Cuban Rumba from 1931: Alfredo Brito & His Orch. - Siboney

Alfredo Brito and His Siboney Orchestra -- Siboney, Rumba-Fox Trot (E.Lecuona), HMV 1931 (UK) NOTE: Alfredo Brito (his true name was Valdés Brito Ibañez) was a Cuban multi-instrumentalist and dance band leader of the 1920-40s. He was born in Mexico City in 1896 from Cuban father and Italian mother. He received solid musical formation in composition and in playing flute, but he could also play saxophone and piano. In 1920s he travelled to Havana, Cuba, where he was employed in various hotel and night club orchestras. In 1924, as member of the famous Azpiazu's Cuban dance band, he was on tour in the US, where he had a chance to play in Paul Whiteman's orchestra. Back in Cuba, Brito organised his own band, which started to perform in various nightlife spots of Havana including the most trendy Country Club, under the title Alfredo Brito and His Orquesta Siboney. Having attracted attention of the famous Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona, he was given a chance to record in 1931 for Victor a couple of Lecuona's great hits including "Siboney". Brito's excellent renditions inspired Lecuona to form his own Cuban dance orchestra, which under the name Lecuona Cuban Boys, became for several decades the international sensation. In 1930s Brito's orchestra travelled to South America and to Europe, where they performed in Madrid. Back in Havana, Brito continued his career through the 1940s bandleading, writing popular songs and film music. He died in Havana, in 1954.