Pablo, Pedro and more

Miercoles, cuatro de Marzo

A little cool this morning. In fact weather has been like this since the big storm Sunday night. Today will see Leonel Fernández, president of the Dominican Republic, visiting Casa so that means security will be all over the place and we will probably be in lock down mode for part of the day.

At 2pm we are visiting the famous Colon cemetery in Havana known for its architectural design and resting place for the remains of some of Cuba’s most significant and important persons.

Last night, Alan and I went to La Zorra y El Cuervo, jazz club on Calle veinte y tres to hear Pablo Menendez’ group. Pablo is a guitarist of international reputation and he had a seven piece band that included a guest appearance by Yasek Manzano, the young outstanding trumpeter that I heard my 1st night in Habana, Group was very good and featured an eclectic repertoire. Instrumentation was elec. keyboardist and flutist, elec. bassist, trap dummer, congas and bata drummer, tenor saxophonista, Manzano and Pablo.

This entrance door at street level reminded me of the Village Vanguard. And of course the club was down the steps into the basement level, which reminded me of the Bohemian Caverns. It is a small club with a bar and the sound was very good. It is one of the principal spots for jazz in Havana.

This is the first live music experience since hearing Pedro Luis Ferrer last Friday at a library near the Marti Monument on Paseo. Ferrer is a well-known singer, guitarist and composer who has been somewhat censored by the government for his outspoken opinions about the condition of the Cuban people.

The scene at the library was one of great anticipation. When we arrived at 4pm, there was a line out the door into the street. There were people of all ages seeking to get into a small auditorium that seated maybe 150. Being that Alan and I were with Hector, we somehow got to near the front through his use of his photographer press credentials. Once the doors opened it was a real rush and squeeze to get in but we made it and had great seats. Plenty of folks did not get in and were not happy. Ferrer’s performance was very good, and he was accompanied by his daughter (vocals and percussion) and brother (guitar, vocals and percussion). He has a distinctive voice and is a very good guitarist. The repertoire featured his compositions, many of which were known by the audience. It is clear that he is an artist loved by many of his fellow Cubanos.

Tomorrow sees Alan and the kids headed to Cienfuegos for a weekend trip. I am staying here because Cheryl is flying in Saturday. Yes, yes, yes!