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Havana-based group Sierra Maestra is one of the foremost bands performing the Cuban son style, which enjoyed its height of popularity in the '20s and '30s. Though son experienced significant revival and renewed international interest thanks to the late-'90s Buena Vista Social Club phenomenon, Sierra Maestra gave the music a new lease on life as early as the late '70s. Headed by Juan d'Marcos González, the nine-piece outfit came together in 1976 for a performance at the University of Havana, the musicians' alma mater. Utilizing traditional instrumentation including tres, guitar, bongo, guiro, trumpet, and voice, joined by congas, maracas, and electric base, the musicians named their group after the mountain range where son was born. Band leader González was joined by Daniel Ramos Alayo (trumpet), Carlos González (bongo), Carlos Pisseaux (guiro), Alberto Valdés (maracas and voice), Luis Bárgaza (voice), José Antonio Rodríguez (guitar and voice), Eduardo Himely (bass and conga), and Aleja...