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• 02 / 01 / 2010

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To say Van Van and Juan Formell is almost the same. Actually, all the musicians who have passed through Cuba’s emblematic orchestra have been responsible for the sonority of the group but Formell’s spirit is a sort of guide that marks the beat of Van Van.

It should be because of that that since nearly six years ago, when Samuel (Formell’s son) assumed the direction of the Los Van Van, the band followed the same road that its founders had forged thirty-something years ago. They remain being the same with their unmistakable sonority.

After the premiere of documentary "Eso que anda", by Ian Padrón to celebrate the 40 years of the orchestra, I could talk to Samuel Formell. Just when I was near him I felt him different from the man whom I accustomed to see as he leaves his soul in the drums. He was very excited with the film.

What does being the current director of Van Van mean?

First, it’s a satisfaction and a great pride; at the same time a huge responsibility because it is about one of the most famous orchestras in Cuban music. To direct it after my father is a deep feeling, a challenge. When I had that responsibility before me I assumed it and little by little stopped feeling pressure. I’ve listened to Van Van for so long that it was like being within the family.

How could you replace Changuito, who is an icon in Cuban percussion?

Changuito was not my teacher directly, but it was not necessary because the history of Van Van began when I was three years old and grew up within that, saw the rehearsals and began to like percussion until I started to study it in school. To replace Changuito has been one of the strongest responsibilities because he’s a maestro. I think I’ve done it well and people like it.

What influences do you have in percussion?

You study classical music in school and since I started I listened to jazz drummers, Brazilian percussionists, besides Cubans who have influenced me such as Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, Clave y Guaguancó...

How do you remember your first years of life and the beginnings of Van Van?

I grew up with my father and listened to all songs there, when the band rehearsed and recorded and since I was a child it was an influence for me, that’s why I think it has been good for me to have seen my father, to grow up along with that group and to be there. This makes me be a legitimate Van Van musician.

Then you always thought you would form part of them…

Actually, I thought about it neither when I was a child nor when I began to study, but I did like the instrument.  When the responsibility went to me I was playing in another Group and assumed the direction of Van Van.

What song do you remember from your childhood?

From my childhood?: La Candela (Laughs)

Source: Cubasí