El Kaiyangano Blanco del Changuinazo, by Kaiyombe and the Young Lions of Changui

El Kaiyangano Blanco del Changuinazo

by Kaiyombe and the Young Lions of Changui

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1.	Maña Vale Más Que Fuerza (feat. Zule Guerra & Javier Santiago) 03:44	buy track
2.	Dance Mission Theater 08:58	buy track
3.	En Aquella Loma (feat. Javier Santiago) 04:13	buy track
4.	En La Manaña (feat. Javier Santiago) 06:12	buy track
5.	Water and Time 07:08	buy track

about

The inspiration for this album sprang from a yearning to explore something novel, something vibrant. My introduction to changui occurred at the 2017 New Orleans Jazz Festival, where Changui Guantanamo was a featured group. Initially, my musical interests leaned towards rumba and Timba, but a pivotal moment unfolded during Changui Guantanamo's performance of their original composition, "Changui para Nuevo Orleans." The tresero from Los Angeles, Gabriel, further captivated me when he performed at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival the following weekend. After establishing a connection, he graciously provided me with contacts for the members of Changui Guantanamo.

Returning to Cuba for the second time in January 2018, I found myself at ease among the changuiseros. Under the guidance of tres players Donald Sinclair, Carmelo, and Mikiki, I delved into the intricacies of the tres. They serve as my primary inspiration for this album. It's worth noting that the concept of sensitivity differs between jazz and changui, in my perspective. In jazz, a heightened awareness of note inflections, phrasing, articulation, and dynamics is crucial. In changui, my experience as a foreigner learning this deeply rooted music has emphasized the tres (guitar) as the driving force. Here, the swing, groove, and funk produced by the tres take precedence over individual nuances.

The tres's significant role in emphasizing upbeats in changui music has profoundly influenced my rhythmic approach as a jazz improviser. This album is a tribute to the welcoming people of Guantanamo, who have treated me with kindness. It's also dedicated to my fellow musicians, mentors, and teachers. I extend special gratitude to Donald Sinclair, my tres instructor. While I am committed to studying with various treseros, Donald holds a unique place as the one who provided my initial changui tres lesson and has consistently shared invaluable insights throughout our four-year connection.

credits

released January 27, 2024

Produced and Mixed by Greg Landau
Recorded at The Atomic Garden Studios by Jesse Nicols
Patio de Ochun Studios- Greg Landau

Musicians-
Kai Lyons- Guitar and tres
Juan Stable- Vocals and guayo
Zule Guerra- Vocals
Javier Santiago- Keyboard and trumpet
Marcelo Perez- Drums
Giulio Cetto- Bass
Carlitos Medrano- Congas
Ahkeel Mestayer- Percussion
Vince de Jesus- Congas