Alex Cuba: Tiny Desk Concert
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2023
- This Latinx Heritage Month Tiny Desk is celebrating with an 'El Tiny' takeover, featuring a wide array of artists from all corners of Latinidad.
Felix Contreras | October 4, 2023
Alex Cuba starts his turn behind the Tiny Desk with the barest of musical essentials: a percussive guitar rhythm, the soft scratch of a güiro and a miniature choir. "Ciudad Hembra (La Habana)," a lament for his hometown, sets a deliberate slow burn for this performance.
Alex Cuba's superpower is his undeniable charm as he weaves evocative imagery into musical arrangements that not only call to mind his native Cuba but anywhere an acoustic guitar and engaging voice command attention. "De Camino'' offers a good case in point. Propelled by bass, drums and congas, the deeply personal love song is full of celebration - Cuba's guitar and light hand percussion remind us that we are, in fact, in the Caribbean.
"Chekere" is named for the Afro-Cuban instrument made of a dried-out gourd covered by beads used in all types of Cuban music. The song's soft beginning evolves into a percussion-inspired explosion before Alex Cuba segues into a delicate love song dedicated to his wife, "Sarah."
SET LIST
"Ciudad Hembra (La Habana)"
"De Camino"
"Chekere"
"Sarah"
MUSICIANS
Alex Cuba: guitars, vocals
Yoser Rodríguez: bass
Alain Bergé: drums
Javier García: vocals, minor percussion
Roberto Vizcaino Jr.: percussion
TINY DESK TEAM
Producers: Anamaria Sayre, Felix Contreras, Suraya Mohamed
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant, Alanté Serene
Audio Assistant: Ted Mebane
Photographer: Catie Dull
Tiny Desk Team: Maia Stern, Ashley Pointer, Hazel Cills
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #tinydesk #alexcuba
I met Alex right away when he arrived on Canadas coast. He was so young. He hardly spoke English. He would sit and play the instruments in my guitar shop. His talent was staggering. One day he asked to borrow a guitar to make a demo. I thought only a good hearted person could play like this young man. So I loaned him the guitar. I was right about him. God smiles when he plays. A good person and tremendous talent.
And because you took that chance I’m sure you gave him the confidence boost to never give up look at him now! Super cool story! (:
Nothing but good comes when you let your love light SHINE!
I am 100% African, from Sudan, and when I hear Cuban music, I consider myself Cuban
Alex's voice is like having the warm sun at your back with a gentle breeze in your face.
Beautiful songwriter and awesome presence. Cuba's loss is absolutely Canada's gain !
How about the worlds gain!
@@chrisbullock6477 Agreed !
wow what a great analogy.
I love Tiny Desk Concerts. Between seeing some of my favorite bands in a new light and being exposed to a ton of new music, this is a much view for me.
Can't understand much as I don't really speak Spanish but I absolutely loved every bit of sound and second of this set. Alex has the voice of an Angel as well, everybody looks like they had the funnest time performing
Alex Cuba representing small town BC, Canada! Music feels like sunshine but he lives in a tiny mountain town known for its heavy snow and long winter.
This lovely rhythm makes me desperate for someone to dance with.
Start the waterfall
The Latin rhythm is so joyful. 👏👏👏
Love to see these great artists I haven't even heard of
Not sure who originally came up with the idea for Tiny Desk but thank you. Thank you Bobby and team for consistently bringing us fabulous music ❤❤❤
Que belleza encontrar a Alex cuba en el Tiny.... a disfrutar.
I just saw Alex live at the Sisters Folk Festival. Hands down one of the best live performances of my life. A beautiful song writer, emoting every note vocally and on guitar. Y la letra, ay ay, me encanta. La música de Alex es un regalo al mundo.
This is easily one of my favorite tiny desks!
I really like this tropical version of Lenny Kravitz
😂😂😂😂😂😂
Bruh 😂
😂😂😂
Con razón me gusta Alex jejeje
@@lucyi7756 Es que a quién no le gusta el Lenny? ¡Una belleza!
