Yelsey Heredia Cachao Vive: El Alma del Contrabajo

"Cachao Vive is more than a tribute album—it’s a cultural preservation act and an artistic declaration," - Tomas Peña, JazzDeLaPena

Cachao Vive! El Alma del Contrabajo is Yelsy Heredia’s vibrant tribute to Israel “Cachao” López, the legendary bassist and co-architect of the mambo. More than a homage, the album is a love letter to the double bass itself—an instrument that becomes storyteller, heartbeat, and guiding spirit throughout the recording.

Performed in an intimate trio format with Gonzalo Rubalcaba on piano and Roberto Vizcaíno Jr. on percussion, the project reimagines compositions originally written for larger ensembles. The stripped-down setting creates space for bold interplay and nuanced dialogue, transforming the traditional jazz trio into something distinctly Afro-Cuban and deeply personal.

Heredia honors Cachao’s classical roots and signature bowing passages with lyrical con arco performances on pieces like “Canta Contrabajo” and “Guajira Clásica,” blending technical mastery with emotional warmth. The result is both reverent and innovative—Heredia interprets rather than imitates, channeling Cachao’s spirit while asserting his own voice.

Recorded with striking clarity, the album feels live and organic. You can hear the wood of the bass, the breath in the piano chords, and the raw texture of the drums. Cachao Vive! stands as cultural preservation and artistic declaration—a powerful reminder that the contrabajo is not just the backbone of Cuban rhythm, but its soul.

Tracklist

1. Intro (La Bendición)
2. Canta Contrabajo
3. Cachita
4. Guajira Clásica
5. Cabanga
6. El Estío
7. Babalú
8. AY Mamá Inés
9. Cachao Vive

 

• Genre: Latin
• Released: 2026-02-13
• Format: Vinyl