Preview

Asere are a group of seven young musicians who came together to play traditional Cuban son. Their career took off when, on visiting Cuba in 1996, the great Colombian singer Totó la Momposina saw them in concert and was immediately struck by their energy, rich songwriting and powerful delivery.

Comfortable with classical son, respectful of their musical forefathers and yet keen to step into the future, in Asere we find the son tradition dressed up in baseball caps and trainers, an expression of young urban Cuba, these musicians seeking to develop the music through their inventive songwriting and arrangements, building a fresh sound for a new generation.

Since 1998 Asere have performed constantly across Europe (including more than 60 shows in the UK) impressing many with their dynamic show and infectious energy. They have also celebrated their versatility performing with Totó la Momposina in 1999, with the legendary drummer Billy Cobham and as the backing band for Papa Noel’s ‘Bana Congo’ project in 2002.

Asere are now one of the finest bands playing traditional Cuban music in the world, combining razor sharp musicianship, fantastic harmonies, and dynamic stage presence. Come and see the natural modern heirs to the Buena Vista Social Club.

‘It’s time to meet the lads who will take son into the new millennium’ - Mojo Magazine

‘Cuban Soul breathes fresh vigour into the traditional rhythms of son and bolero’ - Nigel Williamson, The Times

Review

You can bet your bottom peso that there are learned theses being penned right now on the benefits of a 'repressive' communist regime for the preservation of a country's indigenous musical forms - and the eagerly-awaited return of this vibrant Cuban septet emphatically proved the point. Not that their cherished 'son' music is a dusty museum exhibit - quite the reverse. Asere's cultural brotherhood is now generously shared with equivalent genres from far beyond the Caribbean basin, yet its firm Cuban roots are never compromised, only enriched.

For all the polyrhythmic complexity of the son form, it doesn't take long to get your ear in - the generously-filled room was soon moving as one to the irresistible Asere groove. Opener 'Vengan Todos a Bailar el Son' translates as 'Come everyone and dance the Son', and that's what we all did ... from the fast and furious salsa-flavoured 'A Favor del Viento' to the lilting 'Romantica' (with Michel Padron's muted trumpet, and glorious vocal harmonies), from explosive dance-floor fillers like guitarist Alejandro Padron's 'Te Amare' and 'Tambo Pal Bembe' to the touching 'Mercedes' (with reggae segue), via the Puerto Rican-informed 'Te Estoy Cantando' and their vigorous reworking of the venerable 'Habanera', the boys captivated one and all with their joyful interaction and infectious energy. You'd have to be made of stone not to respond to Asere, and we never saw an audience less petrified.

The fullness of the band's instrumental sound, with just guitar (Alejandro Padron), tres (Jose Reyes), string bass (Ivan Suarez) and trumpet, is astonishing; congo maestro Vicente Arencibia, bongo/cowbell wizard David Echevarria, and bongos sensation Juan Alarcon share lead vocalist duties, with response harmonies from all the band bar Michel Padron, who vigorously conducts proceedings when not blowing the most incendiary trumpet this side of Maynard Ferguson. In sum, Asere were, once again, a profoundly exhilarating experience; they were cheered to the echo, and brought our summer season of gigs to the finest possible climax.

By the way, Asere's CD merchandising was enterprisingly augmented by the availability of a fine choice of prime Havana cigars. This could be the start of a profitable trend, although the booking of a Jamaican band might present something of a legal problem, we feel ...