Author(s): Stuart Baker

Design

Collected here is the stunning artwork of Cuba record cover art, most of which has never been seen outside of the island itself. From the vibrant and exciting imagery of pre-Revolution Cuba, the social realist and geometric abstract art designs of the 1960s, folkloric Afro-Cuban roots styles, 1970s and 80s salsa, jazz and more, which together form a cohesive visual collection of a musical form in an almost constant state of revolution. The music of Cuba has had a profound influence on music across the world for more than 75 years, a culture clash of African and Spanish heritage, one of the richest and most complex musics in the world. During the 20th century, Cuban music developed at a fast rate with a seemingly endless variety of styles, the most profound being the Rumba, Mambo and Son, which became the basis of Salsa a musical form that spread like wildfire throughout Latin America, West Africa and North America alike. Since the 1940s a steady line of Cuban musicians has made the migration to America, effecting similar profound changes to North American musical forms. Bandleader Machito set New Yorks jazz scene on fire. Chano Pozo entry into Dizzy Gillespies group led to the birth of Latin Jazz. Other figures such as Mario Bauza, Mongo Santamaria, Celia Cruz, Arsenio Rodriguez, Isreal Cachao Lopez have all added to the melting pot of North American jazz and latin music, having all first made their mark in Cuba.