Laito

Singer Estanislao Sureda Hernandez, better known as "Laito", is considered to be one of the legends of Cuban music. His professional singing career spans over 7 decades starting with a humble beginning at a local radio station in his home town. Laito developed his abundant talents surrounded by other musicians, who just like him, were beginning, such as the famous flutist Rafael Ondino and also trombone player Generoso Jimenez, who later on would become Beny More's right hand in the Orquestra Gigante.

In the 40's, Laito joined the Conjunto Kubavana and shared the stage with another greaet "bolerista", Orlando Vallejo. In 1948 he joined the group of Ernesto Grenet, who was the house band at the world famous Cabaret Tropicana. Laito's extraordinary range and increased popularity among music lovers of the island opened the door for him to sing with the Orquestra de los Hermanos Castro, the number one band in Havana at the time and with the house band at the Hotel Nacional. About that time, Laito backed by the Conjunto de Senen Suarez, recorded his first acetate, Guaguanco Callejero, a song written by Ignacio Pineiro for the Puchito label. This recording gave him instant recognition.

In the early 50's, he sang with one of the most popular charangas of the time, the Orquestra America. In 1954, he joined the internationally renowned Sonora Matancera, and recorded some of the most popular hits of that era, including: Can Caneito Can, Canonazo, Cualquiera Resbala, and Nocturnado. He toured Venezuela and Colombia with Matancera in the company of Celia Cruz and they also performed at the Tropicana Night Club. In 1956 Laito performed with El Conjunto de Roberto Faz for many years at the Tropicana.

In 1994, after an absence of 39 years, this veteran and symbol of the Cuban music was asked to revisit Colombia, to sing with Los del Caney, perhaps the most popular and faithful interpreters of the Cuban son in that country. At the age of 81, such was his success, that well known Colombian musicologist, Cesar Pagano asked him back for a royal performance in Bogota. That impressive return to the stage led Laito to form his own band with other outstanding musicians, He named them, La Sonora and toured Colombia again in 1997. The success of that tour has led to the recording of his CD, Sonaron Los Canonazos. The 12 songs on the CD span more than 70 years of Laito's singing career and it brings to life some of the best sones, boleros, and guarachas ever created.

As a final note, the experience of listening to Laito y su Sonora Sonora is perhaps the closest you can get to the authentic and true sounds of the Cuban music of the 40's and 50's. Many have tried to copy this incredible sound, but unlike Laito and his band, very few have been able to master this beautiful music.