Cuban instrumentals

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tresero
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Cuban instrumentals

Post by tresero » Sun Dec 01, 2019 5:38 pm

I'm back :)

Since I know a thing or two about Cuban music, I figure I'd submit. My only issue on this is, they want "authentic". Last time I submitted authentic (for a dispatch listing), I was told not authentic enough and instrumentation (I live and record in Cuba and used "traditional" instruments, Cuban tres, bongo, marimbula). Anyway, I get it's only one reviewer, but I hate to waste money if there really is something wrong.

These two tracks are recorded by the bass player and piano player of Afro Cuban All Stars, as well as myself, so if I get the not Cuban this time, I will realize, they don't really want Cuban :)

The first track is a timba, and these are rough mixes. I used the traditional section breakdowns and tried to apply them in an instrumental. Cuban music is repetitive, and danceable. I hope this is what is needed. I'll still add some guitar doubles of the bones.

https://jongriffinmusic.com/my-music/timbamania

The second is a more "mainstream" salsa tune and I realize that maybe simple is better. Just letting the piano carry the main part of the tune with some tres in the back. I realize the bass is low, it's a mockup and will be replaced when finished tomorrow. Other comments accepted!
https://jongriffinmusic.com/my-music/salsa-night-club

Thanks as always.


A RANGE OF CUBAN INSTRUMENTALS and/or INSTRUMENTAL CUES are needed by a hard-working Music Library with a very long list of killer placements in Hit TV Shows!

Quoting the Music Library Owner: “I'm looking to add a bunch of International Albums to my catalog. I know that TAXI has members from all around the globe, and this would be a great way to tap into that. I bet we could find some really great, authentic stuff! I’m looking to work with TAXI members far and wide that are phenomenally talented at creating music that’s indigenous to their homeland and culture!”

IMPORTANT: You don't need to actually be from (or live in) Cuba to submit for this, but AUTHENTICITY is key, so your music should at least sound like you live there. :-)

Cuban Instrumental Music Salsa (Starting from 0:00 -2:55)

“Amor Verdadero” by Afro Cuban All-Stars

“Tumbao” by Rubén González

Although some of the references have vocals, please submit Instrumentals and/or Instrumental Cues only for this pitch.

Please submit well-composed, authentic-sounding Cuban Style Instrumentals (and/or Instrumental Cues) using instruments and arrangements commonly found in the genre. Your submissions can be built on a variety of "Cuban" Styles like (but not limited to) Afro-Cuban Jazz, Bakosó, Bolero, Canción, Conga, Mambo, Rumba, Timba, Trova, etc.

TAXI Tip: Your instruments should sound as authentic and organic as possible – nothing synthetic or overtly MIDI-driven, please. If you’re using samples or virtual instruments, expert use of dynamics and expression will help your music stand out from the crowd.

Your submissions should be at least 2 minutes in length, a little bit longer is fine. Non-Faded, Buttoned/Stinger endings will work best for this request. Broadcast Quality is needed.

nicotina
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Re: Cuban instrumentals

Post by nicotina » Sat Dec 07, 2019 5:40 pm

Jon,

Wow, the guy from Afro-Cuban All-stars on piano? They can't say it isn't authentic!

I'm no expert, but I used to play in a Salsa band, and I dig Latin music, so I will answer anyway. My only worry is that the Timbamania tune has electric guitar at the beginning, which makes it sound a bit like Latin Jazz rather than my estadounidense idea of what sounds Cuban. But the examples they gave sound more old-school Cuban salsa-type music with horns and an acoustic piano. So although you are authentic, if they are looking for old-school sounds and vibe, it may not be what they want. After the guitar leaves, and the trombones kick in, it sounds more like the type of music in the examples below. The Salsa tune has a very bright-sounding piano (digital?) which again is not like the piano sound in the examples. Great playing, though!

Submit it anyway, and then hopefully you'll know what they are looking for. Needs some editing and compression before submission.

Buena Suerte,

Vince

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Re: Cuban instrumentals

Post by tresero » Sat Dec 07, 2019 7:10 pm

Forgot I was moving my website. The songs are both updated to the latest, and also added a songo and bolero.

You can see them on my Taxi page if you are interested. Songo and If You Think Like That.

Yes, I'm old school and am just now learning the fine points of mixing. I would pay someone, but it's hard to justify if I don't know the tracks will be accepted. One of my goals when I move full-time to Cuba is have someone working in my studio doing the mixing for me.

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Re: Cuban instrumentals

Post by johnlewitt » Tue Dec 10, 2019 11:29 am

I listened to the first track. I'd say it's authentic, though I would say that it sounds like a very rough, live mix. You've got all the elements, but they need to sound better when mixed together. If that's not your strong suit, there's a bunch of people on her who could take your tracks and mix them for you.

John

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