Long overdue for a Tiny Desk imho❤
Alex que orgullosa de ser cubana me haces sentir sabor y belleza linda letras mucho talento
Alex Cuba, a cuban musical treasure
Thank you NPR. Alex just made my day. What a voice.
Great band and hats off to the audio engineer - this mix is a masterclass.
What a solar moment Thanks Alex and Friends and many thanks to NPR for continuing to flood us with wonderful music !
Alex, if you're reading this, I saw you 18 years ago in California when you were debuting in America. Its great to see you still making music!
Same! I saw him open for aterciopelados in 06-07? Sounds amazing as always!
Me encanta Alex Cuba 🤍☀️ que orgullo verlo en Tiny Desk 🙌🏼
Months ago I went to his concert here in Miami, it was just simply amazing. Such a talented musician and songwriter. I’m so glad he brought the same musicians to the Tiny Desk, they are amazing as well. Buenísimo Alex 👏🏼
love it. great vocal and very tasty guitar playing.
Music to my ears! I learned Spanish from someone from Cuba.
This only added to my enjoyment of this talented singer and his band. Bravo! Thanks for the introduction, Tiny Desk.
It's great to see and hear you again, Alex! Thank you to you and the entire band for your wonderful music and energy. Blessings to all.
I’m a huge Alex Cuba fan! Got to see him twice in person and he is amazing!
Alex Cuba is awesome!!! His music is beautiful and inspiring!!!💜💜💜💜💜
Sabroso ¡¡¡
Goose bumps!!!
Huge Alex Cuba fan 😊. I saw him in Washington DC a few weeks ago. So glad he sang De Camino on Tiny Desk!!! It wasn't on his set list at Blues Alley 😢. One of my favorite songs of his. He is an amazing artist.
Tiny desk concerts are the most amazing idea for musicians
My excitement when I got this notification ! 😁
Conga break @ 3:11 was tasty and the drummer knew it. 🔥
The beauty of the chord progression @ 15:31 - 15:36 😌❤
Love timestamps, thanks.
Agreed! They’re all loving that special magic when everyone in the band is a collaborative percussionist, (guitar/bass, too), where the simplest yet perfect fills (and the face-melting ones 18:07!) allow the vocals to joyfully float!
DUDE totally
My boy made it!!
Good mood coming through! Great sound as well, with lots of space for the Chekere 👏! 🙏🏻
That's a beautiful Gibson CS-356 model to pair the great music
I am a simple woman, give me an intro with a beautiful guitar and voice and I am immediately hooked. This performance was a masterpiece from beginning to end
Same
This is amazing!! I'd love to see Yussef Dayes on here too, especially after the release of Black Classical Music!!!
Viva Cuba 🇨🇺 and Canada 🇨🇦! Great music Alex
Grande Alex Cuba, grande!
Its the AFRO's and the VIBE for ME !! Music soothing to the soul!
It was about time they got him there 👏🏻
I was at an Alex concert a few years ago in my city, Ensenada, México. He is an incredible musician and singer! Thank's Tiny Desk Concerts!
I first saw Alex Cuba over 10 years ago and he blew me away. We met after the show with his band and they were the coolest, nicest guys. It's amazing to see him on Tiny Desk now. Bravo Alex, felicidades!!
Que buen musico es Alex Cuba. Que gusto da que haya participado en el Tiny Desk! Saludos Alex!
Super!!! Mi músico favorito de Cuba. Saludos Alex desde México!! Gracias
What a great concert from an artist I never knew! This is part of why I love Tiny Desk ❤
Fuegoooo
He's an amazing musician. I've seen him several times. He has earned a few Juno awards.
Me encantó la banda, su musicalidad, sus letras, la interpretación de la voz, los coros y los arreglos musicales. Hermosa propuesta y proyecto musical con fusión de la música cubana con identidad propria. Gracias también a Tiny Desk porpermitir descubrir y difundir a estos grandes artistas.
