Improvising Sabor

Set against the backdrop of 1960s New York, the book delves into the evolution of Cuban dance music, spotlighting key figures like José Fajardo and Johnny Pacheco. It explores the Cuban flute style's transformation post-1959 revolution and the vibrant charangas that thrived during the chachachá and pachanga craze, often overlooked in existing literature. By addressing issues of race, class, and identity, alongside musical transcriptions and interviews, it uncovers a rich history and the unique sabor that emerged from the interplay between Cuban and New York musical cultures.