A Musical Celebration of Cuba in America
“Two big cultural streams flowing simultaneously ...ancient and experimental at the same time, and capacious enough to include more and more."
Ben Ratliff, The New York Times
Renowned pianist and composer Michele Rosewoman presents New Yor-Uba: A Musical Celebration of Cuba in America, featuring fellow masters from the worlds of contemporary jazz and Cuban folkloric music. The name “New Yor-Uba” pays homage to the dynamic musical journey of centuries old Yoruba culture from Nigeria, through Cuba to present day New York, reflecting its contemporary manifestations.
Brass, saxophones, and a rhythm section complement key Cuban elements including three bata and conga drummers, traditional vocals and dance. New Yor-Uba salutes the Orishas (Yoruban deities) in a contemporary jazz setting with a distinctive repertoire featuring Ms. Rosewoman’s original compositions and visionary arrangements that Incorporate a large spectrum of Cuban spiritually-based music, including, Yoruba (Nigeria), Arará (Dahomey), Abakuá (Calabar) and rumba/guaguanco, a uniquely Cuban musical form.
"...startling for its balance of unfettered improvisation and undiluted Cuban folklore within a complex and often grand structure.--stylistic swagger and spiritual heft."
Larry Blumenfeld, The Wall Street Journal
“New Yor-Uba, A Musical Celebration of Cuba in America”debuted in 1983 at Joseph Papp’s Public Theater in New York City. The ensemble has performed at major festivals and venues throughout Europe and the United States and Ms. Rosewoman was among the first to bring an undiluted form of Cuban folklore into New York City jazz clubs.
Now with an almost 40-year progression, New Yor-Uba’s concept and sound remain uniquely vital as Rosewoman continues to enhance the ensemble’s repertoire with new music and personnel, further inspiring her to reflect upon and explore the links between these deep musical traditions.
