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Best Latin Singer
Descemer Bueno
Afro-Cuban fusion singer Descemer Bueno's calls home to Havana are echoing from Miami stages across the Florida Straits to the seawall along Malecón Boulevard in the Cuban capital, and even onto Madrid's music scene. Bueno, a founder of legendary Latin funk band Yerba Buena and current frontman of Siete Rayo, boasts a brand of funk, jazz, merengue, reggaeton, hip-hop and Afro-Cuban rhythms all his own. It was recognized with a record deal from Universal Latino, as well as Spain's prestigious Goya Award for Best Music Written for a Film in the movie Havana Blues. When Bueno belts out the song "Habana," it sounds like an eerie cry, a yearning for unification in the Cuban diaspora. "If I never go back, it will break my heart," he sings, followed by a reinforcement of all that he is: "I represent the Afro-Cuban generation." Let's hope that cry will lead to a new understanding of Cuba in all its of political and ethnographic makeup.
Chicago Tribune Entertainment >> Music
RECORDINGS
Siete Rayo
Descemer Bueno (Universal Music Latino)
Achy Obejas
Published July 7, 2006
Descemer Bueno is one of the more talented musical artists to come out of Cuba in the last 15 years. A co-founder with Andres Levin of Yerba Buena, the neo-funk group that's been shaking things up in global music circles, Bueno was well established as both composer and producer long before then. So you'd think Bueno's first stateside offering would be a killer, full of the strange genre and island-hopping that he's brought to so many other projects. Well, surprise: Bueno's "Siete Rayo," which includes nearly as many songs by others as by him (including goodies from George Pajon Jr., guitarist and songwriter with the Black Eyed Peas), often sounds more like a fascinating demo than a polished showcase for Bueno's outsize talents. Leaning more heavily on cumbia, reggae and reggaeton than on Cuban forms, the songs are frothy, lighthearted events that have, for the most part, been heard before. In the case of "Se Feliz," that's quite literally true: It's the title sap-fest from Bueno's Cuban solo album. Ditto the cliche-ridden "Habana." The chorus from "Cumbia Reggae" seems awfully close to Yerba Buena's "La Gringa," and the line in "El Train" about not wanting to be confused for a Muslim at customs is, well, unfortunate at best. But if you want to pick and choose on the download service of your choice, "Cumbia Reggae" is a blast. If you ignore the stupid line from "El Train," you can hook in to a sexy swagger; there's also Pajon's "Lo Bueno Na Ma" and the driving Ahmed Barroso-penned "Cimarron." A surprise is Magilee Alvarez, Bueno's girlfriend and collaborator, whose vocals always seem perfect.
Producer Descemer Bueno
Producer Descemer Bueno
This is a real project, a book with essays, reproductions of Cuban art by younger artists, and two cds. At its best, the music is a major step forward for both Gema Y Pavel and the descendants of Nueva Trova. It moves Cuban intellectual music into the realm of modern Brazilian work. There's stunning music here, moments of real beauty and intelligence, where traditional Cuban sounds mix with technology and international pop. Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous, 2004-01-12)
Producer Descemer Bueno
Yusa was invited by the Brazilian artist Lenine to join him as a basist on stage for two concerts in a trio format. Material from these concerts conform the CD and DVD 'Lenine InCité', recently winner of a LATIN GRAMMY AWARD.
Tumi Music
If the critics and gourmets of good music were able to discover the enormous possibilities of Yusa's music in her first delivery, this second release bring us a coherent artist with a sound breath that has taken a leap ahead, moving herself so graciously between genres, sometimes in unprejudiced appropriation or else barely touching boundaries, that you will not fail to fall in love with her music. Produced by Descemer Bueno (co-founder of Yerba Buena, and musical producer as well as composer of all tunes of the new EMI Virgin star Haydee Milanes), Yusa's new CD "Breathe" only comes to show to the sceptics that Cuban music can be a vital mix of exciting musical ideas, oozing with talent, as a witty, ambitious epitomising of Cuba's new generation.
