Stars of Cuban music ever since they formed in the late 1970s, five of the original nine members remain in the band. Sierra Maestra was the first, and remains the best, of the modern-era groups to play in the old-style son line-up: tres, guitar, one trumpet, bongo, güiro and vocals — as during the style’s golden age of the 1920s and ’30s. They have been the pioneers in reviving this style for new generations and reintroducing it into the Cuban mainstream. They named themselves after the mountain range in the eastern part of Cuba as a tribute to the birthplace of son.

Nominated for a 2010 Latin Grammy, the group is now celebrating 34 years since its formation.

• “Music doesn’t come more energising than Havana’s glorious Sierra Maestra, who sparked the revival that led to Buena Vista Social Club’s music sweeping the globe.” — The List (UK)
   
• “If son is indeed the soul of Cuba, then Sierra Maestra are the heartbeat at the center of that soul.” — World Music Central (USA)

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Photos

 
for both photos please credit Bart Madjeski — click above to download a print-quality image