Bebo de Cuba. Bebo Valdes y Su Mundo (Bebo Valdes and His World)

Internationally recognized development economist and professor at the Stockholm School of Economics, Lundahl has created a passionate depiction of his friend, the legendary Cuban jazz musician Bebo Vald\xE9s. Using historical records and archived documents, Lundahl traces Vald\xE9s's family, religious beliefs, and determination to excel as a musician that influenced his long and illustrious career. A combination of the social history in Cuba during the mid-20th century and the enduring popularity of a musical tradition serve as the backdrop for a sensitive examination of the life and undiminished creative spirit of the Latin Grammy-winning arranger, composer, bandleader, and pianist. Following his graduation from the Municipal Conservatory of Havana, Bebo worked as the music arranger for the Communist Party's radio station, Mil Diez (1010), until Fidel Castro seized power in 1960. After a brief time in Mexico and Haiti, he settled in Sweden for 40 years before moving to his current home in Spain. This comprehensive biography manifests a superb listing of secondary sources, meticulous referencing, and an extensive discography. A lucid, well-written, and engaging text that provides new appreciation for Vald\xE9s; recommended for public and academic libraries, as well as comprehensive collections specializing in jazz and Latin American music history.-Sylvia D. Hall-Ellis, Univ. of Denver, CO