If the history of the tres is ever written, in the context of contemporary Cuban music Renesito Avich will be credited, almost single-handedly, with relocating one of Cuba’s most iconic harmonic instruments in the 21st century and beyond. A caveat here: the superlative virtuoso Benjamin Lapidus can also possibly take some of that credit, bringing with him the distinction of being an accomplished pedagogue as well.
But Mr Avich is the star who occupies the centre of the super constellation, comprising musicians playing any harmonic instrument – traditionally attributed to Cuba [European instruments, such as the piano excepted.
If that sounds like hyperbole to the scoffers and refusniks with megaphones in public squares, all they must do is listen to the irresistible repertoire on Mr Avich’s 2023 album, simply entitled Tres.
Mr Avich’s own originals offer a variety of moods. The tresero briefly – but bravely – traverses the South American part of the continent, treating us to Siesta Key, written and played in the form of a Brasilian choro on which he also plays – with uncommon skill – the cavaquinho as well as the Venezuelan cuatro.
This is immediately followed by Son Vecinos on which he leads no less than three Puerto Rican cuatro performers with his impeccably played tres on a merry musical romp that explores with depth, harmonic adventure, richness of sonority and great rhythmic gusto that the work demands.
Music – 1: Guararey de Pastora; 2: Convergencia; 3: Con mis amigos; 4: Siesta Key; 5: Son Vecinos; 6: Pilón Sin Miseria; 7: Conflictos.