Today I’ll be finishing up on the Cuba episode for the Exotic Worlds TV show.  Cuba is such an interesting place.  I was there in May and really felt the heat….both physically and musically.  They really have some fantastic music there.  I was able to record Son and Rumba music.  Both of these styles have influenced latin, jazz and other styles of music.Rumba goes right back to West Africa with the slaves that were brought there.  Son is the precursor to Salsa.   Be sure and check out this music.  Of course a great documentary to watch is the “Buenavista Social Club”….that was really well done. http://www.sonicsafarimusic.com/music/rumba/

I’m really fascinated with some of the musical instruments I’ve seen on my trips.  Years ago I spent 2 years in Peru and was amazed at the wonderful sounds of the charrango.  This is a tiny mandolin type instrument used in the highlands of the Andes.  It has 10 strings…..5 sets of doubled strings.  Sometimes the body of the instrument is the shell of the armadillo.  The better instruments these days are made of wood.  It really adds a shimmering effect and is an essential part of the music.Add the quena….a bamboo or wood flute and the zamponia…several tuned bamboo tubes and you have a great Peruvian sound.There’s lots of charango in this recording I did….  ”Andean Highlands”.  It is really happy mountain music.   Here’s the link to listen to some examples: http://sonicsafarimusic.com/music/andeanhighlands/

This week I’ve been editing my India trip for the proposed upcoming Exotic Worlds TV show.  It is just super being able to relive that exciting trip.  Of course I’m adding some great music from the catalog.  Music from Tribal India and Grooves of India.After that I’ll jump into editing the video from my Peru trip.  Just got back from a month in Peru.  Another fantastic sonic safari adventure.If you get a chance to go down sometime.  Peru is just the best.  Super people, great food and a stellar culture.  The Inca roots are very important to the people. http://sonicsafarimusic.com/music/tribalindia/