Cachao y Su Combo - Descargas Cubanas

The complete album + 2 bonus tracks pressed on limited edition 180g vinyl.

The very first in a series of recorded jam sessions for Descargas Records by some of the best Cuban performers of the day, led by the celebrated composer, arranger, band leader and double bassist, Israel Cachao Lopez.

Legendary composer, arranger, band leader and double bassist Israel Cachao Lopez (1918-2008) is universally recognized as one of the most prolific and influential figures in the history of Cuban music. He was a co-founder of the widely popular mambo style in the late 1930's, and a primary exponent of the descarga movement of the 1950's.

Cachao's recognition as one of the most formidable Cuban musicians resulted in him getting the chance to record as a band leader in 1957. He and his sidemen got together in the early hours for informal jam sessions after fulfilling their gigs. These sessions were known as descargas, combining the improvisational and informal characteristics of a jazz jam session with harmonic progressions and rhythms distinctly Cuban.