Son

Son-moderno

Son-moderno

Later evolutions (1950s–present), blending with jazz, salsa, timba, and other genres.

Son-montuno

Son-montuno

A more developed style (Arsenio Rodríguez in the 1940s), emphasizing call-and-response, montuno sections, and heavier rhythm — this is the direct ancestor of salsa. Instruments:

Son-traditional

Son-traditional

Cuban son is a traditional genre of music that originated in the eastern regions of Cuba and blends African rhythms with Spanish melodies, forming the foundation for many modern Latin music styles such as salsa."

Son-urbano

Son-urbano

When son migrated to Havana (1920s–30s), it became more polished and arranged for city audiences. Instruments:

• Sextetos

  Sextetos

  When son first hit Havana, the sexteto format (6 instruments, no brass) was the model: guitar, tres, bongó, claves, maracas, and bass. These groups were lighter, closer to the rural sound but polished for urban dance halls. Famous example: Sexteto Habanero.

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• Septetos

Songs

• Comiendo y Cantando - Pio Leyva

  Comiendo y Cantando - Pio Leyva

  The example above features the characteristic “gon-gon, gon-gon” bassline typical of son. In this case it’s played on the Spanish guitar, but the pattern remains easy to recognize.

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• Dame tu amor Gantanamera - Eduardo Saborit

  Dame tu amor Gantanamera - Eduardo Saborit

  “Dame tu amor Guantanamera” by Eduardo Saborit—a classic son — the introduction features voice and tres guitar. Soon after, the characteristic bass line enters in the background. In this recording it’s played on an upright bass rather than a marímbula.

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