Manuel Galbán

Cuban pianist, organist & guitarist (Gibara, Holguín, 14 Jan 1931 - 7 July 2011) Manuel Galbán was part of the Havana doo-wop quartet Los Zafiros, a popular doo-wop group that was considered to be the finest in Cuba. As their guitarist and arranger, Galbán pioneered a tough, rocking guitar style that is considered by Cuban musicians to be unique in their music. Los Zafiros were a sub-genre unto themselves, hugely popular and never duplicated. Also joined Vieja Trova Santiaguera (1998) and Buena Vista Social Club (2001) Just like with Buena Vista Social Club, it was Nick Gold again who later re-activated his career by implying his guitar mastery for several solo recordings of the BVSC participants, Ibrahim Ferrer, Omara Portuondo and Cachaito Lopez. He is also part of Ibrahim Ferrer's touring band. In 2004 he won a Grammy Award for Best Pop instrumental album for a duet recording with Ry Cooder, Mambo Sinuendo. Cooder was so impressed by his unique style that he had to make a duet album with him.