, which focuses on Cuban musicians who have migrated to New York, Madrid, and other major cities since the 1990s. They have created new transnational musical scenes, with some traveling back and forth between Cuba and abroad, fusing jazz, Afro-Cuban folkloric music, nueva trova and other genres. Songs played: Levitando, Ramon Valle Bolero Filin, Gema Y Pavel Café, Interactivo Se Feliz, Fernando Alvarez & Descemer Bueno The Magic Danzonete, Dafnis Prieto Baba Elegguá, Brenda Navarrete Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

From the Cuban Serenade podcast: Hilario Durán, The Genius

Aug 9, 2024 34 min

This week The Clave Chronicles is sharing an episode of Cuban Serenade, a podcast exploring the history of Cuban music in Canada that's hosted by Freddy Monasterio and Karen Dubinsky. This episode focuses on the genius of Cuban-Canadian pianist/composer/arranger Hilario Durán. Follow Cuban Serenade on your favorite podcast platform! Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

The Cuban-Canadian musical diaspora

Jul 19, 2024 1 hr 0 min

Freddy Monasterio, a Cuban-born researcher, educator and arts administrator based in Toronto, joins Rebecca to talk about the Cuban musical diaspora in Canada. He also co-hosts a podcast on the topic called Cuban Serenade. Songs played: La Reina del Norte, OKAN Cry Me a River, Hilario Duran and his Latin Jazz Big Band La Ceiba de Mayuya, Luis Deniz Group Rebirth, Dee Hernandez Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Timba then and now

Jul 5, 2024 1 hr 4 min

Anthropologist and prolific scholar Umi Vaughan, author of Rebel Dance, Renegade Stance: Timba Music and Black Identity, joins Rebecca to speak about his 25 years of research on timba and how the genre has changed in the past three decades. Vaughan has been conducting research in Brazil more recently, and will soon be publishing a book on the repression of Afro-Brazilian religious practice and music. Songs played: La bola, Manolín El Médico de la Salsa De La Habana, Paulo FG No estamos locos, David Calzado y Charanga Habanera Mi medicamento, Havana D' Primera La chica del escenario, Havana D' Primera Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Krudxs Cubensi: Giving voice to Afro-Cuban queer & non-binary identity

Jun 21, 2024 1 hr 11 min

Legendary Afro-Cuban hip hop group Krudxs Cubensi (Odaymar Cuesta and Oli Prendes) join Rebecca to speak about their career and the particular challenges they've faced as artists who are Afro-Cuban, queer, non-binary, and immigrants. Their latest album, They/Them Les Elles, features collaborations with Greg Landau and many other Bay Area-based musicians. Songs played: Mi cuerpo es mío You are not better than me They/them les elles Justicia y libertad Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Going deep on the concept of clave

Jun 7, 2024 1 hr 6 min

Percussionist and educator David Peñalosa, author of the book The Clave Matrix, joins Rebecca for an in-depth discussion on the concept of clave, delving into its origins, variations and the way it works in various Afro-Cuban genres. If you've ever wondered what 3-2 or 2-3 clave means or what the difference is between "son clave," "rumba clave" and 6/8 clave, this episode is for you! Songs played: Eco (bembé-abakuá), Julito Collazo and Mongo Santamaria Los beodos, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas Era una gran señora, Alberto Zayas Wanileilo (makuta), Cabildo Kunalungo de Sagua La Grande Andule andule (makuta), Cabildo De Congos Reales Chinatown (Philadelphia Mambo), Tito Puente Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

The latest in reparto

May 24, 2024 1 hr 8 min

Back by popular demand, Mike Levine joins Rebecca again to speak about the latest happenings in Cuban reparto, including a recent controversy related to the genre's popularity in Peru. Check out the new Buzzsprout option below to send Rebecca a message about the episode! Songs played: Reparto, DJ Yus, Wampi, Nesty, Wow Popy, Un Titico, JP El Chamaco Por Ustedes (Pornosotros), Wampi Toma que toma, JP El Chamaco Birribiri, Harryson Wampi live in Lima https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVOxxbOe4Lo&t=4s Official video for "Reparto", the response to the controversy, with reparto dancing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TesmP7wL3wM Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Pérez Prado in Mexico

