"I really don't know how I got started playing. As far back as my memory will go, I owned a drum. It's like asking someone how long they've been breathing."
Luis Conte
- June 2000
Luis’ Unitone Recordings debut disc Cuban Dreams is an earnest musical statement that's notable for its epic sweep and its astounding relevance. Inspired by original compositions and traditional songs from the pre-revolutions era, this is one of the most important records of our time.
Cuban Dreams chronicles Luis' boyhood experiences in Santiago de Cuba, with firsthand historical perspectives from Luis and family members who serve as storytellers and Carnival participants. They include his mother Olga, sister Olga, wife Lupe, aunts Rebeca and Raquel, children Louie and Carina and his friend Jose Miguel Navarro. The result is a profoundly moving recording that takes the listener back to witness important aspects of living in Cuba.
"Life in Cuba is all about enjoying life, and music is central to that lifestyle," Luis says. "Music is almost like food to Cuban people. I have a special fondness for Cuban music, so it was a pleasure and an honor to make a traditional Cuban record with my family."
Cuban Dreams commences with the sound of waves crashing against the shore and the transistorized sounds of a Radio Cuba broadcast. This unorthodox opening track sets the stage for Luis' retrospective on his native country, its music and its life. "Drume Negrita" is a traditional cancion de Cuna - or traditional Afro-Cuban lullaby - that symbolizes a Cuban child being rocked to sleep by an Afro-Cuban nanny.
"Isla Linda" is performed in the traditional "son" style, with bongos, maracas, tres, acoustic bass and trumpet from the Oriente region, then morphs into a modern "coro" with the addition of congas and piano, with lyrics celebrating the beautiful island.
"El Real De Hielo" is based on classic "Danzon" rhythms, while the "Walk To Carnival Medley" stages Luis, family members and friends walking from their homes past various street bands into the heart of the biggest celebration of all, Carnival, as represented by "Suave Congo Carabali" and "Conga Santiaguera.".
It has been said that hearing the patriotic song "La Bayamesa" that any Cuban, no matter where they may be, will be instantly taken back home. The album closes with "Niño," an exhilarating track written by Jackson Browne and friends about Luis.
Cuban Dreams is ultimately a contemporary folk recording that celebrates family, music and the indomitable human spirit. It unfolds like the soundtrack to some long-lost film that captures the essence of a captivating and mysterious country. Luis Conte shares this portrait of a people and their music, and perhaps through reflection also gives a glimpse at a future Cuba.