Alex Cuba, es simplemente o totalmente lo máximo, es nuestra representación, es la máxima expresión del buen arte cubano. Sigo Tiny Desk desde hace 5 años y esperaba este momento.
Bellísimo!!!
Wow, refreshing, unique, and intimate with a sweet touch of clean air. Delightful 🎉
Amazing.. Love Alex and his music
Awesome
Ahhhhh! Love this! Can't stop moving!
Mi corazón sonríe, Alex x Tiny Desk
The absolute BEST! So happy to see Alex on here ❤️
Alex Cuba is so good. I've been a fan for years. Glad to see him at the Tiny Desk finally.
A great example of a modern take on the rich musical tradition of Cuba 🇨🇺
My beautiful island full of rhythms ❤.
Just brought tears to my eyes as an immigrant that left Cuba more than 5 years ago.
Thank so much Tiny desk from Bring Alex .🙏🏽❤️🇨🇺
Caught it quick 😎❤️
I miss La Habana so much. What a beautiful way to unite those two countries that couldn‘t be closer, but more different. ❤️
wow this is amazing
Grande Alex Cuba 🙌🙌🙌
Love Alex Cuba, such a talent!!
Great voice indeed!
Cantante 💯
Wow!
Amo su vozzzz que lindo que haya llegado a Tiny
omg que ricura de vibracion en el alma
Olee! Que bueno!
Wow Alex It makes me soooooooo happy to see you on here !!
I saw him live in BC, Canada in 2015 and he was awesome, and very personable when meeting the audience afterwards. Muchas felicidades :D Gracias por compartir tu pasión con el mundo, y por escoger terminar tu set con 'Sarah'.
Alex sings with heart and soul, you can really feel it. What a beautiful artist, his connection with the band mates is strong too. Saw him play live in September and I was so moved!
What a great sound!
Arte en su mejor expresión! Gracias
Joya de la música latinoamericana!! Los mejores deseos para vos y toda tu gente! Bendiciones!
🔥🔥🔥
Lo escuché por primera vez en Ensenada, Baja California. Ojalá cumpla, su promesa de regresar.
Estoy súper sos prendido que tiene The Legend Alex Cuba Mi artista Preferido On Tiny Desk 👏🏼
@iamalexcuba is one of the most gifted live acts I’ve ever seen. His vocal control is sensational, has an absolutely incredible grip on the crowd (even when 95% of the crowd doesn’t speak Español) and writes songs that you want your entire family to sing along to.
Casi que nooo!! ❤ Solo faltabas tu Alex.
I would do anything to go to one of these concerts
Go Alex Go. You deserve this.
¡Alex es un artista maravilloso!
Bravo Maestro Alex Cuba ! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Alex Cuba es de esos artistas únicos, que solo tiene latinoamérica.
Love it!!! ❤
Me encanta Alex Cuba, merece mucho más reconocimiento. Qué bonito Tiny Desk
Un tremendísimo artista el gran Alex Cuba
Y cabe destacar también a cada uno de los músicos !!! Excelente chicos !!! Javi !!!! Grande bro !!! ✨🙏🏻❤️
Npr has made me discovered so many good artists. Plus the version on here always hits different
Había esperado tanto este artista en este maravilloso espacio!!❤❤ Gracias Tiny Desk
Yes! So smooth.
Wao!! qué belleza!!
Su voz es super agradable, sus letras poemas, su musica Ritmica pero muy relajante! En fin , Merecido exito para este gran Músico..y musicos Cubanos !!! ❤👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🫶
yesterday I attended to his concert in Madrid! It was amazing !
La Habana es una ciudad...hembra!!! 🇨🇺 Thank you for this NPR & Alex
Percussion is so exquisite
This is Gold ❤️
I love this rhythm 🎉❤🎉❤
Absolutely beautiful
listening to this I can't help but think how unbelievable it would be if you guys got a recording of Super Mama Djombo, Ze Mane, or really any of the many groovy West African artists that shared their culture and captured the hearts of Latin Americans in festivals.