THE OLD SANTIAGUERA TROVA
They are the live expression enrooted in the 19th century. The members of this quintet have gathered the wisdom of the most memorable formations of Santiago de Cuba
Old Glories of the Cuban Heart, singing during a whole life.
The sentimental voice of Reinaldo Creagh, the respectful and noble presence of Reinaldo Hierrezuelo, the guitar and indispensable second voice of Manuel Galván, replaced in the last performances by Rubén Betancourt, because he is convalescent of an operation in Havana; the accurate contrabass of the philosopher Reinaldo Aristóteles Limonta and the maracas of Ricardo de los Santos, makes of the quintet a unique group. This year they have released their CD number 5, "Dominó," recorded in Havana. Where did you come from Aristóteles Limonta (87) before being involved in this activity? I stayed in Santiago de Cuba for a long time and worked in many orchestras. Zancún Reyes, 74. What has been your background? In fact I have worked in few groups.. It is in 1963 that I started getting involved in music. Ricardo Ortiz, 65, also tells us his story. I have been in the group for three years. I came from engaged in popular dancing music, where I worked for 30 years. I got retired and inactive for two years. Why do you like people of all ages and of any nationality? For me is quite a surprise. Virgin multinational enterprise is making the co-productions of our CDs and the promotion they are making is superb and, of course, also the very music plays an important role on this. People of any nationality like it though they do not understand the lyrics. Do you believe that this group won’t stop that as long as you are getting tired, little by little new musicians will join the group that will keep it alive? Three of the first members are still active in the group. We are trying that the new member sticks to the line of the group. Do you have original themes or are you always singing the typical songs of the trova santiaguera? Five CDs have been made and in the previous one as well as in this one that we are now promoting, he always introduces some of his own, and they are very good.." Which has been the place that has moved you more, Aristóteles, you that has been in the band for a longer time? I cannot tell you but for me all the places have been and are very important.