Cubanocast

I was listening to "Quimbombo" by Machito, remembering that a few other songs had "quim" in it, and realizing that I had no idea what it meant. I looked it up. According to the Reverso dictionary, "quim" means "coño," which, if you hear it and it's directed at you, means that you've pissed off some Cuban or Spanish dude (or a very unladylike Spanish or Cuban woman).

"Quimba" is "sandal," in parts of the Caribbean and "debt" in the Andes.

The definition that makes most sense in an Afro-Latin musical context, however, is as part of the name of an Afro-Brazilian religion called "Quimbanda".

OK. On to the music. The podcast is "Quimbara" by Celia Cruz. It's one of her best sixties, post-Sonora Matancera songs. It takes a while to get going, but really sizzles once the chorus pushes her into an improvisational, son style.

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Here's a nice instrumental. Outstanding flute playing.

Music of Cuba: 1909-1951