The Master of Laúd

Barbarito Torres is one of Cuba’s most celebrated laúd masters, renowned for his signature technique, expressive artistry, and defining contributions to traditional Cuban music. With a career spanning more than five decades, he has become a central figure in the preservation and evolution of Cuban son, guajira, and other Afro-Cuban genres.

Before joining the Buena Vista Social Club, Torres performed with the Afro-Cuban All Stars, further establishing his reputation among Cuba’s elite musicians. He rose to global recognition as a key member of the Buena Vista Social Club, performing alongside legendary figures such as Compay Segundo, Ibrahim Ferrer, and Omara Portuondo. His virtuosic laúd solos became an essential part of the ensemble’s sound, contributing to multiple Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated projects.

Throughout his career, he has also collaborated with many influential artists, including Celina González, Pío Leyva, Ry Cooder, Rubén González, and Eliades Ochoa, further enriching his musical legacy.

Today, as a featured musician of Buena Vista All Stars, Barbarito Torres continues to bring the depth, elegance, and cultural richness of the laúd to stages around the world. His masterful playing bridges Cuba’s musical heritage with a vibrant contemporary spirit—captivating audiences and inspiring new generations of musicians.

The Master of Trumpet

Manuel Machado is one of Cuba’s most respected trumpet masters and a defining musical force within Buena Vista All Stars. Born in Santiago de Cuba, Machado began performing at a young age, developing a distinctive tone and expressive musical style that would lead him to work with some of the most influential names in Cuban music.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Machado has collaborated with legendary artists and ensembles including Bebo Valdés, Chucho Valdés, Celia Cruz, Paquito D’Rivera, and members of Irakere, contributing his signature sound to projects that span Cuban son, jazz, bolero, and contemporary Latin music.

Machado’s signature piece, “Machado Blues,” has become a highlight of every performance—an expressive, soulful composition that captures his mastery of both Cuban tradition and jazz phrasing. His unmistakable trumpet sound has earned him international recognition and a devoted global following.

Today, as a leading musician of Buena Vista All Stars, Manuel Machado continues to bring the brilliance of Cuban trumpet playing to audiences worldwide. His artistry honors the golden era of Havana while propelling Cuban music into a vibrant new chapter, inspiring listeners and musicians across generations.

Singer

Ángel Aguiar is a renowned Cuban vocalist known for his soulful tone, expressive delivery, and powerful connection to the island’s musical heritage. His ability to blend traditional Cuban son, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and contemporary Latin influences has made him a standout interpreter of Cuban music on today’s global stage.

Born and trained within Cuba’s rich musical tradition, Aguiar Aguiar has built an exceptional career performing with some of the island’s most recognized orchestras and international artists. Among his most meaningful artistic experiences is his work with Eliades Ochoa, with whom he has shared the stage in performances that highlight the depth and authenticity of Cuban son. This collaboration helped strengthen his reputation as a vocalist capable of honoring Cuba’s roots while bringing a fresh and modern voice to its classic sound.

Recognized for his warmth, precision, and emotional presence, Ángel Aguiar brings a vibrant energy to every performance. His artistry reflects a deep understanding of Cuba’s cultural legacy and a commitment to carrying its music forward.

Today, as a member of Buena Vista All Stars, Aguiar continues to honor Cuba’s musical legacy while helping shape a fresh, modern expression for audiences around the world.

Singer

Amanda “Amy” Gaviria is a Cuban-born vocalist and a rising voice within Buena Vista All Stars, bringing a fresh and contemporary spirit to traditional Cuban son and Afro-Cuban music. Her dynamic vocal style blends the warmth of classic Cuban rhythms with modern influences, making her a standout presence on stage.

As a member of Buena Vista All Stars, Gaviria contributes to international tours that honor the legacy of Cuban music while introducing its timeless sound to new audiences around the world. Beyond her live performances, she also releases music under her own name on digital platforms, expanding her artistic reach and shaping her identity as a modern Cuban vocalist.

