Orquesta Arcaño y Sus Maravillas

Orquesta Arcaño y Sus Maravillas have played a major role in the development of Afro-Cuban. Representing the vision of Antonio Arcaño, known as the father of charanga flute playing, Orquesta Arcaño y Sus Maravillas helped to bring African influences to the previously-Europeanized charanga tradition. The group continued to introduce new innovations throughout the '50s after pianist/arranger Orestes Lopez, brother of Cuban bassist Cachao, became a bandmember. Lopez later guided the group as they introduced a harder-edged dance music that they dubbed mambo. Arcaño, who had played...