News

Israel Lopez "Cachao," a Cuban bass player widely recognized as one of the creators of the mambo, has died in Miami after suffering complications from kidney failure. He was 89.

Cachao was thrust into the public consciousness by actor/musician Andy Garcia, who produced the albums Master Sessions, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 as well as the documentary Cachao: Como Su Ritmo No Hay Otro. He's released a series of top-notch recordings ever since, including work on Gloria Estefan's recent album 90 Millas.

As for Cachao's place in the development of mambo music, that can be traced back to "Danzon Mambo," a piece the bassist wrote with his brother Orestes. It helped establish the roots of what would become the mambo revolution, as popularized by Damaso Perez Prado.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
03.24.08