¿Que Pasa?: What’s the question you’re sick of being asked?

Grupo Danson: Why did you come to Denmark?

¿Que Pasa?:Tell us about how you all got together.

Grupo Danson: Well, in December 2000, Carlos Perez (trombone player), Mia Ensager (trombone player) and I (Yasser Pino, bass player) came to Copenhagen. After a few months of playing with different bands in Denmark, we decided to get together to make our own band, inspired by the Buenavista Social Club CD and film. The idea was to make a powerful Cuban band based on traditional Cuban music.

We listened to music from Los Tres Senores del Son (Miguelito Cuni, Felix Chappotin and Lili Martinez) and, without forgetting Buenavista, tried to incorporate Cachao, Benny More and Celia Cruz as well. Then, with our knowledge, musical

experience and the life experience that we brought from Cuba, we selected the music and the musicians with whom we wanted to work and make the band, which were Tony Moreaux (Cuba) on drums and Timbale, Jorge Egues (Cuba) on the bongos, Ernesto Manuitt (Cuba) on vocals, Peter Elhers (DK) on the congas and Rune Thorsteinsson (DK) on the piano.

¿Que Pasa?: How does it feel to be part of the ‘new generation of Cuban musicians’?

Grupo Danson: I have to say that is an honor to be a Cuban musician and represent Cuban culture all over through the music we play. Even though we are not living in Cuba, our love for Cuba and our culture gets bigger when you are outside of the country. And that’s what keeps us alive.

¿Que Pasa?: There are many Cuban Salsa bands in Denmark. How does Group Danson distinguish itself from the rest? Grupo Danson: There are a few Danish Salsa bands, but no one like Grupo Danson, because of the musicians and the concept we are working on. Cuban music is something that you have to take care of, like a

beautiful woman, a flower or a queen. And that is what we do, we are giving the music the good treatment she needs every time we are performing or practicing. In this case, having our own repertoire is fundamental as it distinguishes us from the rest of the bands.

¿Que Pasa?: Tell me something about the conga instrument and how it contributes to the sound and style of your music?

Grupo Danson: Well, without the conga the Cuban music cannot exist. It is, like the clave, the soul of our music. It represents our ancestors from Africa. It represents the development of the complexity of Rumba. The conga rhythm is the point of departure for many of the Cuban rhythms today.

¿Que Pasa?: When did Alexander Abreu, the world famous trumpet player, join the band? And how did his joining change the bands sound? Grupo Danson: Alexander Abreu and Carlos Perez have been playing together for more than ten years, which has created a strong friendship. In 2004, Carlos Perez had the great idea of inviting Alexander Abreu on tour with us

¿Que Pasa?: Tell us about recording the title track, ‘Mi Musica’, and what it felt like when it won the Djembe Award for Best World Track of 2005? What has the group been doing since then? Grupo Danson: ‘Mi Musica’ is the song that represents the sound of Grupo Danson. The song is a journey of Cuban music, representing and putting Cuban music in a remarkable place.

Alexander dedicated the song to his grandfather who taught him a lot about Cuban music. I remember that the recording was so powerful and when it was finished we just talked about it all the time, it was like our own hit. Then we send it to the competition. At that time Carlos and Alexander were in Cuba, so I went by myself to pick up the prize. That was so emotional. I was so excited that I almost could not talk. Since then, we have had more tours, including outside of Denmark.

¿Que Pasa?: In which countries have you played and where would you like to play next?

Grupo Danson: We have been in Sweden and Germany, and we are waiting to tour in France and Italy where the group is really popular and people know the songs by heart. We are looking forward to Spain, Latin America, USA and of course Cuba. So please contact us!

¿Que Pasa?: Can you share with us some of your favourite Salsa artists, and those who influenced the group the most? Grupo Danson: As a Cuban group, we have Cuban influences. Los Van Van for style, Isaac Delgado for elegance and rhythm , Paulo FG for lyrics ,Manolito Simonet y su Trabuco for the tumbao, Elio Reve y su Charangon for the trombones, Muñequitos de Matanzas for the concept of Rumba and Cuban music. From outside of Cuba, Oscar de Leon, Carlos Vives and Juan Luis Guerra for lyrics. For styles, artists like Plena Puertorriquena, Cumbia, Joropo and why not, also Reggaeton.

¿Que Pasa?: With so many diverse musical influences in Salsa music, where do you see the next evolution of Salsa music going?

Grupo Danson: Well I think the meeting of all of the Latin American rhythms has played a very important role in Salsa music today. Composers, arrangers and performers have been creating music with new sounds, which has been a success in the music market. But in my personal opinion, you have to relate it to the tradition because it is where the concept is, and it is where you can find the reason why the music today is like it is. With this, I want to give a message to all the musicians. "Always search for the roots and you will find the answer to many questions...."

¿Que Pasa?: What can we expect from Group Danson in 2008 and beyond?

Grupo Danson: Now we are thinking about our second CD release. We have everything ready; we just have to decide where to record it. And we are looking forward to the internationals tours. We are ready for the world! Hope to see all of you very soon!

Grupo Danson (For further information on concerts or to order a CD, check out Grupo Danzon ’s website on www.grupodanson.com © Interviewed by Nicola Schmidt. Edited by Georgina Nicoli August 14, 2007