Under the Radar: A Survey of Afro-Cuban Music

or more than 40 years the United States has maintained an economic blockade against the Island of Cuba, restricting travel, investment and cultural exchange between Americans and their Caribbean neighbors just 90 miles south of Florida. Afro-Cuban music has inarguably been recognized as some of the most vibrant and influential rhythmic music in the world. Under the Radar - A Survey of Afro-Cuban Music is a documentary that introduces viewers to the distinct music of Cuba and examines the enigmatic island's current music scene. The film documents the travels and recordings of its producer/director, jazz saxophonist, J. Plunky Branch, and highlights the musical interactions and collaborations of Afro-Cuban rumba, son, salsa, timba, rock, changui and hip-hop musicians and rappers. J. Plunky Branch and executive producer, Alvin Bailey, both African-Americans, traveled under the auspices of a number of US universities, and in collaboration with the humanitarian organization, Pastors For Peace, to carry out this project. They toured the cities of Havana, Guantanamo and Santiago de Cuba, to research and record a wide range of musicians. The results of their work are being disseminated through this 85-minute educational film and a compilation music CD.