Violinist Doug Cameron shares his eye-opening musical journey to the Caribbean nation
Editor’s Note: Cuban culture comes from a melting pot of cultures, primarily those of Spain and Africa, and their influences on the rhythmic flavors of the island’s music is unmistakable. After the 1959 revolution, the government pushed an expansive education campaign, offering free education to all and establishing rigorous music, sports and dance programs. With travel restrictions newly loosened to the lively Caribbean nation, Local 47 Member Doug Cameron recently accepted an invitation by National Symphony of Cuba conductor Enrique Pérez Mesa to spend 10 days working with the young musicians of Cuba. Deeply inspired by his 10-day adventure, Cameron shares the following account of his eye-opening journey.
By Doug Cameron
From the moment I stepped off the plane, I could tell I was in a different world. The signs, the excitement, and most of all, the music! As a jazz musician, it’s the music that attracts me to different parts of the world, and Cuba has always been number one on my list. I have always loved Latin and especially Cuban music. My CD “Mil Amores” was my tribute to this music and featured a lot of my original music written in a Latin style. I was invited to Cuba to by the conductor of the National Symphony of Cuba, maestro Enrique Pérez Mesa, to teach master classes and perform.
Two of my master classes were held at La Escuela de las Artes, which is akin to our Juilliard. I was knocked out by these enthusiastic, talented young musicians. They were all so eager to participate and learn what I had to show them, and they had jazz a feel for the music in their blood. I was honored to be one of the first American musicians, to teach at the school. I even played my jazzy version of “America the Beautiful,” and they loved it! Interestingly enough, this lovely campus was once a private golf course with a landing strip where well off folks would fly in to play golf. When the revolution came, Castro turned it into a music and arts academy.
I was given a rhythm section to perform with which included some truly amazing musicians. Man could these guys play, and their feel for Latin music… well, what can I say! Incredible! I did two concerts, one broadcast on the Cuban jazz station in Cuba and over the Internet throughout the world. I was the first American musician to be invited to perform on this program. It was a blast. Among other pieces I performed one of my original songs titled “Cuban Spice,” a piece I wrote over 20 years ago from a dream I had. Here I was, playing it 20 years later, IN CUBA! Was this a dream? I had to pinch myself — which is hard to do while you’re playing the violin.
Cuba is changing rapidly. You can see young people all over the streets on their phones and tablets searching the Internet. That concept is only a few months old. When I was there the Pope was visiting, and the people were so excited. I have traveled literally all over the world, and I have never visited a country so captivating, so enchanting and rich with style and history as Cuba. It is truly a country lost in time. If you are interested in hearing more, I invite you to check out my website at dougcameron.com where you can see a documentary I’ve put together on Cuba. I think you’ll find it quite fascinating, and the music… wow!
There are many positive things about Cuba that I talk about in my documentary. I have two young boys, Alex and Sean, who are studying music. They both play the violin. I teach them and we also have a violin teacher, a piano teacher and a voice teacher who also work with them. Alex is also in the youth orchestra. If you are a parent of a musician, you know these things cost. What is the cost for music education in Cuba you may ask? Absolutely free! Even the less advantaged kids get a chance to learn music. I believe with the changes going on in Cuba, it is time to focus on what is good there and what they do well. And there is a lot. I’ll be back to visit again, because… I LOVE CUBA!
– Doug Cameron has long been a favorite on jazz radio internationally. Widely considered one of the true innovators of jazz violin, he has performed all over the world, and is well known for his dynamic performance and trademark blue electric violin. A veteran of the Los Angeles studio scene, he has recorded and performed with a wide range of artists, including George Benson, Doc Severinsen, Tom Petty, Cher, the Allman Brothers, Dionne Warwick, Tony Bennett as well as recording for numerous motion pictures and commercials. Cameron keeps busy with his recording schedule which includes an album every year or so. One of Cameron’s main focuses has been working with young musicians in an inspirational master class/workshop environment. He has also appears regularly as a guest soloist with symphony orchestra in a unique pops program featuring all of his own arrangements.
