LA RUMBERA

By the way, the woman's animated painting on this page is of my deceased mother. She was known as "La Rumbera" in Santiago de Cuba because she danced sensationally. That is a painting of her in her youth dressed in the typical Rumbera outfit. I applied the motion (I'm just leaning the stuff). She had an interesting but a sad life. May she rest in peace.

My favorite artist is Willy Chirino. Although I have lived here many years, the music of my country is in my blood. Chirino not only plays a sound that I enjoy (as a dancer at heart) but I have met the artist personally and discovered he is a marvel of amiability with his fans.

Willy and I are both Arians and it shows. We like similar things. We both like Samba. I was fascinated by the Bossa Nova first, then the Samba. My father travelled many years to Brazil as a merchant marine, so we were exposed to that country's culture early on in life (and influenced by it to a certain degree). Not just from artifacts he brought with him, but with ideology as well. He even made us drink Yerba Mate. Which is a form of Green Tea and considered an antioxidant.

Another shared love I believe is Latin Jazz and "percussion music." Gua-guan-cós and Congas, in particular).

It's obvious we both love to dance.
I would love to be able to sing, but never sought professional training for it while raising 3 kids on my own.

Willy is a Great master crooner, harboring a rather unique style of singing. He can sing romantically and sexy, or naughty with a touch of humor. His lyrics bear the reality of life, his verses reveal the romaticist that he is, others verses may imply a loss love or even discuss the susceptibily of the man for a woman. His voice and the beat it pursues, mimics the sound of a percussion instrument. His signature shouts and sayings as a bandleader, involve you in the musical experience. Shouts like "Lleeva!" - "Como Fué?" -"Eh-Oh" - "Ye-Ye" and my personal favorite "Cómo?" immediately identify the artist.

He is a multi-talented musician, songwriter, singer, bandleader, humanitarian and PATRIOT.

Now he is also a producer with his own label Latinum Music. Take the time to read his biography, especially the part where he saved two people's lives.

You don't have to believe what I predicate. Just listen to his music. The sound is delightful and incomparably rhythmic. His singing and voice inflections in his interpretations are captivating. His two-hour non-stop live performances appear shortlived. You are left wanting more.

Listen to the words of his songs. Be it the fruit of his talent or the offspring of another composer, Willy never fails to put his magic to it. To me he's been consistently the best (all around) Cuban talent since the late 80's. (Although his first album was in 1974) Man, that's a long time!

Unfortunately not very many outside of Miami are familiar with his work or perhaps I should call it his pleasure, because that's what music is to him. Thirty-five years of performing and composing and just now in 2006 is when he's recognized with a Grammy. His music from the early 90's is still hot dancing material. He is like vintage, the older the better. I must mention that his wife and partner, the famous Lissette appear to be the perfect mate. The lady is herself a popular highly talented songstress with many years in the business. Both artists appreciate their fans and a backstage visit is not an uncommon practice for either one. Too bad the rest of our great nation has not been exposed to Chirimania. Gloria Estefan fans, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'VE MISSED, if you never heard of Willy Chirino

God Bless You Willy Chirino! May your success continue beyond your lifetime and your name join the list of Masters of Rhythmic music.

Thank you for visiting my page at Angelfire. Please come back and visit again! You will note everlasting changes.