‘Cuba’ a Unique Taste of Country’s Cultural Sounds

Describing Cuban music recalls Winston Churchill’s classic depiction of a “riddle wrapped inside an enigma.”

On the surface, at least, the essential elements of Cuban music would appear to be self-evident: West African elements mixed with Hispanic influences. But even a cursory familiarity with the sounds of Cuba--both historic and present--reveals elements, blendings and interactions that are far more complex than the simple duality of African Hispanic music.

An overview of the compelling manner in which African ritual, spirituality and cultural creativity interfaced with Hispanic music’s unique blend of European and Middle Eastern elements is the focal point of an attractive recording, “Cuba: I Am Time,” on Blue Jackel Recordings. The four-CD boxed set is accompanied by an extraordinarily detailed 111-page booklet that provides, even without the accompanying recordings, a thorough historical look at Cuban music.

The recordings, which are presented in four aspects--Cuban Invocations, Cantar En Cuba, Bailar Con Cuba and Cubano Jazz--are marvelously entertaining. There are chants and rumbas plus a generous helping of classic son. In addition, you’ll find soaring vocals by Pablo Milanes and Isaac Delgado as well as mambos and big-band music. Also included is jazz from Irakere, Chico O’Farrill and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Each disc is programmed in historic sequence, with some of the most fascinating tracks coming from recordings by artists who have now passed away.

With Cuban music on the verge of breaking out, and several major U.S. labels scrambling to make deals with Cuban record companies, “Cuba: I Am Time” is an irresistible introduction to a culture that deserves, and which now hopefully will receive, much wider exposure.

*

Return of the Samba Queen: After a two-month sold-out run at Manhattan’s Tatou Club, Brazilian singer-dancer Christiane Callil is back in Los Angeles for a new set of performances at Lunaria in Century City. Starting tonight, the Southland’s most visible Brazilian artist will perform every Friday in August in a series of all-Brazilian music evenings. The programs will also showcase Callil’s scintillating dance company, the Girls From Ipanema, as well as the songs and music of Kleber Jorge (who also plays with Sergio Mendes) and the duo of Zelao & Lois. (310) 282-8870.

*

World Music Around Town: In a month filled with world music programs, here’s a selection of some of other intriguing choices:

* Latin music greats Eddie Palmieri and Ismael Quintana appear tonight in a guaranteed danceable performance at Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City. (310) 450-8770.

* The effervescent son jarocho group Conjunto Jardin is at LunaPark Saturday night. (310) 652-0611

* Omar Faruk Tekbilek, master of the sensual Middle Eastern ney flute, appears at LunaPark on Aug. 9.

* The 15th anniversary of Indian Independence Day will be celebrated the weekend of Aug. 15-17 in Cerritos Regional Park in Cerritos with dinners, dances, crafts and art displays, an Indian fashion show and a parade. (714) 739-5309.

* The Middle Eastern grooves of the ensemble Vas, energized by the ethereal voice of Azam Ali, are at LunaPark on Aug. 16.

* Zap Mama, the colorful, a cappella-oriented Belgian African ensemble, is at the House of Blues on Aug. 26, followed by the increasingly prominent Cuban singer Albita on Aug. 27-28. (213) 650-1451.

* Moroccan gnawa musician Hassan Hakmoun performs at Billboard Live on Aug. 28. Information: (310) 786-1712.

*

Free World Music: The California Plaza’s August schedule is a virtual monthlong celebration of world music, all of it free. Among the highlights: Ballet Folklorico do Brasil, tonight. . . . Brazilian guitarist Dori Caymmi, member of a distinguished Brazilian musical family, Saturday night. . . . Huayucaltia, and its blend of South American traditional music with jazz and pop, Aug. 8. . . . The adventurous klezmer ensemble Brave Old World, Aug. 9. . . . Soukous band Quatres Etoiles, Aug. 24. . . . Kinnara Taiko, Aug. 29. . . . Mariachi Universal, Aug. 31. All programs start at 7:30 p.m., and there is no admission charge. 300-350 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. (213) 687-2159.