Twenty-five years ago, filmmaker Wim Wenders released an Oscar-nominated documentary called “Buena Vista Social Club.” The film introduced a generation of Americans to some of the most revered musicians in Cuba — some of whom were in their 90s and still performing. An album of songs from the documentary went on to sell over 8 million copies.
Jesus Ramos, trombonist and bandleader of the Buena Vista Orchestra, was one of the musicians featured on that album. The group is currently on tour playing music from the documentary, as well as original compositions inspired by its legacy.
Ramos and the Buena Vista Orchestra are performing in Phoenix on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the Celebrity Theater.
"When he's playing, it's something very emotional because it brings back like memories of all the people that taught him to play something, so then he sees like the audience dancing and that's like paying an homage to the people like honoring those musicians that taught him that are no longer here," said Ramos through an interpreter.
Ramos himself is in his 70s now and says playing music is what keeps him alive.
"He breathes music and if there was no music, like he wouldn't be breathing like he always knew it was going to be music from a young age and that it's the only thing he's always wanted to do," said Ramos through an interpreter.
