Asere
‘It’s time to meet the lads who will take son into the new millennium’ Mojo
‘Asere are proof that the future on Son is in very safe hands indeed’ Straight no Chaser
‘An element of surprise and a sense of adventure...uniquely engaging and different from other Cuban bands I have seen’ Charlie Gillett

Asere is a group of young musicians who came together to play traditional Cuban son. Their career took off when, on visiting Cuba in 1996, the Colombian singer Totó la Momposina came across this new band and was immediately struck by their energy, rich songwriting and powerful delivery.

Soon after Asere recorded their debut album ‘Cuban Soul’ live in an old radio theatre in Habana. The production team set out to capture the sweetness of their soulful son and the power of their more uptempo rhythms which are more akin in style to the tough salsa of the 70s. The ‘Yo Soy el Son’ album followed soon after further consolidating the band’s reputation at the vanguard of contemporary son.

Comfortable with classical son, respectful of their musical forefathers and yet keen to step into the future, in Asere we find the son tradition dressed up in baseball caps and trainers, an expression of young urban Cuba, these musicians seeking to develop the music through their inventive songwriting and arrangements, building a fresh sound for a new generation.

Since 1998 Asere have performed constantly across Europe (including more than 100 shows in the UK) impressing many with their dynamic show and infectious energy. They have also celebrated their versatility performing with Totó la Momposina in 1999, with the legendary drummer Billy Cobham and as the backing band for Papa Noel’s ‘Bana Congo’ project in 2002.

Asere’s new album, Destinos, marks a new chapter in their musical development. In it they celebrate their cultural brotherhood with people across the Caribbean basin as well as making connections with musicians on other continents. Theirs is an unmistakeably Cuban perspective with a profound, acoustic sound.