Tiempo Libre Press Files May 6

WORLD MUSIC CENTRAL Bach Goes Cuban Wednesday, May 06 2009 @ 06:11 AM EDT Contributed by: ARomero

Tiempo Libre Bach in Havana (Decca, 2009) Regarded by many as the leading timba (contemporary Cuban dance music) group in the United States, Tiempo Libre is known for its daring musical explorations. The latest recording by the Miami-based Cuban musicians takes the band into the music world of Johann Sebastian Bach. Like many other renowned Cuban musicians, the members of Tiempo Libre studied classical music at the prestigious La ENA (Escuela Nacional de Arte). During the day they learned about the great classical composers and at night they participated in timba and rumba jams. In the fascinating and adventurous Bach in Havana, Tiempo Libre transforms some of J.S. Bach's best known compositions (fugues, sonatas, minuets, gavottes, etc.) by adding Cuban and Latin jazz rhythms and arrangements using cowbells, congas, shekere, bass, piano, brass, etc. Thus, the C minor fugue from the First book of the Well-Tempered Clavier becomes a Conga (carnival party music). The Sonata in D Minor, Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis. 964, II. Fuga-Allegro becomes a captivating Cha-cha-cha, while the Air on a G String is transformed into a romantic Bolero. Track 4 Clave in C Minor is a Guaguanco based on the C Minor Prelude from Well-Tempered Clavier Book 1. Gavotte is a traditional Cuban Son based on the Gavotte from G Major French Suite."In traditional Cuban dance music, there is no form more important than the son. The son is to Cuban music what sonata form is to classical music, accommodating rich varieties of style, sonority and treatment," says Tiempo Libre's leader Jorge Gomez. Track 6, Mi Orisha enters the world of Afro-Cuban Yoruba sacred music with a 6/8 Bata based on the Minuet from C Minor French Suite. The chequere or shekere, a traditional African instrument made from a gourd, netting and beads, plays an important role in this piece. It is an instrument used extensively in both sacred and secular music. The Cuban rumba has three dances, including the Guaguanco. The 3/4 Minuet in G becomes a 4/4 Guaguanco. This piece includes a saxophone solo by fellow Cuban musician Yosvany Terry, who is one of the renowned guests on the album. Olas de Yemayd is a Bata composition based on the C Major Prelude from Well-Tempered Clavier Book 1. "In the Afro-Cuban religion of santeria, the ceremonies are centered

Bustelo Turns On The Music Hispanic Market Weekly

Published: May 04, 2009 Rowland Coffee Roasters' Café Bustelo brand has teamed up with Cuban music group Tiempo Libre on a novel co-branding initiative. Already hitting store shelves nationwide are one million cans of Café Bustelo featuring an image of the Miami-based group. It’s a first in Bustelo’s 80-year history. The marketing agreement includes Bustelo-branded inserts in Tiempo Libre's Bach in Havana CD - due May 5 from Sony Masterworks Recordings. Additionally, each co-branded can will offer a free download from the CD at www.javacabana.com. As structured, the deal allows both Rowland and Sony to track how many consumers visit the site and download a song as well as if they purchase coffee at Bustelo's online store. J.P. Souto, Bustelo’s vice president of marketing, explains that Tiempo Libre “fit like a glove” with the roaster’s philosophy. "They all came from Cuba with the same goal that my family came almost 50 years ago – freedom, not only political but to be creative as well," says Souto, whose grandfather founded Bustelo in 1928. “I grew up in that ambiance.” The connection with Tiempo Libre, he notes, came when a friend suggested that Souto see the group perform at “Hoy Como Ayer,” a night-spot in Miami’s Little Havana. He was instantly hooked, admits Souto. "I immediately thought that my traditional customer base would have listened to this type of music and that younger people – used to downloading music online – would be familiar with the band or would be asked by older parents to download the song for them," says Souto. “I’d have everyone covered.” For Tiempo Libre, which was founded in Miami eight years ago, the deal was a win-win, explains Alex Miller, general manager of Sony MasterWorks, the classical music label that represents the band.