Today, Amanda Gaviria continues to shape a new generation of Cuban music — combining tradition, innovation, passion, and authenticity — and adding her voice to the living musical heritage of Havana.

Piano

Born in Cuba and later based in Canada before establishing himself in Spain, Luis Guerra is one of the most exciting Cuban pianists of his generation. A virtuoso performer with deep Caribbean roots, he draws inspiration from the great Cuban piano tradition—from Ernesto Lecuona to Gonzalo Rubalcaba—while forging a contemporary voice that is uniquely his own.

Known for his dazzling technique, lyrical touch, and fearless improvisation, Guerra moves effortlessly between the rich traditions of Cuban music and the language of modern jazz. His performances combine rhythmic sophistication, harmonic depth, and an expressive sensitivity that has made him a sought-after pianist on the Spanish and European jazz scenes.

Throughout his career, he has led and collaborated on numerous acclaimed projects, including the Cuban Jazz Quintet and the CMQ Big Band, paying tribute to the masters of Cuban music while continually pushing the music forward with fresh arrangements and inventive improvisation. Whether performing intimate solo concerts or commanding the stage with large ensembles, Guerra captivates audiences with remarkable musicality and authenticity.

As a member of Buena Vista All Stars, Luis Guerra brings elegance, virtuosity, and a profound understanding of Cuba's musical heritage. His artistry bridges generations, honoring the legacy of traditional Cuban music while infusing every performance with the creativity and energy of contemporary jazz.

Percussion

Ramón González, known artistically as “El León,” is an accomplished Cuban percussionist celebrated for his dynamic, expressive, and deeply textured playing style. With a career rooted in the rich rhythmic traditions of Cuba, González has become a sought-after musician in the worlds of Jazz, Latin Jazz, and contemporary Afro-Latin music.

His versatility and rhythmic mastery have led him to collaborate with an impressive roster of internationally renowned artists and groups, including Marc Anthony, Diego El Cigala, Mónica Naranjo, Paulina Rubio, Gipsy Kings, Antonio Carmona, Omara Portuondo,  Barry Harris, Jimmy Bosch, Coti, Chico Castillo, Lola, José Luis “El Puma” Rodríguez, Luis Enrique Mejía, Steve Turre, among many others. Across genres and continents, his contributions have enhanced countless recordings and live performances.

Known for the depth, sensitivity, and power he brings to the percussion section, “El León” infuses every ensemble with a unique blend of tradition, and innovation. His playing enriches the rhythmic landscape of any project, blending traditional Cuban percussion with modern improvisation and global influences.

Today, González continues to expand his artistic footprint, performing internationally and contributing his signature sound to collaborations that celebrate the depth and diversity of Latin and Afro-Cuban music.

Trombone

Julián Garvayo is a distinguished trombonist whose refined, expressive playing brings elegance and depth to every ensemble he joins. Known for his warm tone, precise technique, and stylistic versatility, Garvayo seamlessly bridges the worlds of Cuban music, jazz, and contemporary fusion.

Throughout his career, he has performed with some of the most respected names in modern music, including Los Van Van, Jim McNeely, Marshall Gilkes, Robert Glasper, Bill Laurance, and other influential artists. His ability to adapt across styles—from Afro-Cuban rhythms to modern jazz—has made him a sought-after collaborator in both live and studio settings.

Today, Julián Garvayo stands out as a dynamic voice in the new generation of trombonists, bringing sophistication, creativity, and a modern edge to the evolving sound of Latin and global jazz.

Trombone

Santiago Cañada Valverde is an acclaimed trombonist and one of the most versatile voices in contemporary Latin, jazz, and Afro-Cuban music. Known for his warm tone, technical precision, and expressive musicality, Santiago has earned a strong reputation both in Cuba and on the international stage.

Throughout his career, he has collaborated with an impressive list of world-renowned artists, including Buika, Caetano Veloso, Branford Marsalis, Jorge Drexler, Jerry González, Alain Pérez, and many others. His ability to move seamlessly between genres—ranging from Cuban son and Latin jazz to contemporary jazz and world music—has made him a sought-after performer in major festivals, orchestras, and recording studios.

