Elito Reve y su Charangon Music Band

Elito Reve y su Charangon Music Band. Emergence.

The Elio Revé Orchestra popularly known as “El Charangon” was founded in 1956 by Elio Reve Matos, an important figure in Cuban music. This musical group has been for many years one of the most prestigious musical groups in Cuba and in other parts of the world. Its creator, a native of Guantanamo in the easternmost part of the country, was classified as “Father of the Changüí” for the contributions he made at this rate, as well as being one of his greatest defenders. As a distinguishing feature of the artistic representation of this grouping was that Elio Reve Matos was the first to use the five-key timpani in the Charanga format, also between the trombones in his arrangements and specifically included in his orchestra the use of Bata Drums of the Yoruba religion.

Elito Reve y su Charangon Music Band. Members and Discography

The orchestra is considered a school for Cuban musicians since they have been part of the group, such as: Chucho Valdes, Juan Formell, Yumuri, Carlos Alfonso. After the death of Elio Reve Matos in 1997 his son Elito Reve Jr, who worked as pianist and arranger of the group, assumes the challenge of directing the orchestra. In this way he has continued the work of his father and has managed to maintain the popularity, sound and seal that for so many years had accompanied this group.
Albums: La Aplanadora de Cuba, De Que Estamos Hablando?, Arriba Las Manos, No Me da la Gana, Se Sigue Comentado.

Elito Reve y su Charangon Music Band. Achievements and Recognitions.

The group had the opportunity to share scenarios with bands such as: Boyz II Men, Forplay, Earth, Wind and Fire, Herbie Mann, The Michel Brecker Quartet, Kindred and Mike Philips among others, with whom they shared scenarios in 2002 and 2003 during The Saint Lucia Jazz Festival. Also in 2004, they met with other greats such as India, Arie, Michael McDonald, Nancy Wilson, Beres Hammond, Cassandra Wilson, Bobby Womack, Monty Alexander and Kenny Rogers during the Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival. The talent and professionalism of the orchestra has earned him a long time in the preference of the public. The album Fresquesito was Best record in France and Prize in the category of Popular Music in the Cubadisco of the 2008 , the Album What are we talking about? As Best recording, Best disco popular dance music and Cubadisco Grand Prize in 2011.