Orquesta Arcaño y Sus Maravillas have played a major role in the development of Afro-Cuban. Representing the vision of Antonio Arcaño, known as the father of charanga flute playing, Orquesta Arcaño y Sus Maravillas helped to bring African influences to the previously-Europeanized charanga tradition. The group continued to introduce new innovations throughout the '50s after pianist/arranger Orestes Lopez, brother of Cuban bassist Cachao, became a bandmember. Lopez later guided the group as they introduced a harder-edged dance music that they dubbed mambo. Arcaño, who had played in the traditional danzon style during the '20s, began taking steps to the modernization of the music after forming Orquesta Arcaño y Sus Maravillas in 1937. The sweet sound of his flute dominated the group's sound until 1947 when Arcaño's lips collapsed and he was forced to give up the instrument. He did not record with the band after 1949. ~ Craig Harris