Posted on 08/24/2011 2:22:09 PM PDT by The Bronze Titan
Arturo Sandoval with be performing along with singer Omara Portuondo and other members of the Buena Vista Social Club this Wednesday at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. However, the trumpet player emphatically rejected any possibility of performing together with the artists from the island because of ideological differences.
"Since I left Cuba, I do not present myself as artist who represents Cuba," Sandoval said in an interview with the AP. "We may be in the same program, but we are not together. Period. I will do my show in my own way, and they will do theirs."
When asked if he would perform at least one song with Buena Vista, Sandoval replied: "Absolutely not. We represent two completely different things... I advocate and defend human rights, total liberty for everyone, and above all, democracy. Omara and the band that is coming, and above all Omara -- we worked together for many years in Cuba and I know her very well -- represent the government of Cuba."
Sandoval and Portuondo have shared a stage in the past. "We did many things together in Cuba," the trumpet player said. "Remember that I started playing in Cuba when I was 11 years old, and I left when I was 40," he said in the interview without giving any more details.
The musician, who is 61, has been living in the U.S. since 1990 after defecting in Greece during a tour with his mentor, Dizzy Gillespie.
So.....It’s easy to leave Cuba when you have nothing to lose....this guy had everything to lose by leaving Cuba. It’s obvious he couldn’t go on living the lie anymore.
hola, Maceo,
For those interested in a newer, younger, form of Cuban music in exile, I recommend Juan- Carlos Formell & Johnny’s Dream Club, who will be at the Monterey Jazz Festival on Sept 16. Juan-Carlos is the son of the most famous person in Cuba (next to Castro) but he escaped to come here and start a new life from nothing.
It’s a riveting story and wonderful music that you can find at these links: www.myspace.com/johnnysdreamclub and www.myspace.com/formell.
I don’t know to whom you are referring when you say it’s easy to leave when you have nothing to lose.
It’s never easy to leave your family, friends and the only life you know. Arturo had an easy time in Cuba, as a member of the elite, and came here to a red carpet rolled out for him by Dizzy Gillespie, with a record contract waiting for his signature, and the cover of jazz magagines.
Juan-Carlos had no one and nobody waiting for him or helping him when he got here, so I wouldn’t call that easy.
Tks, I will look that up!
Trans: A patriot to the principle of liberty is more honorable than a servant of a tyranical government of his native land..
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