May 10, 2024 1 hr 6 min

Scholar and singer Hannah Burgé Luviano joins Rebecca to discuss the career of the "King of Mambo," Dámaso Perez Prado. Unable to achieve much acclaim in Cuba because of his unique compositional style, Pérez Prado struck gold after relocating to Mexico in the 1940s. Songs played: México Lindo Mi Gallo Mambo Politécnico Pianola Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Cuban art music before and after the Revolution

Apr 26, 2024 1 hr 7 min

Musicologist Marysol Quevedo joins Rebecca to speak about Cuban art music composers of the mid-20th century, such as Harold Gramatges, Juan Blanco and Argeliers Leon. As she details in her recent book, although their works largely relied on classical music structures and forms, they brought in elements of Cuban popular and folkloric music. Pieces played: Tres preludios a modo de toccata, Harold Gramatges Sonata a la Virgen del Cobre, No. 2, Argeliers Leon Quinteto No. 1, Juan Blanco Cirkus Toccata, Juan Blanco Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

The many musical lives of Roberto Borrell

Apr 12, 2024 1 hr 13 min

Cuban dancer, musician, and educator Roberto Borrell speaks with Rebecca about his incredibly versatile career, spanning popular and folkloric styles. He talks about growing up hearing the legendary bands of the 1950s like Orquesta Aragón and Chappottín y Sus Estrellas, and attending the Black social clubs that were eliminated in the early years of the Revolution. Songs played: Linda cubana, Orquesta de Antonio Maria Romeu Mambo, Arcaño y Sus Maravillas La engañadora, Orquesta América de Ninón Mondéjar El bodeguero, Orquesta Aragón Pare cochero, Orquesta Aragón Roberto Borrell dance videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHSJFOefUBE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiwhNdxKndY Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

The angst and rage of punk cubano

Mar 29, 2024 1 hr 0 min

Punk cubano emerged during the Special Period crisis, giving young disaffected Cubans an outlet to express their angst and rage, often toward the Cuban government. Carmen Torre Pérez joins Rebecca to speak about the counter-cultural genre and its DIY ethics. Songs played: J*****s y perdidos, Rotura Eres tú, Eskoria Azul, Akupunktura Esta no es mi puta guerra, Eztafilokoko Ruido en el sistema, Pólvora Soxial Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

ICYMI: The poetry and politics of nueva trova

Mar 22, 2024 1 hr 1 min

(Rerun of nueva trova episode, first aired in July 2023) Nueva trova is one of the few Cuban genres that is for listening and reflecting instead of dancing - it's sung poetry, much like other Latin American singer-songwriter genres, namely nueva canción. Rebecca has an in-depth conversation with independent scholar and former Cuban diplomat Eva Silot Bravo about the major figures of nueva trova and how it came to be closely identified with the ideology of the Cuban Revolution. The genre's relationship with the government shifted in the wake of the economic crisis of the 1990s, as newer artists began to openly critiqued the preferential treatment given to foreigners, as well as emigrate abroad. Songs played: Pablo Milanés, Mis 22 años Silvio Rodríguez, Sueño con Serpientes Xiomara Laugart, Paria Carlos Varela, Foto de Familia Gema y Pavel, Se Feliz Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Tonada Trinitaria & Guarapachangueo

Mar 8, 2024 1 hr 8 min

Ethnomusicologist and percussionist Johnny Frias joins Rebecca to speak about one of the lesser known Afro-Cuban folkloric practices, the tonada trinitaria, from the central Cuban city of Trinidad. We then delve into the rumba percussion style that has become dominant in recent decades, guarapachangueo, created by a group of brothers from the outskirts of Havana known as Los Chinitos. Songs played: Una corona al General Maceo, Conjunto Folclórico de Trinidad Plegarias, Grupo Abbilona (Los Chinitos) Caridad, Pancho Quinto El conflictivo, Humo + La Liga Rumbera Learn more about guarapachangueo in Rebecca's book: Geographies of Cubanidad: Place, Race and Musical Performance in Contemporary Cuba Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Afrocuba con Su Ritmo Batarumba

