Decoding Afro-Cuban Jazz:

1. A songbook of the best compositions of the ground-breaking Cuban ‘fusion’ group Irakere,
2. A thorough guide to the roots and structure of Afro-Cuban jazz in general
3. An overview of Maestro Valdés’ influences and contributions to the music

• Eleven of Valdés’ most important works, decoded and transcribed
• Overview of the history of Afro-Cuban music
• Biographies on Valdés and ground-breaking supergroup Irakere
• Detailed transcriptions and musical guides
• Breakdown of Afro-Cuban folkloric and popular rhythms
• Explanation of the Cuban clave and its function
• Comprehensive discography and glossary
• Dozens of exercises and tools for enhanced study
• Annotated list of compositional works by Maestro Valdés
• 211 pages of music and text!

Sample Pages

• Table of Contents
• The Music of Cuba: An Overview
• A Brief History of Irakere
• Afro-Cuban Folk Genres
• The Songs
• Aguanile Bonkó
• Glossary

Referenced Audio Recordings

• https://www.shermusic.com/decoding/