– The Scotsman
Vocal Sampling may sound like a full salsa band but in reality is created by a 6 piece all-male a capella Cuban group. With minimum technology, they use only their voices, their cupped hands and their own bodies to create a full range of timbres and textures. All the instruments of the Latin Orchestra - percussion, horns, keyboard, bass - are vocally reproduced with astonishing accuracy for their hugely entertaining set of guaracha, boleros, rumba, son and swinging salsa.
Largely based on traditional Cuban music but also heavily influenced by modern salsa and jazz, Vocal Sampling perform a variety of original compositions as well as arrangements. The group's virtuoso singing and technical ability combined with their dynamic stage presence guarantees an exuberant and colourful evening.
Cuba's rich musical heritage provides them with plenty of inspiration for their dynamic journey. From modern salsa through to son - a style of dance music rooted in the Spanish and Afro Cuban traditions - Vocal Sampling's new show captures the lively colours and rhythms of this diverse culture.
The members of Vocal Sampling, all accomplished instrumentalists and arrangers, met at Havana's Instituto Superior de Arte and shortly after in 1998 created the unique sound of Vocal Sampling. Since then the group have gained the attention of artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon. In 1996, at the artists' invitation, Vocal Sampling performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival alongside artists such as Chaka Khan, Phil Collins, Mick Hucknall and Toots Thielemans to celebrate Quincy Jones' 50 years in the music business.
Following a hugely successful tour of the United States in 1995 they have continued to tour throughout Latin America, Europe and Japan, including the BBC Proms, and Henley Festival in the UK.
