Sarabanda is a 5-6 piece collective who play Cuban son and vibrant salsa with a serious groove. Pianist Sara McGuinness sought out musicians with a passion for Cuban music to form a collective and the result is a powerful sextet with a big sound.
The collective’s obvious love of the music they play is evident in the passionate and exuberant arrangements of both original material and Cuban classics. It also features a host of wonderful musicians steeped in Cuban music and salsa including bassist Jimmy Martinez and percussionists Emeris Solis, Bill Bland and Alejandro Martinez.
When we can add a horn section we add the amazing Shanti Jayasinha on trumpet and Landy Diaz on trombone.
The band have a large repertoire of Cuban and Latin styles and are flexible to fit your party needs. Usually a six piece band, we are happy to vary the size to suit the occasion. We are based in London but can easily travel anywhere.
The band play a range of Cuban music including son from the 40s and 50s, as popularised by Buena Vista Social Club, through to modern day hot timba and salsa. Perfect music for a summer’s day, don’t forget your dancing shoes.
Sarabanda have been surviving Covid-19 lockdown by writing and recording some great new material. We can’t wait to share it with you all.
Sarabanda play regularly Upstairs at Ronnie Scott, at the Viva Latina Friday nights. Sarabanda regularly host Cuban ‘descarga’ jam sessions on a Sunday night in Hootananny Brixton. These are a great meeting ground for musicians, dancers and music lovers. We are also currently looking for a North London venue.
Band Members
- Elpidio Caicedo – Vocals
- Jimmy Martinez – Bass
- Sara McGuinness – Piano
- Alejandro Martinez – Bongos/Timbales
- Emeris Solis/Bill Bland – Congas
- Shanti Jayasinha – Trumpet
- Landy Diaz – Trombone