Orquesta Ashe

HISTORY OF ORQUESTA ASHE

Ashe, signifying life force and energy in Yoruba language and culture, is also a powerful concept in Cuban popular and folkloric culture. Timba, or modern Cuban Salsa at its most energetic and multifaceted, is an urban expression that fuses native African and Cuban rhythms, as well as Afro-American Funk, Jazz, Soul, and Go Go. Aramis Pazos Barrera, a native of the neighborhood el Cerro in Havana, Cuba, has formed his own group to continue to promote this tradition in the United States. He and his musicians want to introduce Americans to another style of Salsa, different from Puerto Rican salsa and "Salsa Romantica."
Aramis y su Orquesta Ashe is composed of three singers (1 woman and 2 men), three percussionists (drum set/ timbales, congas, and bongos), 1 bassist, 1 pianist, 1 saxophonist, 1 flute player, 1 trombonist, and 2 trumpet players. During our shows we incorporate dance performance, and our music is intended to inspire dancing. Our band is big and very ambitious, and we perform acoustic musical performance. Our large size is a reflection of the older big Latin bands, such as Beny More, that originated in the early part of the century. Although we appeal to young popular audiences, we celebrate the traditions that are nostalgic for older audiences as well; our music is made for everyone that loves to dance!

Orquesta Ashe has recently performed at:

The Kennedy Center's Open House 2007-2008
The National Symphony Orchestra's Annual ball 2008
SOB's Nightclub in NYC
Virginia Beach Latin Fest 2007
The Black Cat
Organization of American States, Hall of the Americas
Woodrow Wilson LIVE Series!
Tastes of Takoma Festival
Duke's City Lounge
Mt. Pleasant Music Series
Fundraiser for Jobs For Justice
South Beach Restaurant in Bethesda
Duke's City Restaurant on U Street
Cada Vez Restaurant on U Street
La Rosa Nautica Restaurant in Falls Church, VA

Pazos is a professional modern and Afro-Cuban folkloric dancer, and he graduated from the National School of Art in Havana, Cuba. He has always identified with this culturally important music; now as the lead singer, he takes pride in carrying on the traditions of the founders of traditional Son music, by using musical themes and compositions from the 1940’s Cuban music. Timba is a folkloric and urban expression, therefore remembering history and exploring new styles.
Since Washington, DC is known as the capital of the world, Pazos is inspired to create his sound from this center of exports. The strong Afro-American influence in DC, including Jazz music and its vivacious influence, makes Timba a style that will be well accepted among DC audiences. Timba can take a popular song in English, like Michael Jackson’s “Shake your Body Down to the Ground”, and transform them to a contagious salsa dancing rhythm.
Some of the most famous Timba groups in Cuba right now are Los Van Van, Isaac Delgado, Bamboleo, and NG la Banda, La Charanga Habanera. These groups make music not about money or politics, but real life and struggle. It uses a form of popular language without being vulgar.

"ASHE" Cuban Band