Feb 29, 2024 39 min

Afrocuba de Matanzas is widely considered one of the best preservers of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and dance on the island, but the group also created one of the funkiest and most exciting musical innovations in 1973 when they blended rumba percussion and batá drumming to create batarumba. As the years went on, batarumba became even more complex and versatile, as Afrocuba musicians added in instruments and rhythms from son, Abakuá, Iyesá and adapted the songs of Celia Cruz to a batarumba format. Songs played: Tambor, Afrocuba de Matanzas Baila Mi Guaguancó, Afrocuba de Matanzas Caridad, Afrocuba de Matanzas Rinkinkalla, Celia Cruz & Sonora Matancera Rinkinkaya, Ritmo y Canto Learn more about batarumba in Rebecca's book: Geographies of Cubanidad: Place, Race and Musical Performance in Contemporary Cuba Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

The Afro-diasporic fusions of percussionist Michael Spiro

Feb 22, 2024 1 hr 20 min

Grammy-nominated percussionist, recording artist and educator Michael Spiro joins Rebecca to speak about his apprenticeship in Matanzas with masters of Afro-Cuban folkloric drumming, differences in drumming styles between Havana and Matanzas, and his innovative recordings, which fuse batá drumming with other Afro-diasporic traditions, such as Brazilian samba, Candomblé, and Zimbabwean mbira music. Songs played: Inspiración a Santiago, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas Para Clave y Guaguancó, Clave y Guaguancó Osain, Michael Spiro & guests Butsu Mutandari/Iyesa, Michael Spiro & guests Maracambique, Michael Spiro, Joe Galvin & guests Stardust (El Encanto), Michael Spiro,Wayne Wallace & guests Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

The magic and artistry of Chucho Valdés

Feb 15, 2024 1 hr 11 min

Acclaimed pianist/bandleader/composer/author/educator Rebeca Mauleón discusses the long and incredibly versatile career of pianist/composer Chucho Valdés, who founded the groundbreaking jazz fusion group Irakere 50 years ago. In 2018, Mauleón and Valdés co-authored the book Decoding Afro-Cuban Jazz. In both his Irakere compositions and in his solo career, Valdés has often drawn from Afro-Cuban folkloric music—rumba, batá drumming—for inspiration. Songs played: Misa Negra, Irakere El Tata Cimarrón, Irakere Xiomara, Irakere Ochún, Chucho Valdés featuring Regina Carter Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Ida y Vuelta: Musical exchange between Cuba and España

Feb 1, 2024 59 min

Ethnomusicologist and prolific scholar Peter Manuel joins Rebecca to speak about the many centuries of musical exchange between Cuba and Spain, which birthed genres like the Cuban punto and contributed to the evolution of flamenco in Andalucía. Author and editor of numerous books on Caribbean and Indian popular music, including an important anthology of Cuban musicology, Manuel's newest book is Flamenco Music: History, Forms, Culture. Songs played: Fandango, Antonio Soler Controversia, Justo Vega & Adolfo Alfonso Corazón Tu Eres Mi Amigo, Luis Gómez Guajira, Pepe Marchena Juro Que, Rosalía Me Voy Contigo, Remedios Amaya Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

A working musician in Santiago (en español)

Jan 25, 2024 45 min

In our first episode en español (!!!), Rebecca interviews Mario Seguí Correoso, a Santiago-based percussionist who has worked with various groups over the course of his career: an innovative rumba group (Kokoyé), a son/salsa group (Sonora La Calle), and currently a more traditional son group (Los Jubilados), as well as a percussion-based group (Los Tambores de Enrique Bonne). We talk about how difficult the situation has been for musicians since the pandemic. **IF YOU DON'T SPEAK SPANISH, CHECK OUT A TRANSCRIPT OF THE CONVERSATION TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QfvV7JelKB2tDjsNFkT_LxXPwOgUO89anRFCIAMMtMI/edit?usp=sharing Songs played: Manigueta, Los Tambores de Enrique Bonne Calle Enramada, Los Jubilados (title unknown), Grupo Folklórico Kokoyé Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Don't call it soukous: The many sub-styles of Congolese rumba

