When we last checked in with ¡paLABra!, the project was treating viewers to a rendition of the 16th century composition “El Son de la Má Teodora” as part of our Public Domain music video series. Since taking part in that (currently pandemic-paused) series over two years ago, the Milwaukee super group—which features the likes of Allen Coté, Benjamin Schaefer, Calvin Turner, Lisa Ridgely, Nathan Kilen, Quinten Farr, and Sugar Ransom in its ranks—spent time learning and adapting songs “devoted entirely to the gospel of long-dead Cuban composers,” then recording that collection of 10 songs in a span of less than 10 hours.
On April 30, ¡paLABra! will release those recordings in the form of a self-titled album. The self-described “chaotic tribute to Cubanism” features the band’s aforementioned version of the mid-1500s composition attributed to Teodora Ginés, as well as material originally written by artists like Jose Fajardo, Perez Prado, Mario Bauza, and Faustino Oramas. Prior to the album’s release this Friday (and in advance of Tuesday’s interview on WMSE), ¡paLABra! is giving listeners another sample of their Caribbean-influenced sound with a music video for a song on the forthcoming record.
“Tres Lindas Cubanas” was originally composed by Antonio Maria Romeu. Fittingly, ¡paLABra!’s video for the song that easily qualifies for Public Domain usage also features public domain animation. Watch none other than Betty Boop escape peril before getting lost in the allure of the island vibes in the “Tres Lindas Cubanas” music video.
This song, along with the rest of the album, was recorded by Andrew Jambura at Silver City Studios, mastered by Justin Perkins at Mystery Room Mastering, and published by Dézòd Rèkòd (with all royalties returning to the estates of the original authors). You can watch the video below and learn more about the album HERE.
Tres Lindas Cubanas from Allen Coté on Vimeo.