About the Music
Two-time Grammy-nominated Cuban music group, Tiempo Libre is arguably
music's hottest Timba band. Heralded worldwide for their sizzling
performances of seductive rhythms and dance-inducing high-voltage Latin
jazz, the band's members have come a long way from their childhood days
in Cuba when they went to bed knowing they could be arrested just for
listening to American music. After studying at Cuba’s premiere music
conservatories, they left everyone and everything behind to flee to the
land of opportunity – and found just that. With award nominations,
sold-out shows and extraordinary collaborations under their belts, the
band is poised to make their mark on the Classical music scene with
their release Bach In Havana. The album breaks ground, uniting the
rhythm and sensibilities of Afro-Cuban music with the compositions of
renowned composer Johann Sebastian Bach. While this musical undertaking
may seem a departure for these seven musicians, named “Best Latin Band
2008” by the Miami New Times, if the past is any indication of what is
to come we can expect many more surprises and successes from Tiempo
Libre in the future.
With "Bach in Havana," Tiempo Libre has infused a German composer's music
with the style and flair of Cuba. The music is fun and fresh, weaving
baroque melodies with contemporary rhythms to create unique, energetic
renditions of many familiar melodies.
About the Wine
Along the same vein, Pietra Santa Winery's winemaker, Allesio Carli
infuses traditional grape varietals with his Italian winemaking
background. Each of the wines in this wine + music pairing are unique,
energetic renditions of familiar wine varietals. The 2006 Chardonnay is
crisp and fresh. Flavors of citrus, pear and melon pair perfectly with
the driving rhythms and suave vocals of “Tu Conga Bach”. “Gavotte (Son)”
features a vibrant alto saxophone over jazzy piano chords and a mellow
rhythm. Pair with the 2006 Sangiovese, featuring cranberry and Morello
cherry flavors with anise and a beautiful finish. For the grand finale,
pop open a bottle of the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich flavors of deep
cherry, blackberry and currant, coupled with a velvety texture and
complexity will make you sit back and close your eyes while listening to
familiar melodies from Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier on “Olas de Yemaya
(Bata)”.
Of course, these are mere pairing suggestions. You may find the nice
texture of the Chardonnay pairs more suitably with “Air on a G String
(Bolero)”, or that the complex flavors of the Cab are better in tune with
the complex melodies of “Baqueteo con Bajo (Danzon)”. We’ve found each of
these wines to enhance each track on this special album, and hope your
experience is the same. Cheers!
