JOSE ANGEL NAVARRO
MIEL

"This recording is a thrilling tour of the complex musical traditions of Cuba .... "Miel" opens a door to the unlimited possibilities of solo guitar."    ~ Acoustic Guitar Magazine

José Angel Navarro is an extraordinary Cuban guitarist who has developed a very special technique in which he plays the rhythms of the Afro-Cuban ceremonial drums (the “bata”) on the strings of the guitar.  Not only does he faithfully reproduce the rhythms and sounds of the drums, his execution contains a deep and profound sense of the “swing” of authentic bata drummers.  Additionally, Navarro takes pride in his original compositions which integrate many elements of Cuban music such as guaguanco, bolero, and Carnival camparsa, with a more modern sensibility influenced by flamenco, classical and jazz.

A native of Guines, Cuba, Navarro is unique amongst Cuban virtuosos in that he is completely self-taught.  Though trained for a career as a civil engineer, Navarro was able to gain the support of guitar maestro Leo Brouwer who encouraged him to continue and to develop his distinctive approach to the instrument.  For the last ten years Navarro has lived and performed in Spain where he was able to develop an international career.

This album was recorded in Spain and later licensed to Ashé Records for a U.S. release.  This album is dedicated to Ochun, the Afro-Cuban goddess of love, whose attribute is honey (miel). The cover, whch was conceived by Jose Angel himself, depicts the artist on a balsa (raft) made of the bata drums, sailing on a sea of honey, with his guitar as the oar.

Jose Angel Navarro has shared the stage and played together with many other guitar maestros, who have always taken a special interest in his unique presentation.  These include John McLaughlin, Stanley Jordan, Tomatito, Larry Coryell, Paco de Lucia, Luis Salinas and Ray Gomez, among others.  Navarro recently moved to South Florida in order to develop and continue his career. 
 

TRACK LIST

E'mi Eledda	9:10
Ibu	6:10
Sumu-Gaga	4:30
Oñi	11:33
Rumba Callejera	2:56
Guaguanco-Conga-Columbia	10:35
Danza De Iyon	4:46
Obbaña	7:57

This CD is dedicated to OCHUN, the Afro-Cuban goddess of love, whose attribute is the sweetness and sensuality of honey (miel). Ochun also rules gold (money) and her color is yellow.  She loves to dance and is always laughing.   Beloved by all, she is the goddess of sweet water and dwells by rivers and waterfalls. Also called Our Lady of the Caridad del Cobre, she is the patron saint of Cuba.

Jose Angel Navarro