Candido Fabre

Singer/composer Candido Fabre holds a special place in the heart of Cubans. As the lead singer of Original de Manzanillo, he wrote numerous hit songs which have been covered by popular Salsa singers such as Celia Cruz, Willy Chirino, Isaac Delgado and Oscar D'Leon. A supremely talented improviser or "sonero" himself, Fabre has a distinct, gravelly voice and a charming chuckle that radiates ecstatic joy. Utilizing a charanga format with fourteen musicians (including violins and flute), he updates the traditional style with electric bass, keyboards and an expanded drum/percussion contingent. Although the arrangements can be complex, his music has but one focus -- to make you dance. He's the type that could walk into a mundane gathering and instantly transform it into a high-spirited party.