Good day dear blog readers, followers, listeners ¡y todos los amantes de la musica Cubana!

Today we shall recall a genre that not many are familiar with, although it is quite nice and has lots to offer… Bolero Son!

The couple featured above are both not Cuban, but still display a very nice interpretation of a classic composition in this fine genre.

Bolero-Son, as the name implies, is a genre formed from the amalgamation of two wonderful traditional Cuban rhythms (and dances, as well) that were at the peak of their popularity during the 1920’s and 1930’s… Son and Bolero.
This genre is the brain child of the famous Cuban musician and composer Miguel Matamoros, and includes elements from both “parent” genres;
4/4 timing, Sonero style singing, tress guitar melodic lines, clave (sometimes) from Son, and the congas tumbao, bass, pailas and maraca patterns and overall romantic yet melancholic theme and “mood” from Bolero.
Interestingly the bongocero can choose from a myriad of patterns and variations found in both genres.

Bolero-Son compositions were commonplace during the 1930’s and 1940’s, but recently, with the resurgence of Son music, the genre has regained some popularity as well.
As such, more and more contemporary orquestas and groups make compositions of this genre nowadays, including Septeto Acarey, who’s song is featured today.

And remember… ¡sigue disfrutando la música Cubana!

P.S:
Did you know?
The genre of Bolero-Son had a profound effect on the music of the neighboring Dominican Republic, and the closest predecesor of Bachata, one of two national cultural heritage musical and dance genres of that country.
If you take interest in that genres, you might find this post to be interesting!

And now, for today’s composition…