[JPL] about musical gems in Cuba

[Maurice Hogue]

At 04:14 PM 17/08/2007 -0600, Arturo wrote:

>I got a huge chuckle with the NBC reporter stating "Cuba has been cut off
>from most of the world". It is only the US and Israel that have banned trade
>with Cuba, US' neighbors Canada and Mexico as the Americas as a whole as
>well as most of Europe, Asia and Australia. The US bullies others not to
>trade with Cuba or they will lose the US as a partner. The US also won't
>allow other countries to sell Cuba anything with a US patent even if
>manufactered elsewhere, this is particualr harmful in the medicical and
>technological field where US patents abound. The Cold War is over, no more
>Berlin War, we trade with mainland China, time to renew trade with Cuba,
>engagement not isolation.
>
>Arturo Gómez, a Cuban US citizen

I've had the pleasure of meeting some of the great Cuban musicians
that Jane Bunnett has brought to Canada, a few years back when I
was doing her tours.  Lots of great music.  Some of those, like
Dafnis Prieto, Yosvanny Terry and Pedro Martinez ended up settling
in the US (via Spain I think). THey're doing ok!

Many Cuban musicians have settled in Canada, particularly Toronto,
and Montreal and Vancouver.

Which is my cue to give some props to David Virelles and his new
recording "Motion" on Justin Time.  Has Justin Time sent this to US
stations?  If they haven't they should.

David was this young scary 16-year old piano phenom when Jane
discovered him in Cuba. She brought him to Toronto where he has
stayed, studied and has developed into a brilliant pianist.. He's only
22 now.

David won the 2006 competiton for Canadian bands at the Montreal
Jazz Festival and one of the prizes was a recording on Justin Time.

Check out "Motion", if you can.  Very recommended.

Maurice Hogue
CKUW Winnipeg