A reverse clave (2-3) form, usually mid-paced or slow, with a pronounced CHUNG-chicka feel. The son montuno developed as a separate form from the general con tradition. It was, like the guaracha, one of the first forms to include a second, improvised section, the montuno. Though it is not fast, the Afro-Cuban son montuno has an intense, almost relentless quality.
Cuba; Rhythm; Dance. (spanish: 'Mountain-Son', but son also comes from the mountains...) A son that begins on the coro section, so there is no largo or "verse" to it. For instance, Castellano Que Bueno Baila Usted starts right with "Castellano..." and then Beny improvises, then coro again. This is different from, say Son De La Loma which has a whole verse section before it gets to the coro. According to musicologist Andres Alen and his brother Olavo, the verse section shows the influence of European music with its closed form. The coro/soneo section shows the African influence with its open form, i.e. the singer improvises til their done and then takes it out. (cl)
Style emanating from the Son tradition, with richer rhythm.
The most famous variant of the son after its urbanisation, arguably when it was performed by septeto or conjunto bands. In this instance, montuno refers to the mountains in eastern Cuba.
Arsenio RodrÃguez initially developed Son Montuno from son. He added instrumental solos called montunos. He also added guaguanco influence, increased the importance of the trumpets and tres, and added new instruments such as the congas and piano.