Los Primos 1997 – 1999 Los Primos began in 1997 when Jeff and Amara Goodspeed set out to find some instruments for Cuban music schools, which were experiencing a real shortage. The first exchange trip was in 1998 when 12 young musicians from the Amadeo Roldan Conservatory landed in Nova Scotia and went straight to Acadia University. They took part in the popular summer jazz camp directed by Jeff. They were a hit with everyone. The Nova Scotia music students were so inspired by the young Cubans that the effect is still being felt today. The teachers had never had such young players with that kid of proficiency on their instruments.
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The young band from Cuba played a series of concerts all over Nova Scotia but the highlight was their performance at the Atlantic Jazz Festival. People listened in disbelief that these kids, who averaged 16 years of age, could play like professionals. They were received everywhere they went with standing ovations but their favour place to play was in Mabou at the community hall. “We liked that concert the best because we could tell that the people were there to listen.” |
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After the success of the Los Primos 98 tour, it was time to learn a bit more about Cuba. Jeff applied to the Nova Scotia Arts Council to travel in Cuba to investigate the music and the music education system. In early 1998 Silvio Pupo moved from Holguin Cuba, to Dartmouth bringing his incredible piano chops with him and Halifax has never been the same. Silvio met up with Jeff in holguin and together they toured the island. After 2,500 km in a rental car Jeff was starting to get a feel for the island. They dropped in on music schools everywhere including this school in Santiago. Diving down a side street in the eastern city, they heard some great jazz coming from a window. Inside they found Carlos and Daniel. Music is everywhere in Cuba and everybody loves music. |
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