Juan Hell Of A Do

Described recently as the “unsung hero of the Buena Vista Social Club”, Gonzalez has been plying his trade since 1978 when he co-founded the legendary Sierra Maestra.

As the name of his new band suggests, the 52-year-old refuses to let his musical vision be blinkered.

“When you live in an isolated country you always think things are better elsewhere,” he reflects. “Because of that the influence of American music has been very strong. People were trying to play American music before they learned Cuban music. We have to use what is good from around the world, but first we have to be conscious about real Cuban music.”