Eliades Ochoa's Fantasy Island Discs

If you were stranded on a desert island, which tracks would you absolutely need to get you through those times of despair? Our castaway this month is Eliades Ochoa, known as Mr Chan Chan in his hometown of Santiago de Cuba, from the song that Compay Segundo gave to him to make its first recording. His unique guitar and vocal style has made him a champion of string and percussion driven son, bolero and guaracha, helping grow the repertoire of greats like Compay, Miguel Matamoros and Celia Cruz. Through the following songs, Eliades shows us the music that created the special moments in his life and influenced him.

by Eliades Ochoa

Many of these songs remind me of my childhood. I have them as a reference because they are the first forms of singing, treasured in memory. Today, over the years, a few of these songs appear in my albums. Next to my guitar, I hug them with sweet enthusiasm for the melody, classic lyrics, and great harmony. They have been essential in my artistic career, and I would like to share them with you.

1. 'Como la nube se impone al Sol' by Agustin Lara

At family parties, I listened to my father sing this song; I learned it from him, and I recently made a trova version with Pablo Milanés

2. 'A Baracoa Me Voy' by Antonio Machin

It makes me remember the mountains, roads, and sweet memories of my childhood in eastern Cuba. It's a song of joy that I still play.

3. Luz que no alumbra by Cuarteto Patria

This song brings memories of my dad playing the Cuban tres. He was my first mentor in music.

4. 'El que Siembra su Maíz' by Trio Matamoros

In Santiago de Cuba, I grew up listening to pregones. It is a way to sell the merchandise in the street that is still popular. The song is a photograph of such a legendary trade.

5. 'Me voy Pal Pueblo' by Beny Moré

This song was played in many popular parties and radio stations of my childhood. It was played by Beny Moré, an admired artist that inspired my career in music.

6. 'Angelitos Negros' by Antonio Machin

I feel admiration for this composition. It calls for equality with an elegant and delicate melody.

7. 'El tiempo Pasa' by Pablo Milanes

I believe Pablo reflects life in this song very well, and I would like to share the integrity of its lyrics. Let us enjoy every age creating new memories and fulfilling new dreams.

8. 'Sueño de una noche de verano' by Silvio Rodriguez

I do not want a life of sadness and misunderstanding. My dream is to see people sharing love in a world of peace

9. 'Huellas del Pasado' by Compay Segundo

Love exists, I found it ... but I do recognize that I have also gone through disappointments in love. Heartbreak has been present in many of the anthological songs interpreted by great artists of our Cuban Trova.

10. 'A la Luna yo me Voy' by AfroCubism

The Moon is my favorite planet. When I think about the Moon, I think about a quiet place where I can remember people I love and write my music in harmony.