Soul of Cuba: Sierra Maestra

You might say that Sierra Maestra is responsible for much of the Afro-Cuban traditionalism we statesiders are enjoying today. Its former leader, Juan de Marcos Gonzalez, handpicked both the Buena Vista Social Club and the Afro-Cuban All-Stars for Ry Cooder, while its former lead trumpeter, Jesus Alemañy, now fronts a fiery band called Cubanismo. The group is currently celebrating its 36th (!) year.