The band has seen tremendous success – including two Grammy nominations – and will expose a solid fan base to the Bustelo brand. Tiempo Libre in turn benefits from its association with a top-name brand. "Being on a can of Bustelo is like being on a box of Wheaties," says Miller. “When you’re a musician, you have to rack up a lot of gigs before you get exposed to a million people. And tens of millions will see this effort.” The “at-cost deal,” where there is no money exchange, protects each side from carrying a heavier financial burden, notes Miller. “This is the most exact fit between music and an associated product,” he adds. Heading up Rowland’s marketing efforts for two-and-a-half years, Souto points out that he had often considered adding music to the company’s marketing efforts, which were long-focused on local sampling events. “Music is something that anybody can understand and enjoy. And it’s a good fit with coffee.” Shortly after taking the marketing reigns, Souto participated at the 2007 Winter Music Conference in Miami Beach where Bustelo had a coffee serving station. “People were going crazy for the coffee,” he recalls. “I was amazed at the results… we needed to do more of it.” Tying in to music-themed events took Bustelo – and its iced Bustelo Cool coffee to markets where the brand had not been before – Los Angeles, and various cities on the west coast, primarily California. One hit was the Coachella Music Festival in Indio, California. The younger demographic quickly opened up as a potential target, notes Souto. Younger consumers knew of Bustelo, but they weren’t drinking it. “When they see us at these kinds of events there’s a sense of nostalgia but there’s also an aspect of cool.” The cafecito brand is next headed to the MTV Movie Awards on May 31. Then it’s the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago this August and the Austin City Limits Music Festival in October. Rowland brands – Bustelo and Café Pilón - are now the No. 2 and No. 1 brands of espresso sold in the U.S., respectively. Company officials report that since 2000 Bustelo sales have increased 57 percent, to $58 million. Yet advertising for the brands is highly targeted, with local newspapers and spot radio the main recipient of its ad dollars. But ad dollars have shrunk from $61,800 in 2006 to $18,675 in 2007 and just $1,435 through the first half of 2008 (HMW Archives 11/20/08. Industry Snapshot: Coffee, Cocoa & Tea).

The company, notes Souto, has traditionally focused on word-of-mouth marketing; a sort of homage to his grandfather, who used to sell coffee door to door when he first arrived from Cuba.

around the playing of sacred drums called batá, calling down the orishas, powerful deities," says Jorge Gomez. "For us, the mere sound of those drums evokes incredibly strong feelings. In this number, we have taken the C Major Prelude from the First book of the Well-Tempered Clavier - one of the simplest, most fragile and sublime of all the Preludes from the Well-Tempered Clavier and paired it with the elemental sounds of the batá." The danzón Baqueteo con Bajo is based on the Prelude from 1st Cello Suite. "In the history of Cuban music, the danzon holds a special place - that moment in time when the European and the African were musically married on the dance floor and created the DNA from which the rest of the Cuban dance forms: son, chacha-cha, mambo and, ultimately, timba -sprung," adds Jorge Gomez. The piece includes a clarinet solo by another formidable Cuban musician, Paquito D'Rivera. The the D Major Prelude from the WTC Bk 1 inspired the composition Timbach, a timba. "For Cubans of our generation, Timba is our music, the way rock 'n' roll was the music of several generations of Americans," continues Jorge Gomez. "We lived it and breathed in Havana. It kept us going when there was little in the way of food or opportunity to sustain us. Timba takes traditional Cuban forms (son, guaguanco, cha-chachd)and pumps them up with high octane rhythms, jazz harmonies and then adds, according to one's taste and predilections, additional flavors of hip-hop, rock, or ska. We've taken our hard-core timba and added in JS Bach! " Kyrie is another Bata inspired by the Kyrie from the B Minor Mass. "The opening of the Kyrie from the B Minor Mass is for me the most profoundly beautiful and deeply moving music ever created by man, a door opening into an unseen realm. We are humbled by it. Calling on the sacred powers of the batá, we make our offering to Bach and to the orishas." The last cut is Bach-apella, a Vocal Descarga (descarga is a musical jam session in the timba, salsa and Latin jazz worlds). Bach in Havana is a passionate fusion of fiery Cuban rhythms and the timeless music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Buy the CD or MP3 download:

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In North America: Bach in Havana. Other recordings available: O'Reilly Street, Arroz con Mango, What You've Been Waiting For / Lo Que Esperabas In Europe: Bach in Havana. Other recordings available: Arroz Con Mango, O'Reilly Street, What You've Been Waiting for

Setting their tempo Cuban musicians head to the Cap Center By VICTORIA SHOULDIS For the Monitor April 30, 2009 - 7:16 am

As young men and budding musicians coming of age in Cuba, the future members of Tiempo Libre found themselves in a world of conflicts: They had superior musical education in school but were banned from listening to American rock; they had endless time to practice and hone their skills, but few places to actually perform for an audience; they had the passion of artists, but lived in a regime where such passion was unwelcome and even criminal. The guys found their ways out of Cuba - these days relations have thawed just enough that they've been able to return home and, even more improbably, get their picture on a Cuban brand of coffee - and after successful runs in various Miami-based Latin-bands, came together in 2001 to form Tiempo Libre (literally, Free Time). The band - lauded and nominated for two Grammys for its heritage- and rhythm-rich songs, brings its music to the Capitol Center for the Arts next Thursday. All seven members of Tiempo Libre were performing in other respected Latin-flavored bands before they found each other and pooled their classically-trained and rhythmically-inspired talents. In a full-circle move that honors both their childhood lessons and their current role as the pre-eminent flavor of Cuban music, the band's new CD - being released next week - is called Bach in Havana. "This album, this music, brings us right back to our beginnings," said pianist and musical director Jorge Gomez earlier this week during a brief break in band rehearsals. "Bach was the most prominent classical musician we all studied and, in fact, he is in the DNA of virtually all the music out there - you can find his fugues, his minuets, in the cha-cha-cha." The paean to Bach speaks to the musicianship of the band and the hard work needed to make such highly danceable and seemingly effortless tunes. While the band's particular brand of music is called timba - more or less the Cuban name for salsa music - its live performances and recordings feature seamlessly melded mixes of dynamic dance songs with elements of jazz and those early classical influences. The results are vigorously approachable, irresistibly tempo-driven dance pieces. "What happens when you come to see us is this: it's a concert but it's a dance party too," Gomez said. "Sometimes people lose the ability to be touched, to enjoy." While the tempo is hot and toe-tapping, the band can offer music that is vaguely political, not so much with a critical eye toward Cuba but an affectionate eye toward the freedoms that America offers. With a status as musical and cultural ambassadors, the band members have had the unique opportunity to witness some subtle but positive changes in their homeland. These days,

their music can be heard on Cuban radio - a far cry from just a few decades ago, when it was illegal for the Beatles or any American pop to be played on the airwaves - and the band and its accomplishments are honored by both governmental and private ventures. In a twist that the band could not have orchestrated if it had tried, the premier private coffee manufacturer in Cuba, Café Bustelo, is changing its logo to showcase Tiempo Libre. The coffee can change was not a record label maneuver or an endorsement deal - just a decision by a stalwart company to honor a Cuban export nearly as popular as the java the company produces. For band members, the realities of life in the old country translate into personal philosophies that, in turn, play out in the music. Gomez visited Cuba for the first time in 10 years in 2008, and while he worries over those he left behind, he tries to focus on progress and hope. "There's a sadness - you see friends, loved people, continuing to live where there is such worry people there still have to worry about having sufficient food to eat. People here can hardly imagine that," Gomez said. "But you can't just cry over things and stay stuck. There have been changes, a few things better." Gomez said that there are times when he and his bandmates get accused of somehow being inauthentic because they are based in Miami rather than in their native soil. "Some tell us 'hey, you're not Cubans' because Cubans live in Cuba and that's that," said Gomez. "It's nonsense - no matter where I live now, I'm a Cuban. We're Cubans. It's in our beings." The band also finds itself a citizen of the universe, thanks to its broad appeal: While its albums, including the Grammy-nominated Lo Que Esperabas (which translates to "What you've been waiting for,") are performed primarily in Spanish, the beats and approachability make the music truly a form of world music, appealing no matter the language. It's an appeal that they strive to bring to every performance.

