Club Musical Oriente Cubano

Although the Buena Vista Social Club's breakthrough almost certainly paved the way for broader reach, Santiago de Cuba's Club Musical Oriente Cubano stands apart from mere crossover fare. The ensemble drew together players who had already spent decades performing together, among them the seasoned figures Lázaro Rosabal, Victor Lussón, Cheo Losada, Paolo Franco, and Guzmán Plaza. Their first recording, Caña, Tabaco y Ron, appeared on the Amiata label in late 2002.