ABOUT THE MUSIC

The program consists of Rafi Malkiel's original compositions, and new arrangements of old standards from Latin America, Each tune is written in a different style/rhythm, and represents a different place and time.

There are many beautiful styles in Afro-Caribbean music that were popular in the Forties and Fifties, and are hardly heard today, even in their home countries. Everybody has heard of the music we call Salsa, but most people are not aware that Salsa is a mixture of these many distinct styles.

For example, a new composition from Malkiel's just finished Danza Magica is based on Colombian Fandango rhythm. Another new composition, Choro for Anat, is based on a Brazilian Choro style (a style which originated at the end of the 19th century and was revived and popularized in the 40's and 50's of the 20th century).



CLAVE - The key to Afro-Caribbean rhythm

Some instruments can tell a very involved story. Instruments, like the people who play them, travel. One of the side effects of mass migration, war, exploration, and international trade is the adoption of the instruments, the sounds, and especially the rhythms of one group by another...



CONVERSATION WITH THE PERFORMER

Rafi Malkiel talks about performing and composing Latin music.



MUSICAL EXAMPLES

Hear Rafi Malkiel and his band demonstrate grooves from the various styles on his program.



LISTENING ROOM

Rafi Malkiel plays and talks about the artists who have influenced him.