Y’all remember my “Tropical Breezes” music collection? The one Charo and I introduced a while back? Well, the collection has gotten quite a bit of use on the back patio since its creation, but, as they say, time waits for no man, and the collection was getting a little worn and in need of a little spicing up.

Enter Cuban music from the ’50s and ’60s. Andy Garcia’s move “The Lost City” has had a huge effect on me, re-kindling in me an interest in classic, pre-Castro Cuban culture, especially when it comes to music and cocktails. Of course, I’m no stranger to Cuba and its culture, having befriended my old friend Marcos and his wife Ingrid when we lived back in Kentucky – they run a couple of Havana Rumba restaurants in Louisville whose cuisine is beyond fabulous. And the “Hemingway Daiquiris” served at the Wynn Las Vegas Parasol bars (Up and Down) are incredible (although, to be truthful, they’re just a slight variation on a “Papa Nobles”).

When I was looking to upgrade my tropical breezes collection I knew I needed to add in some Cuban music to create not just a vibe, but a more true representation of music from the Caribbean to mix in with the other cool stuff already there. For those interested in some classic Cuban, here are the CDs I’ve added multiple selections from, feel free to check them out:

“The Lost City” soundtrack – lots of interesting stuff there, especially music by Cachao. His “Guajira Clasica” is like the Creedence Clearwater Revival version of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” of guajira.

Ibrahim Ferrer – his “Buena Vista Social Club Presents” CD is a keeper, I especially like his slow songs (boleros).

A couple-two-three selections from Perez Prado and Ralph Nobles.

I’m also starting to get into Mongo Santamaria – he’s a well-versed jazz guy whose music touches many traditions; I particularly like his Sofrito CD.