LOS VAN VAN
The Legendary Los Van Van: 30 Years of Cuba's Greatest Dance Band
"The best collection of Cuban dance music." - The New York Times
Beloved both at home and abroad, Cuba's legendary group Los Van Van has been called "the greatest Latin orchestra in the world." Under the extraordinary leadership of composer/arranger Juan Formell, they have produced nearly three decades of immensely exciting and sophisticated dance music, whose lyrics ironically reflect the daily life of the Cuban people.
Ashé Records is proud to present a complete retrospective of this important group. Five years in the making, this collection includes 24 tracks—from their earliest experimental efforts to the ironic, catchy songs of the 80s to the unbelievable excitement of their most recent recordings—and a comprehensive, 108 page, perfect-bound book containing the story of the group, its musical development, and its relationship to Cuban society. With text and lyrics in English and Spanish, rare historical photos, and anecdotes, the book alone is worth the price of the collection. A must for Vanvaneros everywhere and a perfect introduction to the excitement of Cuban music.
“There are many compilations of Los Van Van. Make no mistake, this is the one you want.”
— Descarga.com
¡Y VAN!
LOS VAN VAN 1969 - 1989 - Volume 1
The first twenty years of Los Van Van! As their songs chronicled the daily lives of Cubans with ironic and witty lyrics, a new sound also evolved—combining charanga with funk, bubble gum, the Beatles, and the exciting new songo rhythm.
1. Llegada
2. La Habana Joven
3. Marilú
4. Dale Dos
5. Si a una Mamita
6. Si No Me Entiendes Tú
7. De La Habana A Matanzas
8. Sandunguera
9. La Habana No Aguanta Más
10. La Resolución
11. El Buena Gente
12. La Titimania
13. El Negro No Tiene Ná
14. No Soy de la Gran Escena
VANVANÉATE
LOS VAN VAN IN THE 90s - Volume 2
Around 1990, Los Van Van firmly became the creative domain of Juan Formell. He added new life to the group with younger musicians, especially the great singer Mayito, and his songs and arrangements reflected the powerful changes that were occurring in Cuban society and in Cuban music.
1. Eso Está Bueno
2. Disco Azúcar
3. Que Le Den Candela
4. Un Socio
5. Que Sorpresa
6. La Fruta
7. Soy Todo
8. Qué Pasa Con Ella
9. Esto Te Pone La Cabeza Mala
10. Y Ya Tu Campana No Suena
The Legendary Los Van Van: 30 Years of Cuba's Greatest Dance Band
Rebecca Mauleon & Rachel Faro
This book is a fascinating overview of the history of Los Van Van and of Cuban dance music in general. Containing lyrics to all the songs in the set, along with English translations, comprehensive liner notes in both English and Spanish, and many historical and archival photos. This book was created under the close supervision of Los Van Van's director, Juan Formell, who provided many rare and archival photos and insights.
Worth the price of the whole set!