"What more can you do but leave your problems behind and join a party?" said pianist Gomez. "When you're in the audience, there's no inhibition. You're dancing, you're singing, you're joyous. And when you leave, you're renewed."

Dallas Morning News CD Review: Ciara's 'Fantasy Ride' is heavy on names, not personality 05:26 PM CDT on Monday, May 4, 2009 By MARIO TARRADELL / Music Critic [email protected]

In stores Tuesday Ben Harper and Relentless7, White Lies for Dark Times (Virgin) – Acclaimed folkrocking singer-songwriter from California breaks in a band he formed in 2008, Relentless7, on his 13th album. Ziggy Marley, Family Time (Tuff Gong) – Reggae star, and eldest son of late genre master Bob Marley, offers an album for kids and parents featuring guests such as Toots Hibbert, Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, Jack Johnson and mom Rita Marley. Chrisette Michele, Epiphany (Island Def Jam) – Grammy-winning New York R&B singer's second studio disc, which follows her 2007 debut I Am, features production by Ne-Yo and is reportedly "more upbeat and youthful," she told Billboard magazine. Paul Potts, Passione (Sony) – Sophomore studio album from the Britain's Got Talent winner with the stunningly operatic tenor features the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, Hayley Westenra and 10 songs sung in Italian. Tiempo Libre, Bach in Havana (Sony Classics) – Miami-based Cuban band, a Grammynominated ensemble of classically trained musicians, merge Afro-Cuban music with Johann Sebastian Bach on 11 songs. Elliott Yamin, Fight for Love (Hickory Records) – Second non-holiday studio album from the American Idol finalist aims to improve on the gold-selling success of his 2007 debut by offering songs written or produced by hit-makers such as Jermaine Dupri, Stargate, JR Rotem and Midi Mafia.

Latin Out Loud April 29, 2009

Cuba's most famous actor, Jorge "Pichi" Perugorria, is quickly becoming the island's most celebrated painter. Pichi, who achieved world fame in the Oscar-nominated film "Strawberry and Chocolate," exhibits two dozen of his most recent works depicting the City of Santiago's rich African legacy (above). Cuban Art Space, 231 W. 29th St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues, cubanartspace.net, (212) 242-0559. DANCE Nacotheque, a bi-weekly danceathon, will have you grooving to classics from Gloria Trevi and Xuxa, as well as future hits from bands like Belanova and Polka Madre. Nothing is off-limits for "DJeis" Marcelo Cunning and Amylulita, who have been lauded for throwing the best indierock party en espaol. May 9, 11 p.m. Fontana's, 105 Eldridge St. at Grand Street. (212) 334-6740 or nacotheque.com. Free. EATS Can you tell the difference between a jalapeo, habanero and Serrano chile? If not, the Essentials of Mexican Cooking will set you straight. The hands-on course schools amateur chefs on the basics of Aztec cuisine, from classic guacamole to pork in pumpkin- seed sauce and grilled jicama salad. May 16 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Institute of Culinary Education, 50 W. 23rd St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues. (800) 543-8834. $110. Caf Bustelo has changed its iconic yellow and blue design for the first time in 80 years to commemorate the release of the hot Cuban music group Tiempo Libre's latest release, "Bach in Havana." You can download a free song and sip an espresso while enjoying the Afro Cuban and jazzy rhythms of the sizzling group. In stores now, 10-oz can, $3.59, for free "Tiempo Libre," download check out javacabana.com BOOKS She's been robbed by an assistant, betrayed by her husband, almost kidnapped in Mexico and escaped trampling by elephants in Africa but don't think that Maria Celeste Arraras, host of Telemundo's "Al Rojo Vivo," has any regrets. In fact, she says she'd do it all over again. Arraras has written a book, "Make Your Life Prime Time," recalling her experiences and sharing the tools that she says have helped her succeed professionally and personally. "This is a happy book - because I don't ever look back asa victim, I see myself as a winner," she says. Author reading, May 12, 7 p.m., Borders, 10 Columbus Circle at Broadway. (212) 8239775. Free. (c) 2009 The New York Post. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.

