DIASPORA
2001
Diaspora is the culmination of an effort to capture what I had been conceiving for many years: combining Afro-Cuban and Latin Jazz music with textures and concepts from other “World Music.” While part of the work here is conventional in style, much of it strays from the norm. In short, it is an Afro-Cuban foundation with a potpourri of influences from Europe, Africa, South America, Asia, and the barrio.
Just as importantly, Diaspora, as the title for this project, represents for me a sense of solidarity with people who are away from their native or spiritual land. To many, the word Diaspora (Greek, "dispersion") evokes images of forced migration, upheaval, and sadness. Diaspora, I believe, is our experience in it, the hardships and adversity along with the joys and triumphs.
Simultaneously, it is our struggle to preserve our spiritual essence and the honoring of our ancestors. Indeed, many of the artists who have honored me by contributing to this project have themselves arrived in the U.S. for economic or political reasons, or are descendants of those who have done so similarly. They too have shared their perseverance through the music and the spirit of their art.
Aprovecha Que Me Voy
La Habana
Diaspora
Django/Afternoon in Paris
Hometown Stew
El Gato
Pa'lla
Yemaya Oda
Velero Sin Timon
La Despedida