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UW Ethnomusicology Archives audio recordings: Francisco Aguabella film session, 1979-06-29
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- University of Washington Ethnomusicology Archives
- Title
- UW Ethnomusicology Archives audio recordings: Francisco Aguabella film session
- Dates
- 1979-06-291979-06-291979-06-29
- Quantity
- 5 items : 3 film reels (16mm, color, sound, silent); OT - 1 reel (7.5 ips, 1/2 tr. stereo, 7"); WT - 1 reel (7.5 ips, 1/2 tr. stereo, 7"); Duration: 00:26:08
- Collection Number
- 1979030
- Summary
- Recorded and filmed at the University of Washington, 6/29/79.
- Repository
-
University of Washington Ethnomusicology Archives
University of Washington
Ethnomusicology Archives
Box 353450
Seattle, WA
98195-3450
Telephone: 2065430974
ethnoarc@uw.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Access is restricted.
- Languages
- English
Historical NoteReturn to Top
Drummer/percussionist Francisco Aguabella emigrated to New York City from his native Matanzas, Cuba -- where African music was a tradition -- in 1957. He followed a long line of Cuban drummers who made their mark in America: Chano Pozo, Patato Valdez, Candido, and Mongo Santamaria. Aguabella's music fuses traditional African and Latin rhythms with smooth jazz/soul for an electrifying sound.
His proficiency on the bata (talking drums of Yoruba origin) made him a wanted man. He first worked with Dizzy Gillespie, then Peggy Lee, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Weather Report, Cal Tjader, Frank Sinatra, Louie Bellson, Walfredo de los Reyes, Nancy Wilson, Lalo Schifrin, Machito, and Carlos Santana. He was an original member of Malo, which included Jorge Santana; Malo had three LP releases and crisscrossed the States before disbanding.
The legendary drummer participated in movie soundtracks and television scores. Producer Les Blank chronicled Aguabella's career in the documentary Sworn to the Drum. He also received a National Heritage Award from the National Endowment of the Arts, and served as a visiting professor in U.C.L.A.'s Department of Ethnomusicology, where he taught a basic and an advanced course in Afro-Cuban music. He also performed along the West Coast with his group, Francisco Aguabella's Latin Jazz Ensemble. Francisco Aguabella died in Los Angeles on May 7, 2010; he had been battling cancer, and was 84 years old.
-- Andrew Hamilton, https://www.allmusic.com/
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
Recorded by Robert Garfias, Gary Margason, and Kimson Plaut with Nagra IV-S (Ampex 407 tape)
Performers: Francisco Aquabella and his ensemble (Afro-Cuban)
Contents see logsheet.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
FilmsReturn to Top
Description | Dates |
---|---|
S129 F. Aquabella - print 1 film reel, 16mm, color
|
1979-06-29 |
S129 mag F. Aquabella
1 film reel, 16mm, sound : Magnetic Sound
|
1979-06-29 |
S129 F. Aquabella - orig
1 film reel, 16mm, color : Camera Original
|
1979-06-29 |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Ethnomusicology
Geographical Names
- Cuba
- Seattle (Wash.)
- South/Latin America
Other Creators
-
Personal Names
- Aquabella, Francisco (performer)