Tiempo Libre revive a Bach en ritmos afrocubanos 29 de abril de 2009

Zayra Mo Miami, 29 abr (EFE).- El grupo tropical Tiempo Libre regresa a sus comienzos en Cuba con el nuevo disco "Bach in Havana" en el que utiliza creaciones del virtuoso compositor alemán para interpretarlas a ritmo de jazz latino. "Es una segunda opinión sobre la música de Bach, en este caso, desde un punto cubano. Lo más importante que yo siempre le digo a la gente, y la gente se ríe, es la primera vez que vas a bailar con la música de Juan Sebastián Bach", dijo a Efe Jorge Gómez, director de la agrupación formada en Miami en el 2001. Gómez aseguró que sus seguidores podrán bailar desde un guagancó, una conga y darse el gusto "de darle un beso a tu novia oyendo un bolero con Juan Sebastián Bach". El concepto del disco, que saldrá al mercado el próximo 5 de mayo bajo el sello Sony Music, no fue pretender ser más grande que el virtuoso músico alemán, aseguró el grupo. Gómez, acompañado del cantante Joaquín "El Kid" Díaz y el congero Leandro Gómez, dijo que la idea responde a parte de la historia de los siete integrantes del grupo que fueron formados en la Escuela Nacional de Artes en Cuba. "Todos empezamos en el giro de la música a muy temprana edad y empezamos estudiando música clásica. Y un compositor que siempre estaba en todos los instrumentos era Bach. Tu tenías que tocar Bach, si no tocas Bach no eres músico en Cuba", comentó Gómez de sus compañeros que fueron músicos para estrellas cubanas como Celia Cruz, Cachao, NG la banda y Albita. Tiempo Libre lo integran también Cristóbal Ferrer García, Hilario Bell, Luis "Rosca" Beltrán y Tebelio "Tony" Fonte. Así, a manera de "reiniciar nuestras vidas y acordarse de ese pasado tan presente", grabaron la producción el pasado mes de diciembre 2008 en los reconocidos estudios de Hit Factory Criteria en Miami. Bajo la producción del ganadores de premios Grammy Steven Epstein y el ingeniero de sonido Richard King, Tiempo Libre creó once cortes. La mezcla se vuelve fascinante porque temas como "Tu conga Bach", primer sencillo, es un ritmo contagioso que grabaron bajo las notas de fuga en C Menor. Otros temas son el cha cha chá en sonata en D menor de "Fuga", el bolero orquesta "Air on a g string", el guangancó "Clave en c menor", el son "Gavotte", el 6/8 batá "Mi orisha" y el danzón "Baqueteo con bajo". "Lo más importante, que fue la meta de este disco, es que la gente no sólo conozca a Bach, sino que disfruten la música de Bach como nosotros la disfrutamos", afirmó Gómez. En la producción participan también el músico cubano Paquito D'Rivera en el saxofón y el clarinete en temas como "Gavotte" y el cubano Yosvany Terry toca el shekeré y saxofón en el guagancó "Minuet in G".

Si bien el álbum estará a la venta, también podrá obtenerse gratis en la página de Internet www.javacabana.com, auspiciada por la empresa Rowland Coffee Roaster's de Café Bustelo. Esta primera incursión compartida entre Rowland Coffee Roaster's, Tiempo Libre y Sony Masterworks es una sociedad "al costo", una alianza no muy común que se adapta a estos difíciles tiempos económicos. El grupo ha sido nominado a los Grammy Latinos por sus producciones "Arroz con mango" (2005) y "Lo que esperabas" (2006). "Los grammys nos han dado mucho prestigio en la industria", dijo el director del grupo. Desde su debut en el 2002 como teloneros de Celia Cruz en el Festival Ravinia (Chicago), la orquesta presenta su música alrededor del mundo en festivales, universidades y ofrece clases a escuelas. El 7 de mayo Tiempo Libre inicia en New Hampshire una gira por 17 ciudades de Estados Unidos y Canadá, que culmina el 16 de agosto en Nueva York.EFE zm/cs (con fotografías y vídeo)