Septeto Acarey: The Timeless Sound of Cuban Son

Septeto Acarey is a celebrated Cuban son ensemble that has become a standard-bearer for the island's classic musical traditions. Hailing from Santiago de Cuba, the group achieved international acclaim with their vibrant interpretations of son, bolero, and salsa, earning a Grammy nomination and performing on prestigious global stages.

Early career

Founded in 1982 by guitarist and director Rafael Ortiz García, the septet was born in the historic city of Santiago de Cuba, the cradle of son music. The group's formation was a deliberate effort to preserve and revitalize the traditional conjunto format, focusing on tight harmonies, intricate guitar work, and the essential trumpet lead. Their early years were spent honing their sound in local venues, building a loyal following with their authentic and energetic live performances.

Breakthrough

The group's major breakthrough came in the late 1990s, propelled by their international touring and the release of pivotal albums like "Septeto Acarey... y sus amigos" in 1998. This period saw them sign with the influential Cuban label Bis Music, which provided wider distribution for their music across Latin America and Europe. Their reputation solidified as a premier live act, leading to performances at major world music festivals and concert halls.

Key tracks

El Cuarto de Tula — Their dynamic version of this Cuban classic became a concert staple, showcasing their ability to energize a traditional son montuno.

Lágrimas Negras — This interpretation highlights the septet's mastery of the bolero-son style, blending romantic melancholy with rhythmic sophistication.

Chan Chan — A tribute to the Buena Vista Social Club, their performance of this iconic track underscores their deep roots in the foundational repertoire of Cuban son.

Son de la Loma — This track exemplifies their crisp, guitar-driven sound and seamless vocal harmonies, core elements of their signature style.

The group's consistent output and touring led to a Grammy nomination in 2002 for their album "No Quiero Llanto," a significant milestone that introduced them to a broader North American audience. Throughout the 2000s, they continued to record and collaborate, sharing stages with legends like Compay Segundo and contributing to the enduring global fascination with Cuban music. Their discography, including notable albums like "Sigo Pa'lante" and "Mi Son Oriental," serves as a robust catalog of modern son.

Fans of Septeto Acarey's authentic Cuban sound also enjoy the music of Buena Vista Social Club. This collective shares the same deep reverence for Cuba's classic son and bolero traditions. The elegant conjunto style of Septeto Santiaguero offers a similarly refined and contemporary take on the traditional septet format. For those drawn to vibrant salsa and son, the energetic performances of Sonora Poncena provide a powerful big-band alternative rooted in Caribbean rhythms.

Septeto Acarey's music maintains a strong presence on radio stations dedicated to Latin and world music genres. Their tracks are frequently featured on salsa and tropical music FM stations, online Latin jazz streams, and independent radio stations that champion international sounds, ensuring their classic Cuban rhythms reach a diverse and enthusiastic audience.

Listeners can explore the rich musical heritage of Septeto Acarey by tuning into the radio stations featured on our website. Their essential Cuban son can be discovered and enjoyed through the various Latin and world music radio stations available on onairium.com.