Orquesta Reve

Named for its charismatic leader, Elio Reve, Orquesta Reve mixes urban son with a very distinctive regional son variant (changui) that is indigenous to the Guantanamo region at the very eastern tip of Cuba. Changui uses percussion originally designed for religious ceremonies, which no doubt gives the music an added power and seriousness. Reve not only plays fine music, he also writes hard-hitting lyrics that address Cuban social and political issues. Orquesta Reve's music is rhythmic and very danceable. They can be heard on La Explosion del Momento.