Jan 18, 2024 59 min

Congolese scholar Ribio Nzeza Bunketi Buse joins Rebecca to speak about the many sub-styles and evolutions within Congolese popular music over the past 60 years. While many in the West refer to the music as "soukous," that's only one specific style of rumba, which also includes rumba chachacha (Joseph Kabasele & African Jazz), rumba odemba (Franco Luambo & OK Jazz), rumba cavacha (Zaiko Langa Langa), and ndombolo (Wenge Musica, Koffi Olomide, Papa Wemba). Dr. Nzeza also explains the significance of the seben, the improvisatory second section of a rumba song featuring virtuosic guitar playing. Songs played: Madre Rumba, La Sonora Matancera featuring Celia Cruz and Celio Gonzalez Africa Mokili Mobimba, Joseph Kabasele & African Jazz Alimatou, Franco Luambo & OK Jazz Nzinzi, King Kester Emeneya Mulolo, Wenge Musica An homage to Grand Kallé (Joseph) Kabasele by Cuban artists and musicians: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY-BVoI93Q4 Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Bad Bunny

Jan 11, 2024 59 min

Rebecca is joined by reggaeton scholar Petra Rivera-Rideau, who co-created the Bad Bunny Syllabus to provide historical and social context for Bad Bunny's music. His massive hit Un Verano Sin Tí was the most globally streamed album of 2022 and the first Spanish-language album to be nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammys. We speak about what makes him such a unique, versatile artist, and then delve into the ways Cuban and Puerto Rican music have diverged in recent decades. Songs played: Controversia, Ismael Rivera El Apagón, Bad Bunny Titi Me Preguntó, Bad Bunny Yo No Soy Celoso, Bad Bunny Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

The Haitian presence in Cuba

Dec 7, 2023 1 hr 13 min

Franco-Haitian cultural influences in Cuba date back over two centuries, beginning with the "refugees" from the Haitian Revolution who fled to eastern Cuba in the early years of the 19th century. However, a much larger wave of Haitian migrants arrived in the first decades of the 20th century to fill labor shortages on sugar plantations, and most stayed. Anthropologist Grete Viddal joins Rebecca for an in-depth conversation on this history, the musical and religious practices migrants brought with them (like Vodou), and the ways Cuban descendants of Haitian migrants carry on their traditions today. Songs played: Camagüey, Tumba Francesa La Caridad Yamvalú, Ballet Folklórico Cutumba Haiti Namizé, Grupo Baraguá Neg Anwo, The Creole Choir of Cuba Se Lavi, The Creole Choir of Cuba Gagá, Ballet Folklórico Cutumba Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

The Bay Area Cuban music scene

Nov 30, 2023 56 min

Multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and educator Dr. John Calloway joins Rebecca to speak about the Cuban music scene in the Bay Area. Calloway has written for Grammy-nominated projects and recorded several of his own albums. He has spent 35 years as a music educator in San Francisco public schools and at San Francisco State University, founding the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble and the Afro-Cuban Ensemble at SF State. Songs played: Aprovecha que me voy, John Calloway Dime si te gusta, Jesús Díaz y Su QBA Asere Ko, John Calloway Generaciones, Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble of San Francisco Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Conga santiaguera

Nov 17, 2023 1 hr 6 min

Ethnomusicologist and event producer Lani Milstein joins Rebecca to talk about Santiago de Cuba's quintessential musical practice: conga, an Afro-Cuban percussion and song genre linked to the city's famed Carnival celebrations. It involves mass participation by people parading along with the mobile percussion ensemble and continues to be a major symbol of santiaguero identity. Songs played: Abre, Conga de Los Hoyos Va a llover, Conga de San Agustín Añoranza por la conga, Sur Caribe La mujer del pelotero, Baby Lores, Insurrecto & Clan 537 Desi Arnaz performing "Babalu" - at around 0:50, he starts dancing the side-to-side conga step commonly seen in comparsa parades https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAV3bOJaQuY Sur Caribe video for "Añoranza por la conga" - you'll see footage of people arollando with the conga https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC6Vjr0i9sw Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

I'd love to hear from you!

