Asere is a group of young musicians who came together to play traditional Cuban son. Their career took off when, on visiting Cuba in 1996, the Colombian singer Totó la Momposina came across this new band and was immediately struck by their energy, rich songwriting and powerful delivery.

Soon after Asere recorded their debut album ‘Cuban Soul’ live in an old radio theatre in Habana. The production team set out to capture the sweetness of their soulful son and the power of their more uptempo rhythms which are more akin in style to the tough salsa of the 70s. The ‘Yo Soy el Son’ album followed soon after further consolidating the band’s reputation at the vanguard of contemporary son.

Comfortable with classical son, respectful of their musical forefathers and yet keen to step into the future, in Asere we find the son tradition dressed up in baseball caps and trainers, an expression of young urban Cuba, these musicians seeking to develop the music through their inventive songwriting and arrangements, building a fresh sound for a new generation.

Since 1998 Asere have performed constantly across Europe (including more than 60 shows in the UK) impressing many with their dynamic show and infectious energy. They have also celebrated their versatility performing with Totó la Momposina in 1999, with the legendary drummer Billy Cobham and as the backing band for Papa Noel’s ‘Bana Congo’ project in 2002.

In 2004 they made their most extensive tour yet with over 50 concerts and 30 workshops throughout the UK, Ireland and Norway, appearing at festivals from Inverness to Penzance and from Hull to Hastings, with Glastonbury and WOMAD in between. On selected occasions during 2006 the world renowned jazz drummer Billy Cobham (www.billycobham.com) will be joining Asere. This collaboration, fired by mutual respect, spontaneity and pure enjoyment, has sparked some dynamite performances with percussion improvisations that have left their audience breathless. 

Educational workshops

The format Asere have been working with in schools goes as follows. It is a plan that has worked in primary and secondary schools so is quite flexible and is also applicable outside of schools in the wider community. Shorter workshops can be tailored to suit local circumstances.

Introductory performance: Musicians and their instruments presented, a few words on the music etc. Band play 3 to 4 songs reflecting different styles and encourage participation with singing of chorus, handclaps to a rhythm, dance – simple movements. Children always respond well and we make sure that the last song is a quiet one so that they can calm down and go back to their classroom in an orderly fashion! Lasts approx 30 mins and it means the whole school (or a large part) get the chance to experience a ‘show’ with some educational commentary and participation.

Workshops: The musicians split up and take different groups for singing, percussion, woodwind and strings workshops. The school’s music students can be accommodated in the instrumentalist workshops as well as children with no specific musical talent in the percussion and singing. Generally they do a morning session, an afternoon session and then bring them together for a rehearsal followed by a short performance with the band to the rest of the school – during the day they work on the parts to the same song and it always fits together quite successfully at the end of the day!

Clearly when one has the chance to be with children for more than a day, more can be achieved and Asere always wish they had the time to do non-musical sessions too so that the children can ask questions about Cuba, the culture and their life generally.

"It’s time to meet the lads who will take son into the next millenium....Asere point to a bright future." David Hutcheon, Mojo

"Beautiful music......Asere are proof that the future on Son is in very safe hands indeed." Jamie Renton, Straight no Chaser

"One of the most stimulating new Cuban bands......from first hearing had me gripped." Jan Fairley, fROOTS

"Cuban Soul breathes fresh vigour into the traditional rhythms of son and bolero." Nigel Williamson, The Times

"Incredibly vibrant music.....earthy rhythms.....they got heart and they definitely got soul." Kevin le Gendre, Echoes

"An element of surprise and a sense of adventure, their performance has an unpredictability which makes them uniquely engaging and different from other Cuban bands I have seen." Charlie Gillett, GLR

"A splendid freshness." Patricia Chao, Rhythm

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