Producer: Descemer Bueno
Hija del gran músico Pablo Milanés, Haydée creció en un medio musical , en contacto desde pequeña con las más ricas influencias musicales de Cuba y el mundo: desde Gilberto Gil a Stevie Wonder, Cat Stevens, Ellis Regina, Fela Kuti, Keith Jarret, y grandes soneros como Miguelito Cuni y Cotan. A partir de 1.999 se estrena como profesional comenzando con el cuarteto del conocido pianista cubano Hernán López Nussa. Su primer repertorio se inspira principalmente del jazz latino, con la idea de utilizar la voz como un instrumento. Con el cuarteto Haydée asiste a sus prinmera gira mundial cuando es invitada en el año 2.000 al Heineken Festival de Sao Paulo. Más tarde cierra su colaboración con con Hérnan López Nussa con un disco grabado en Río de Janeiro en el que colabora con legendarios maestros de la música cubana tales como Tata Guines y Pancho ferry (From Havana to Río, Velas).
Haydée comienza a cantar las canciones de Descemer Bueno, a quien conoce desde niña. Juntos realizan algunas grabaciones caseras hasta que el año 2001 Descemer viaja a New York, donde le propone hacer su primer disco como solista con canciones de su autoría. El disco fué haciendose entre viajes a New York y La Habana, y en las grabaciones colaboraron músicos de gran calidad de Cuba, Estados Unidos, Brasil y África.
Una vez terminadas las grabaciones se realizó una serie de conciertos en La Habana que fueron una agradable sorpresa para el público cubano y fueron recibidos con gran estusiasmo por la crítica.
Movies
Descemer Bueno
Pro Professional Details
Filmography as: Composer
Habana Blues
Best Original Music
Premios Goya 2006 (spain)
Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights - ( Song(("Guajira (I Love U 2 Much)")) / 2004 / Released / Ster-Kinekor )
Chasing Papi - ( Song(("Electric Boogaloo")) / 2003 / Released / 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment )
Honey - ( Song(("Guajira (I Love U 2 Much)")) / 2003 / Released / Universal Pictures Distribution )
Television
Entourage HBO
Guajira I Love U 2 Much
Filmography as: Composer
"Daisy Cooks!" (2005) TV Series
Books
Black Magic Musicians, Orichas and 7 Rayo
Category: Music
Perhaps the threesome's positive influence will spread with its numerous individual collaborations. Aside from acting gigs, Romero helped produce and raps on albums for Miami-based artist Descemer Bueno and actress/singer Beatriz Luengos. A solo full-length is in the works for González, but Orishas fans can still expect a new album in 2007. Orishas' current release, El Kilo, is yet another tribute to the group's heritage. The album's title refers to a slang term for a cent in Cuba. Romero reveals the true meaning behind it:
All Music Guide
Similar in flavor and intent to former collaborators Yerba Buena, Descemer Bueno's solo debut album further explores the new paths that lead to the place where urban and Latino music meet. Descemer's artistic voice on 2006's Siete Rayo is much grittier, earthier than what fans heard of him on Yerba Buena projects. With reggaeton-inflected (but not -dominated) tracks, and instrumental influences that harken to his Havana upbringing and education, Bueno is a true original. There are few artists in the increasingly diverse cast on the hip-hop stage who offer such a fresh perspective on what this music can encompass. Similarly, Cuban music is given a fresh coat of paint and a new perspective in Bueno's compositions. The earthy, rich timbre of his voice, tuneful songwriting, and creative inclusion of folkloric instruments make for an easy yet engaging listen. Somewhat neglected by mainstream media, perhaps because it's so difficult to categorize, Siete Rayo is set up mainly for an underground following. Anyone who comes across this gem of a record will be glad for it, and quickly join the ranks of the dedicated fans. There are few musicians out there who do such honor to their native tradition and offer such brave vision for the urban music community. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide
Sound Roots
Descemer - Siete Rayo
(Universal Music Latino)
The solo career of Descemer Bueno (of Yerba Buena) should blast off with this feisty beat-laden album. Born in Cuba, Descemer mashes the grooves of his homeland with hip-hop, Ojos-de-Brujo-style vocals, M.I.A.-style beats, and brisk horn blasts. More than any other "Latin Alternative" album of late, Siete Rayo will have a tidal pull on the world music generalist.
