The New Album by Virtuoso Flautist Bobby Ramírez Marks a New Evolution in the Danzón Genre

The New Album by Virtuoso Flautist Bobby Ramírez Marks a New Evolution in the Danzón Genre

1. Danzón Nereidas
2. Contradanza Cecilia Valdes de Gonzalo Roig
3. La Bella Cubana de Jose White
4. Danzón a Betthoven
5. Danzón Ave Maria de Schubert
6. El Aguilucho
7. Gran Mujer Gran Madre
8. Danzón Nereidas (flute and piano duo)
9. Danzón Virgen de Regla
10. Esas No Son Cubanas de Ignacio Piñeiro
11. La Reinita de Ritmo! Danzón

Danzón is a rhythm that originated in Cuba, the result of a cultural fusion of European and African roots that took shape primarily in the 19th century with the migration of the French to the eastern part of the island. This was the beginning of the Cuban musical identity, which evolved until 1879 when danzón was officially established as a musical genre at the Liceo de Matanzas by Miguel Failde.

Virtuoso flautist Bobby Ramírez’s new album, Danzón Nereidas: Homenaje para Acerina, represents a new step forward in the evolution of danzón. The album is inspired by the influence of Cuban musician Acerina, the artistic name of Consejo Valiente Roberts, and the composition Danzón Nereidas by Amador Pérez Torres “Dimas,” founder of the Danzonera Dimas in 1932.

Maestro Bobby Ramírez Showcases His Masterful Virtuosity on the Flute

Similar to his previous innovative musical arrangement, La Reinita de Ritmo! Danzón, this work establishes a new development in the evolution of danzón through the inclusion of cadenzas. In a fresh addition to the musical character of the genre, Ramírez introduces a refrain after the montuno section in many of the pieces.

The album opens with Danzón Nereidas, an iconic piece in the Mexican danzón repertoire, breaking the traditional mold. For the first time in history, this composition has been recorded in the Charanga Francesa style, an authentic and classical Cuban ballroom music style.

Maestro Bobby Ramírez continues to demonstrate his exceptional flute technique in Contradanza Cecilia Valdés by Gonzalo Roig. The album then moves into one of the most emblematic pieces of Cuban identity and sentiment: La Bella Cubana by José White.

Ramírez also contributes original compositions to the album, including Gran Mujer, Gran Madre, Tú, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, featuring an interlude from Habanera Tú. Another composition, Danzón El Aguilucho, is dedicated to his nephew.

For the first time, Danzón Ave Maria by Schubert has been recorded in the danzón style, while Danzón a Beethoven brings another classical piece into this rhythmic tradition. The album also includes Esas no son cubanas by Ignacio Piñeiro.

A New Creole Musical Language for Danzón

"The virtuoso Maestro Bobby Ramírez has achieved a new Creole musical language, blending the Cuban dances of Cervantes, originally composed for piano, with the Cuban flute, as well as incorporating habaneras, danzón, and cadenzas featuring flute solos. He elevates danzón to a new level of evolution by adding a refrain at the end," said Lic. Glenda R. Mujer Esperanza, director of the Cuban-American Folkloric Institute in Miami, Florida.

About Bobby Ramírez

Maestro Bobby Ramírez is a virtuoso flautist, saxophonist, singer, composer, arranger, and orchestra director, born in Santa Clara, Cuba. With an extensive international career as a concert performer, he has released over forty musical productions covering Cuban music, jazz, classical music, and improvisational cadenzas. His works as a prolific artist, arranger, and composer can be found on platforms such as iTunes and Amazon. Ramírez has been acclaimed by critics as one of the finest Cuban-American flautists.

Album Musicians:

• Bobby Ramírez – flute, composer, arranger, and orchestra leader

• Livan Mesa – piano

• Yorgis Goiricelaya – bass

• Antonio “Pacha” Portuondo – timbales

• Otto Santana – güiro and congas

• Luis Aguilar – violins

All orchestral arrangements are by Maestro Bobby Ramírez.

For more information and to join our dance programs, visit www.ritmodanzon.com

#RitmoDanzón #CubanDance #Danzón #Habanera #Contradanza #CubanCulture #HialeahEvents #BobbyRamirez #ReinitaGabby #DrGlendaMujerEsperanza #CubaHeritage #BallroomDance #DancingCommunity