Ibrahim Ferrer has died.  As a fan of Cuban Jazz, and the wonderful sounds of this unique and classic music genre, I have been following Ibrahim over the last few years.  Truly a great talent has been lost.

If you have never listened to or seen the film "Buena Vista Social Club", I highly recommend it.  It is partly a tribute to the genre as well as a commentary of the situation in Cuba.  For instance, in the film, Ferrer and another musician are on a walking tour of New York City during a tour stop.  Walking down the street, they seen some bobble-head dolls of some classic film and music stars.  They immediately recognize Charlie Chaplin, but have not clue who the Marilyn Monroe and Elvis dolls respresent…Chaplin being prior to the Cuban revoluition, and Monroe and Elvis afterwards.  A very interesting juxtaposition of cultures.

Jonathan

Link: RollingStone.com: Ibrahim Ferrer : Ibrahim Ferrer Dies at 78 : News.