Descemer was born in Havana, Cuba in 1971. He began his music calling by studying classical guitar at Manuel Samuel School of the Arts and Amadeo Roldan School of the Arts, graduating and getting his degree to be a professor in guitar and concertista. For the duration of 1991 until 1999, Descemer worked in the National Center of Music of Concerts in Havana. All through his professional career in Cuba he was a member of several groups such as Estado de Animo in which he played, composed and acted as musical director. His musical collaborations extended into other groups such as Santiago Feliu, Columna B, and Fula. In July 2000, Descemer had the chance to go and do his Artistic Residency, which included not only taking but presenting lectures for the Stanford Jazz Workshop, at Stanford University, in California.
This led him to become a part of the faculty at the University of South Africa, in Cape Town, interpreting the mechanics of Cuban music.
Proceeding to New York in 1999, he formed the band Yerba Buena, along with other recently arrived musicians. Yerba Buena gained critical acclaim and respect from music taste makers in the US and Europe with the fresh recordings presented in their record President Alien. The cutting edge sounds they performed were influenced by AfroCuban, Jazz, Afrobeat, Hip-Hop, Soul, Boogaloo, and Mambo beats. Yerba Buenas sleeper hit Guajira flooded the market through movies and commercials like Dirty Dancing 2 Havana Nights, Honey Cheaper by the Dozen and a Nation-wide Pepsi TV campaign.
In 2004, Descemer Bueno showcased his extraordinary talent again, formally through the group Siete Rayo, becoming their producer, front man, composer and bass player. Siete Rayos sound filled New Yorks hottest clubs with the genuine feel of Cumbia, Reggae, Calypso, and Hip-Hop fusion. Although they did not release a studio album, several songs made it on Cuban Hip Hop compilations, as well as receiving radio play in top markets such as NY, Miami, and Los Angeles.
Descemer Buenos artistry was recognized even before signing with Universal Music Latino. He has worked with great artist such as Steve Coleman, , Billy Higgins, Tooty Heath, Rufus Reid, Anjelique Kidjo, Dave Matthews Band, and Yusa (during their European tour in 2003).
He has played all over the world in places such as Spain, Germany, Argentina, South Africa, Zimbabwe, France, Mexico, Cuba, and the United States.
Descemer Buenos solo album was released on October 4 of this year
On this production, he has continued to collaborate with revered musicians such as Earth, Wind and Fire, George Pajon, Jr., songwriter and arranger for the Black Eyed Peas and Orishas.
Descemer Bueno es reconocido como la voz subversiva de la fusión afrocubana, tendencia que está marcando las pautas del futuro de la música latina. El artista, uno de los pioneros del movimiento del hip-hop cubano de la última década, mezcla el antiguo son con los sonidos nuevos del hip-hop creando unas de las más auténticas aportes de nuestros tiempos. Su sonido único, innovador y sofisticado, influenciado grandemente por jazz y hip-hop, acapara inmediatamente la atención de los consumidores.
Desde su arribo a los Estados Unidos, luego de deserción de Cuba, el talento Descemer ha sido reconocido por los grandes de la música, críticos y ejecutivos de la industria. Durante su talentosa carrera Bueno ha sido compositor, productor y músico flanqueado siempre por el bajo y la guitarra. Su estilo original lo ha llevado ha ser comparado con otros grandiosos artistas tales como Bob Marley y Manu Chao.
Descemer Bueno nació en 1971 en La Habana, Cuba. Su pasión por la música emergió desde muy temprana edad llevándolo a iniciar estudios en música especializándose en el estudio guitarra clásica en las escuelas de arte Manuel Samuel y Amadeo Roldán de donde se graduó convirtiéndose en profesor de guitarra y concertista.
