Yissy García & Bandancha: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

June 15, 2018 | Felix Contreras -- There is a sonic revolution happening in Cuba these days. A new generation of musicians are taking the training they received in Cuba's fabled classical music academies to new heights by incorporating not just jazz, but hip-hop, funk and any manner of experimental music. Yissy García and Bandancha may be the best example of that vanguard.

From the moment you hear the pre-recorded sound collage underneath the credits, it's a sign we're not in the Buena Vista Social Club. The compositions (all by García) are modern and reflect the cosmopolitan attitude that is common in big city life in Cuba. For example, "Ultima Noticia" is highlighted by the riffs thrown back and forth between drummer García and the turntablist, DJ Jigüe. The command of time and imagination García displays in her first drum solo of the set is simply astonishing.

The entire set is a lesson of contemporary Cuban music. The rapping on "Universo" reminded me of Cuba in the early 1990s when hip-hop entered the national consciousness as the Soviet Union left the island to fend for itself economically. On this track, it's a celebration of the universal goodness we all share.

The band winds up their time behind the desk by going back to Cuba's African roots for a rumba-soaked jam with sampled Afro-Cuban drums and rhythms. The complexity of the music meshes lockstep with passionate singing and dancing.

Yissy García and Bandancha are already Havana favorites, and I'm thrilled they're finally getting a chance to spread their music around the world. We are very fortunate that one of their stops was the Tiny Desk.

Set List

"Última Noticia"
"Universo"
"Te cogió lo que anda"

CREDITS
Producers: Felix Contreras, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Kara Frame, CJ Riculan; Photo: Eslah Attar/NPR.

[KMO]

Whoever been finding the artists for the last two months+ needs a raise. Just mad talent been coming through.

[I_am_Mac]

NPR needs a music festival. I'm there

[rossross]

Beautiful control on the drums 🤯 she is awesome

[dexxxhunt]

Tiny desk been on a straight rampage lately...Fresh as hell!Bless/Peace

[justinmwhitaker]

Every damn time I go, "Who?". I should know by now. Just click play and trust the Tiny Desk.

[m.a.]

Thanks again NPR for exposing us to great talent from around the World. Music is Universal!✌✌✌

[amyo]

The drummer is so coherent and has an expansive vocabulary. Killing it 🤘🏾

[BeautifulJeye]

I get my life when I watch Tiny Desk! 😊

[theOstenHugo]

This channel is solely responsible for introducing me to [music]ians that I’ve never heard of or possibly skipped over while studying my Apple Music playlists x is, quite possibly, my favorite YouTube channel — bc music is life x I can always expect great music from this channel !!! Thank you NPR Music, thank you sm !!!

PS Female drummers are my weakness x this one makes me elated. And fella on the turntables is a complete vibe! These guys rock !!!

[Hamuelin]

Now this is my kind of Jam, can't believe I hadn't found them before now. Thanks NPR!

[sirclock]

I got the privilege to see these guys live in San Francisco this summer, my goodness they really are amazing

[Concentrum]

you can almost tell from her playing and expressions what a gentle person yissy must be. i'm sure they're a great group of people to hang with.

[MidwestMoe]

I didn't understand all of the language; however, I could feel all of the music (Universal Language). Another hit from Tiny desk. Bravo.

[marjorievandyke]

I love the evolution and the new generation of musicians coming from Cuba! But how can you go wrong with such a creative and influential foundation.

[theinfamouspokeinrichmondc]

After seeing this incredible video I purchased 2 tickets to see them in SF on August 3rd. I can't wait! I have been telling everybody about it!! Thanks NPR for introducing me to this incredible band!!!

[yuvalzalk]

The way to impress me is simple, play NPR loudly and we will be best friends! Great sound, made me dance and fell smart and cool in the same time! 😎

[INDIANDRUMS]

ive never seen a tiny desk concert wit no comments. Come on people! bandanca is awesome!

[chrisf]

Thank *you* NPR/TDC! Once again *you* have professionally captured another act that has me firmly in their back pocket(s) -- and it's been under 2 minutes (think: start vid, listen, jaw drops, pause vid, comment, resume vid). Thank *you* to your talented staff and for your generosity in sharing all that *you* do! Cheers!

[gilanggideon]

very sick tone from the bassplayer #respect

[koyamaband]

Finally, I come to realize the meaning of groove. The world is big enough.