Singing from the soul
Alex Cuba communicates through the universal language of music. He performs at the Queen’s Sunday (Nov. 8).
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Updated: November 04, 2009 3:51 PM
Music is a universal language that everyone can understand.
It serves Alex Cuba well, seeing that the Cuban immigrant sings primarily in Spanish, using the traditional instruments of his homeland fused with the classic American pop tradition.
It’s the melody, the beat and Cuba’s soulful voice which draw listeners in.
“We don’t need to mask it or dress it in any way,” Cuba said. “It will pull you in rather than push you out.”
Prior to emigrating to Canada and settling in Smithers, B.C., Cuba – born Alex Puentes – grew up listening to traditional Cuban music, played by his father, a music instructor.
With the country not too far removed from the U.S., Cuba heard the classic sounds of jazz, funk, rock and pop, like icons Michael Jackson.
“Everything changed for me,” Cuba said. “Music wasn’t one thing for me anymore.”
He lived in Victoria for four years before moving to Smithers to be closer to his wife’s family. He connected with his new home and his fans through the universal language of music.
“That has been a beautiful thing for me,” Cuba said. “I didn’t know that most of my family wouldn’t speak my language.”
His albums garnered two Juno Awards for World Music Album in 2006 and 2008.
Although they didn’t meet in the provincial capital, Cuba and Victoria native Nelly Furtado collaborated extensively on her new Spanish-language album Mi Plan (My Plan). Cuba wrote eight of the songs on that album, including the title track, which he also performed with the songbird.
He describes Furtado as someone who feels music in her core, her enthusiasm overflowing into the recording studio.
“She was there 10 minutes before me with coffee and cookies,” Cuba said. “It was clear the chemistry was totally there.”
Cuba released his third album last week, which includes his first English-language song. The album builds on the sound and the identity Cuba established as a musician.
“You want the album to be better than everything you’ve done,” Cuba said. “But there’s more to it than that.
“It’s about bringing all the elements of Alex Cuba – who he is.”
Cuba performs at the Queen’s Sunday (Nov. 8) with Chantal Upshaw. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the early show. Tickets $12/advance from Lucid, Tranceformations, Music Maxx and the Queen’s; $15/door.
Please call 250-754-6751.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
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