Entre los años 1991 al 1999, Descemer trabajó en el Centro Nacional de Música de Conciertos de La Habana. Durante su carrera profesional en Cuba, fue miembro de varios grupos como Estado de Animo con el que hizo alarde de sus dotes de músico, compositor y director musical. Algunas de sus colaboraciones musicales incluyen a otros grupos como lo son Santiago Feliu, Columna B y Fula.
En julio del 2000, Descemer tiene la oportunidad de trasladarse a la Universidad de Stanford en California para formalizar su residencia artística en el Stanford Jazz Workshop donde no sólo tomó clases sino que además, realizó servicios docentes. Experiencia que lo lleva a formar parte del personal de la Universidad de Sur África en Cape Town, interpretando la mecánica de la música cubana.
En 1999 se radica en la cuidad de Nueva York donde, junto a otros músicos inmigrantes, fundó el grupo Yerba Buena. Logrando con su primera producción discográfica President Alien la aceptación inmediata de la crítica especializa y el respeto del público, tanto de los Estados Unidos como de Europa.
Ese sonido único de Yerba Buena, influenciado por ritmos afrocubano, jazz, afrobeat, hip hop, soul, boogaloo y el mambo, lo lleva a entrar por la puerta grande al mercado cinematográfico y comercial. Así lo revela éxitos como Guajira plasmado en las bandas sonoras de filmes como Dirty Dancing 2: Havana Nights, Honey, Cheaper By the Dozen y la campaña publicitaria nacional para la televisión de Pepsi.
En el 2004, Descemer Bueno exhibe nuevamente su extraordinario talento en el grupo Siete Rayos participando como productor, primera voz, compositor y bajista. Con una genuina fusión de cumbia, reggae, calypso, y hip hop el sonido de Siete Rayos llenan los clubes más vanguardistas de La Gran Manzana. Aunque no alcanzaron a sacar un álbum, muchas de sus canciones aparecieron en compilaciones de hip hop cubano, conquistando trascendentales mercados como Miami, Nueva York y Los Ángeles.
El extraordinario talento de Bueno, también ha sido reconocido por otros artistas siendo solicitado para trabajar junto a grandes virtuosos como: Steve Coleman, Winton Marsalis, David Sánchez, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Billy Higgins, Tooty Heath, Rufus Reid, Anjelique Kidjo, Dave Matthews Band, y Yusa con los que ha recorrido parte de mundo, visitando países como España, Alemania, Argentina, Sur África, Zimbabwe, Francia, México, Cuba y Estados Unidos.
Esta única y excepcional capacidad musical se plasma nuevamente en un acetato que hará historia. Un trabajo seductor con el que Descemer Bueno junto a su grupo Siete Rayos impactarán por sonido alternativo dosificado en una producción de pop que seguramente cautivará a las grandes masas.
Descemer Bueno en Taller Cé con Haydee Milanes, Fidel Morales y Luis Rodriguez
El Carro Siete Rayo (Descemer Bueno)..>
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Tema musical del documental Dream Havana, de Gary Marks. El tema compuesto y cantado por Descemer Bueno y Kelvis Ochoa
Se Feliz Amanecer en el Vedado...
filmado desde el FOCSA...
Hola Descemer: Gracias por tu pedido. Muy interesante el material biografico de tu pagina. Estas invitado a visitarnos cuando gustes. Exito con tus proyectos. Saludos, Jean Cabbie & The Secret Admirer Society
Cheers friend, an honour having you here, be well, and do enjoy the library/blog's contents, here's hoping that it'll inspire you, as your creative spirit has inspired mine, sweet dreams then...
Desce yo estoy haciendo una colection de todos tu musica quiero que sepas que te extrano muchisimo y te quiero mi corazon se quedo con los mios tu y todos mis amigos Felicidades Papa !
HOLA,PASE PARA DEJARTE UN SALUDITO Y DECIRTE QUE ESTUBO MUY BUENA LA ULTIMA PRESENNTACION, ENERGIA PURA, UN SALUDO Y TODO EL ACHE DEL MUNDO PARA TI UN BESO MARU
