Descemer Bueno: Another Good Album

Innocence was never good for me
if it dragged behind it empty dreams that exhaust me
and blind love

Dariela Aquique

HAVANA TIMES — Some music genres, those falling under the category of “new Latin American urban music” particularly, are said to be an expression of popular taste. Though this is doubtless the case, many continue to be cheapened by an over-reliance on vulgarity and simplistic formulas (as is the case of Reggaeton).

Rap and hip hop are two music genres that have demonstrated that the popular and the vulgar don’t neccesarrily go hand in hand. Born in the streets, these have evolved and many of their pieces have elaborate and profound lyrics which reflect the times and societies we live in truthfully.

The eminently urban bolero, born at night of love-struck bohemians, is another case in point. Like any other art, music has a hedonistic, a sensual side to it.

In these agitated times, there is nothing better for our body and soul than a good melody. The immense pleasure one feels when listening to a well-written and arranged piece (no matter what the genre) is priceless.

Cuba has always produced excellent composers and performers of many different tendencies. Over the past two years, the name of Descemer Bueno has become an almost obliged reference in the country’s music scene.

Singer, songwriter, bass guitar player, drummer and producer, Bueno graduated from Havana’s Manuel Saumell and Amadeo Roldan conservatories as a classical guitarist. His career has since been characterized by experimentation and variety.

Both in Cuba and abroad, he has experimented with different styles which include jazz, funk, salsa and bolero. After living in the United States for a number of years, he returned to Cuba, saying that being in Cuba means a great opportunity to show his public everything he has learned, that “it is a dream come true.”

His 2012 album Bueno brings together 10 of his songs, most of which feature renowned Cuban performers, such as Buena Fe, Baby Lores, Haila, Kelvis Ochoa, and X Alfonso.

Whether one likes bachatas, salsa, ballad-music, bolero or alternative rock, the album is a hugely appealing and well-produced project which has proven immensely popular among people of all ages.

Unassuming, aimed at a broad public and drawing from the tradition of the urban bards without relying on vulgarity and superficial formulas, the album is as good as Bueno’s last name.
—–

Also See: A look at Cuban musician Descemer Bueno’s latest album