Hot out of Cuba

Caribbean choir celebrate their roots in jubilant song and dance

The Creole Choir Of Cuba must be the most original vocal sound to come out of that country in a long time -irresistible, wild melodies driven by richly textured harmonies and shifting Caribbean rhythms - passionate singing by a group celebrating roots, resistance and the rhythms of life.

The Creole Choir's Cuban name Desandann literally means ‘descendents'. Their debut album Tande-La(out now on Realworld) tells the stories of their Haitian ancestors who were brought to Cuba to work in near slave conditions in the sugar and coffee plantations.

Their mesmerising sound, jubilant dancing and deep spirit made them a big hit in this country at the Edinburgh Fringe, after a run at the London Jazz Festival and a TV appearance on Later with Jools Holland.

Catch them at The Anvil, Basingstoke, on Tuesday (7.45pm). All tickets £15. For more information telephone the Anvil Arts box office on 01256 844244 or visit www.anvilarts.org.uk