Routes Of Rhythm

Harry Belafonte hosts this genealogical musical which traces the roots of Latin music back to the marriage of African drums and Spanish guitar in the rhythmically rich environment of Cuba. In the first program, the early routes are explored: Spanish music coming to the New World by way of Columbus; the African drum debuting in Latin America courtesy of the slave trade. In the stiflingly oppressive soil of Cuban dictatorship--where life was almost too simply defined by hard work (and its fruits--"white rice and beans; that's Cuba" says one woman)--music became an expression of the spirit trapped within the confines of a harsh social order. The Conga, the Rumba, the Cha-cha-cha, the Mambo, products of the rich melting pot, are examined in the second program. With the American gangster trade settling in Havana, Latin music found its way into North America. The final program looks at the wide proliferation of styles which flourished in America under the influence of people like Xavier Cugat, Desi Arnez, Don Aspiazu, and others. Beginning with the nightclubs, and moving through Hollywood films, Latin music would eventually top the popular music charts in America in acts such as Gloria Estefan & The Miami Sound Machine. An impressive series, which includes some wonderful song and dance footage shot in Cuba and New York by independent filmmaker Les Blank. Highly recommended. (Available from: The Cinema Guild, 1697 Broadway, New York, NY 10019.)