Inspired my his mother’s singing of boleros, Rodriguez learned to play the guitar in 1961 during his time working as a comics designer for a magazine. Whilst honouring his military service, the guitar became a huge part of his life, and became a vehicle for his revolutionary enthusiasm. In 1967 however Rodríguez made his television debut and soon became popular among the Cuban revolutionary youth. Due to the reluctance of the Cuban Culture Ministry to allow U.S musical influences to seep into Cuba, Rodriguez along with Pablo Milanés and Noel Nicola were well looked after and became the country’s neuva trova stars.
The singer-songwriter released his debut album “Días y Flores” in 1975, proving the beginning of a prodigious musical career, carrying the passion of an entire nation. Earlier albums including “Cuando digo futuro”, “Al Final de Este Viaje…” and “Mujeres”, and were largely acoustic releases, showcasing the poetic resilience in Rodriguez’s lyrics. Later albums however including “Rabo de Nube”, “Unicornio”, and “Causas y Azares” were driven by larger sounding instrumentation and electric accompaniment. Following years of attempting to obtain a U.S. visa in 2010 Rodriguez was finally permitted to enter the country in 2010. The singer-songwriter subsequently supported his most recent release, 2010’s “Segunda Cita”, with performances in New York, Oakland, Los Angeles, Washington and Orlando.
Silvio Rodríguez is not the first American musician to use his elevated status to attempt to make a political and societal difference. An embodiment of the Latin American Left, many of his tracks have become classics in the latin folk world so there is an everlasting demand to see Silvio play live from fans that span generations.
He also has a following for those who believe in the political idealism described in many of his songs so the venue is packed with a great mixture tonight. The man himself looks pretty unassuming when you consider him to be a political and musical icon and greets his crowd warmly. As he sits with guitar in hand, he captivates the audience with a warm roots sound. He also continues to speak passionately about his views on American politics and problems facing the people of Cuba. There are fists raised high in support from the audience and huge applause following on from his last track and final words of wisdom to the gathered masses.
sean-ward
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