Adalberto Alvarez

One of the most recognized figures on the Cuban popular music scene, Adalberto Alvarez has been writing hit songs since the 1970s. Since his start with Son 14 in the latter part of that decade, he's always had a knack for catchy riffs and thoughful lyrics. The basis of most of his music is the classic Cuban Son, as exemplified in the songs of Arsenio Rodriguez; by maintaining the presence of traditional instruments (such as bongo and tres guitar) in his own music he assimilates elements of Salsa, rap, Cumbia, and other Caribbean styles into an eminently danceable concoction. Santeria, an Afro-Cuban religion, is a prevalent thematic concern in his songs, along with the usual ragged subject matter of women, food, and partying. Since forming his own orchestra in 1984, he has been the most recorded of all contemporary Cuban composers. His group Adalberto Alvarez y Su Son served as a springboard to fame for Pancho Amat, the tres player with Buena Vista Social Club and Cubanismo.