Santiago’s artistry reflects a deep command of Cuban musical tradition paired with a modern, global sensibility. His performances are marked by expressive phrasing, improvisational fluency, and a strong rhythmic foundation, making him an essential contributor to any ensemble he joins.

Today, Santiago Cañada Valverde continues to expand his artistic footprint through live performances, studio recordings, and international collaborations—bringing the rich sound of Cuban brass to audiences around the world.

Bass

Rainer Pérez is an accomplished Cuban bassist whose rich tone, rhythmic precision, and musical depth form an essential foundation of the Buena Vista All Stars’ sound. As the brother of internationally acclaimed musician Alain Pérez, Rainer carries the same lineage of Cuban excellence—shaped by deep musical roots, technical mastery, and a profound connection to the traditions of Havana.

Known for his ability to blend Cuban son, Afro-Cuban grooves, and contemporary Latin influences, Pérez brings both strength and subtlety to the rhythm section. His playing adds complexity, warmth, and drive to the ensemble, anchoring the group’s arrangements while giving space for the melodies, horns, and vocals to flourish.

Within Buena Vista All Stars, Rainer Pérez plays a vital role in shaping the modern identity of the group. His intuitive sense of time, harmony, and musical dialogue allows him to seamlessly support veteran musicians while also contributing a fresh, contemporary voice to the band’s evolving sound. Whether performing classic son hits, Afro-Cuban standards, or newly arranged pieces, his bass lines bring cohesion, power, and authenticity to every performance.

Today, Rainer Pérez continues to represent the new generation of Cuban bassists—infusing tradition with modernity, honoring the legacy of his family, and helping guide Buena Vista All Stars into its next chapter on stages around the world.

Timba

Pedro Porro is a accomplished timbalero and percussionist whose powerful rhythmic presence plays a central role in shaping the modern sound of Buena Vista All Stars. With deep roots in traditional Afro-Cuban percussion, Porro brings a vibrant blend of heritage, precision, and contemporary expression to the ensemble, anchoring its rhythmic identity with both finesse and fire.

Born into Cuba’s rich musical culture, Porro developed his craft through years of performing in local ensembles, mastering the intricate patterns of timba, son, jazz, and Afro-Cuban folkloric rhythms. His technique reflects a deep respect for tradition, while his creative instincts allow him to incorporate modern timba elements, jazz influences, and contemporary groove, giving his playing a unique and unmistakable personality.

Porro’s contributions extend beyond performance. His understanding of Cuban rhythmic language and his collaborative approach help keep the ensemble’s sound fresh and relevant for global audiences. Whether in live concerts, studio sessions, or international tours, he infuses each moment with passion, authenticity, and the unmistakable pulse of modern Cuban music.

Today, Pedro Porro continues to be a key figure in the evolution of Buena Vista All Stars, representing the next generation of Cuban percussionists who honor the past while pushing the music toward a vibrant new future. His artistry ensures that the heartbeat of Havana remains strong — resonating with audiences around the world.

Trumpet

Juan Luis De La Torre is a skilled Cuban trumpeter known for his bright tone, expressive phrasing, and commanding presence within Buena Vista All Stars. Trained in Cuba’s rich brass tradition, he brings a vibrant and contemporary approach to the ensemble, blending the precision of classical technique with the soul of Cuban son, Latin jazz, and Afro-Cuban musical styles.

With a career shaped by performances across Cuba’s most respected stages, De La Torre has developed a reputation for versatility—moving effortlessly from lyrical melodies to powerful, driving horn lines. His artistry adds clarity, brilliance, and emotional depth to the group’s horn section, enhancing the dynamic energy of BVAS’s live performances.

Today, Juan Luis De La Torre continues to represent the new generation of Cuban trumpet players, contributing his distinctive sound to Buena Vista All Stars’ mission of preserving and reimagining Cuba’s musical heritage.