The Heartbeat of Cuban Music and Guitar Traditions

Cuban Son is the foundation of modern Cuban music, blending Spanish guitar melodies with African rhythms to create a sound that is both richly harmonic and deeply percussive. As the precursor to salsa, son is synonymous with Cuban musical identity, featuring the tres guitar, clave rhythms, and poetic storytelling.

This playlist accompanies the Latin American Folk Guitar Course by Camilo Menjura at World Music Method, offering a selection of essential recordings that trace the evolution of Cuban Son from its early roots to contemporary interpretations.

While our written list showcases the recommended versions, some tracks on Spotify may be alternate versions due to availability.

Early Era (1920s-1940s) – The Birth of Cuban Son

Cuban Son emerged in the early 20th century as a fusion of rural Spanish melodies and Afro-Cuban rhythms, becoming the sound of the streets and dance halls. This period saw the rise of sextetos and septetos, featuring tres guitar, maracas, bongo, and double bass.

• “El Manisero” – Sexteto Habanero
• “Son de la Loma” – Trío Matamoros
• “Lágrimas Negras” – Miguel Matamoros
• “Guajira Guantanamera” – Celina González
• “Boda Negra” – Miguelito Valdés
• “Échale Salsita” – Ignacio Piñeiro
• “Tumba Palo Cucuyé” – Celia Cruz
• “Bruca Maniguá” – Arsenio Rodríguez

Mid-20th Century (1950s-1980s) – Son Becomes a Global Phenomenon

By the 1950s, Cuban Son had evolved into a more polished and sophisticated style, incorporating brass sections, jazz influences, and expanded harmonic structures. The music of this era bridged traditional and modern forms, leading to the global rise of Cuban music.

• “Chan Chan” – Compay Segundo
• “Candela” – Buena Vista Social Club
• “El Cuarto de Tula” – Buena Vista Social Club
• “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás” – Ibrahim Ferrer
• “Bonito y Sabroso” – Benny Moré
• “Sonaremos el Tambo” – Rubén González
• “De Camino a la Vereda” – Ibrahim Ferrer
• “Que Bueno Baila Usted” – Benny Moré

Contemporary Cuban Son & Guitar Arrangements – Keeping the Tradition Alive

Modern interpretations of Cuban Son maintain its essential rhythms and instrumentation while experimenting with new harmonic textures and global influences. Contemporary artists honor tradition while pushing the boundaries of Cuban folk and guitar music.

• “A Buena Vista” – Sierra Maestra
• “Marieta” – Septeto Nacional
• “Al Vaivén de Mi Carreta” – Afro-Cuban All Stars
• “Dos Gardenias” – Pablo Milanés
• “Drume Negrita” – Silvio Rodríguez
• “Yiri Yiri Bon” – Eliades Ochoa
• “No Me Llores” – Compay Segundo
• “Callejón de los Rumberos” – Septeto Santiaguero
• “Frutas del Caney” – Septeto Nacional
• “Orgullecida” – Silvio Rodríguez
• “La Música Cubana” – Polo Montañez

Summary – Discover the Soul of Cuban Son

This playlist provides a comprehensive guide to the evolution of Cuban Son, from its humble origins in the streets of Havana to its modern interpretations on international stages. Whether you’re captivated by the rhythmic drive of early son, the brass-infused elegance of mid-century recordings, or the rich guitar work of contemporary artists, these recordings offer a deep and inspiring listening experience.

To dive deeper into Cuban Son and Latin American folk guitar, join the Latin American Folk Guitar Course by Camilo Menjura at World Music Method.