Nov 10, 2023 7 min

No new episode this week, but a quick note from Rebecca, followed by a slow, juicy yambú from the legendary Havana rumba group Clave y Guaguancó. Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Fundamento: The deep African essences of Cuban religion with Ned Sublette

Nov 3, 2023 1 hr 1 min

Rebecca speaks with musician/producer/historian Ned Sublette, author of the most comprehensive history of Cuban music in English, Cuba and Its Music: From the First Drums to the Mambo. Sublette is leading trips to Cuba through his organization, Postmambo, and in January will embark on La Ruta de los Fundamentos, a tour focusing on Afro-Cuban sacred sites in western Cuba (email postmambo@gmail.com for more info). We talk about the dense and entangled networks of Afro-Cuban religious practice and play a few fieldwork recordings from rural western Cuba. Tracks played: Song for Ochosi, recorded in the 1950s by Lydia Cabrera in the province of Matanzas Yuka drumming, recorded by Sublette in the province of Pinar del Río Bembe de sao, recorded by Sublette in the province of Mayabeque Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Drumming and singing for the orishas

Oct 26, 2023 50 min

The most well-known African-derived religion in the Americas is La Regla de Ocha or Lucumí, more popularly known as Santería. The music used to accompany rituals and ceremonies involves complex, polyrhythmic drumming and a huge repertoire of songs for the different orishas (Yoruba-derived deities), like Yemayá, Oshún and Changó. Rebecca breaks down some basic features of the religion and its diverse musical ensembles, as well as its widespread influence on Cuban popular music. Songs played: Elegua, Jesus Díaz y Su QBA A Elegua, Merceditas Valdés y Yoruba Andabo Güiro for Oshun, Afrocuba de Matanzas Ogun, Bobi Céspedes Y Que Tú Quieres Que Te Den (1991), Adalberto Álvarez Y Su Son Y Que Tú Quieres Que Te Den (2005), Adalberto Álvarez Y Su Son Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Congolese rumba: Cuban music goes back home

Oct 19, 2023 59 min

Cuban son, under the label "rumba," became incredibly popular following the success of "El manicero" in 1930, including in the two Congos (at the time colonized by Belgium and France). Congolese musicians heard echoes of their own traditional music and began creating a new genre (Congolese rumba) largely based on son, mambo and cha cha cha and sung in a mix of Spanish, French and Lingala. French historian Charlotte Grabli joins Rebecca to talk about the bi-directional musical exchanges between Cuba and the two Congos. Songs played: El manicero, Don Azpiazu & His Havan Casino Orchestra Marie Tchebo, Manuel D'Oliveira & Georges Edouard El que siembra su maiz, Trio Matamoros El que siembra su maiz, Joseph Kabasele & African Jazz Independence Cha Cha, Joseph Kabasele & African Jazz Cha Cha Cha del Zombo, Brazzos & O.K. Jazz Mwanga, Franklin Boukaka Muanga, Orquesta Aragón Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Changüí, Cuban roots music

Oct 12, 2023 1 hr 5 min

Grammy-nominated musician, ethnomusicologist, and professor Benjamin Lapidus joins Rebecca for a deep dive into the eastern Cuban roots music called changüí, considered to be one of the antecedents of son. Songs played: Nengón, Kiriba y Nengon de Baracoa Así Es El Changüí, Grupo Changüí de Guantánamo Fiesta en Cecilia, Grupo Changüí de Guantánamo 21 de Mayo, La Orquesta Revé Quiriba, Los Universales del Son Ochún, Las Flores de Changüí Cuidemos La Capa de Ozono, Popó y su Changüí Documentary, Orígenes del Changüí - clips of changüí dance at 20:30: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn2yYJUZ7wg Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

A tribute to Tirso Duarte, QEPD

Oct 6, 2023 1 hr 5 min

Timba star Tirso Duarte (pianist, singer, arranger, songwriter) passed away tragically on Sept. 29 in Colombia. Timba.com creator Kevin Moore, who worked closely with Duarte and wrote a book about him, joins Rebecca to pay tribute to "el angel negro" and discuss what made him so special as a musician. Songs played: El bla bla bla, La Charanga Habanera Iala, Tirso Duarte Aquí Están, Los Ases de la Timba Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Gloria Estefan, Queen of Latin crossover

Sep 27, 2023 39 min

Gloria Estefan walked so Shakira and Ricky Martin could run. She's the OG Latin crossover star, the artist who broke through to the mainstream with Miami Sound Machine and their massive hit "Conga" in 1985. She was also one of the best female balladeers of the 1980s, with songs like "Anything For You" and "Don't Wanna Lose You." In 1993 she released her first solo Spanish-language album, Mi Tierra, an homage to Cuban music. It spent a whopping 58 weeks at the top of the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart, only overtaken in 2020 by Bad Bunny. Songs played: Conga Can't Stay Away From You Volverás Mi Tierra No Hay Mal Que Por Bien No Venga Tradición Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Women and feminism in salsa, from Celia to La India

