| In the late 19th century a style of music called son emerged in eastern Cuba, influenced by Spanish folk songs and Afro-Cuban dance styles. Early instrumentation included the laud (similar to a mandolin), tres (double- or triple-stringed guitar), marimbula (large thumb piano), bojita (blown jug), guiro (gourd scraper), and various percussion instruments. Son eventually moved into urban centers such as Havana and merged with dance styles like the rumba to form the basis of salsa music. Meanwhile, the more folklike son ensemble (now featuring tres, marimbula, guiro, and maracas) would continue to be played by changui ensembles at community functions and dances in rural villages. The group featured in this example is from Guantánamo. |
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