8:30am Wednesday 11th November 2009
Fans of Cuba’s Buena Vista Social Club or Latin music in general are sure to enjoy the seven-piece band Asere, performing at the Torch Theatre on Saturday.
The young Cubans are full of vitality. Featuring trumpet, guitar, percussion and bass, Asere’s growing reputation is built on their dynamic transformation of Cuba’s classic style. With an acoustic base Asere have developed a sound that carries an explosive punch with a soulful groove.
The band’s big break came when Colombian singer Totó la Momposina was persuaded to check out an Asere rehearsal and was immediately struck by the character of their music and the energy of the band.
This was before the success of the Buena Vista Social Club encouraged more young musicians to carry on working in this style. It wasn’t long before Asere were signed and released their first album, Cuban Soul, to great acclaim in 1998.
Several albums have followed and the band has worked on numerous occasions with legendary drummer Billy Cobham.
Billy has been able to reconnect with his Latin roots and Asere have been honing their musical skills, growing through the experience, and unfazed to be performing alongside the man who once worked with Miles Davis.
For something completely different, head to the Torch on Tuesday for a new take on Guilliver’s Travels by Hijinx Theatre.
This performance continues the venue’s run of theatre written for older children and young adults, which starts tonight (Wednesday) with Missing, Theatr Iolo’s modern day fairytale.
Inspired by Jonathan Swift’s fantastical satire, Hijinx’s play explores the relationship between the mysterious Dr Gulliver and his tormented creator Swift, as they travel through the writer’s unruly imagination and try not to lose their way. It is a journey that threatens to carry Swift away from the woman who loves him, as he finds himself hurtled towards either madness or redemption.
Performed in Hijinx’s unique and delightful style with music by James Williams, this fantastical piece of theatre is also a visual feast.
Missing is aimed at families and children over 11. Tickets are £5 (£4). Gulliver has a PG rating and tickets are £8.50 or £7.50.
Asere’s tour coincides with the release of a new album. Tickets are £15.50 (£14.50 concessions).
To reserve seats, call the Torch box office on 01646 695267 or visit www.
torchtheatre.co.uk.
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