Sep 20, 2023 1 hr 8 min

Esteemed scholar of Latino/a popular culture and identity Frances Aparicio joins Rebecca to speak about the most significant women in salsa, beginning with the Queen herself, Celia Cruz. We talk about the many struggles female salsa musicians have faced in the music industry over the decades and the different strategies they've used to speak/sing back to the patriarchy and claim space. Songs played: Yerbero Moderno, Celia Cruz with La Sonora Matancera Burundanga, Celia Cruz with La Sonora Matancera Puro Teatro, La Lupe Usted Abusó, Celia Cruz and Willie Colón La Voz de la Experiencia, Celia Cruz and La India Que Manera de Quererte, Albita Basta, Choco Orta An amazing clip of La Lupe on the Dick Cavett show, 1973 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wCPNvP2osg Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Cuban social dance: casino and rueda

Sep 8, 2023 59 min

Musicologist, dancer and educator Sarah Town joins Rebecca to speak about the history and evolution of Cuban social dance, specifically casino and a particularly intricate and complex style called rueda de casino, danced in a circle. These styles of dance have become a global phenomenon since the 1990s and the rise of timba, and there are many local scenes across the U.S. and around the world. Check out this incredible clip of a rueda de casino group: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZAjkXAhlXU Songs played: Las Alturas de Simpson Rock Around the Clock, Bill Haley & His Comets Abre Que Voy, Gonzalo Grau y La Clave Secreta Esa Soy Yo, Elito Revé y Su Charangón Para Bailar Casino, Adalbero Álvarez y Su Son La Bailarina, Habana D' Primera Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Más Timba: Pupy, Paulito, Bamboleo & Revé

Aug 30, 2023 54 min

Part 2 of Rebecca's conversation with Kevin Moore focuses on several major timba groups and their unique styles: Pupy Y Los Que Son Son, Paulito y Su Élite, Bamboleo and Elito Revé y Su Charangón. Songs played: De La Timba a Pogolotti, Pupy Y Los Que Son Son La Borrachera, Pupy Y Los Que Son Son Enredadera de Amor, Paulito FG Ya No Hace Falta, Bamboleo Dale Agua al Dominó, Elito Revé y Su Charangón Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Timba: NG La Banda & Charanga Habanera

Aug 23, 2023 1 hr 16 min

Finally, a timba episode! Rebecca speaks with Kevin Moore, the mastermind behind Timba.com, the largest Cuban music website in the world, who explains what makes timba unique and how it revolutionized Cuban dance music. This episode focuses on the pioneering innovations of NG La Banda and La Charanga Habanera. Check out Kevin's book Beyond Salsa For Beginners for an incredibly comprehensive musical breakdown of timba. Songs played: Los Sitios Entero, NG La Banda Picadillo de Soya, NG La Banda Nube Pasajera, La Charanga Habanera Charanguero Mayor, La Charanga Habanera El Temba, La Charanga Habanera Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

Cuban reggaeton and reparto

Aug 16, 2023 1 hr 17 min

In the past two decades, reggaeton has become the soundtrack of Cuba, eventually resulting in the birth of a more localized genre called reparto. Ethnomusicologist Mike Levine speaks with Rebecca about how reggaeton took hold first in the eastern part of the island, where Jamaican and Caribbean influences are much stronger, and how artists in Havana have transformed it into a uniquely Cuban genre that represents their contemporary lives. Songs played: Señor Oficial, Candyman Soy Cubanito, Cubanito 2002 Bailando, Enrique Iglesias featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona El Ditu, Elvis Manuel Bajanda, Chocolate MC Send us Fan Mail Support the show You can support this independently produced podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber - even $3/month helps! If you like this podcast, please hit "Follow" and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts Find The Clave Chronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & Threads @clavechronicles https://theclavechronicles.buzzsprout.com Intro and outro music: "Bengo Latino," Jimmy Fontanez/Media Right Productions

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Podcast details

Created by: Rebecca Bodenheimer
Status: Active
Latest episode: Sep 23, 2026
Episodes: 65
Release period: Occasionally
Avg. episode length: 56 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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