Cuban son is a traditional genre of music that originated in the eastern regions of Cuba and blends African rhythms with Spanish melodies, forming the foundation for many modern Latin music styles such as salsa."
A more developed style (Arsenio Rodríguez in the 1940s), emphasizing call-and-response, montuno sections, and heavier rhythm — this is the direct ancestor of salsa.
Instruments:
The example above features the characteristic “gon-gon, gon-gon” bassline typical of son. In this case it’s played on the Spanish guitar, but the pattern remains easy to recognize.
“Dame tu amor Guantanamera” by Eduardo Saborit—a classic son — the introduction features voice and tres guitar. Soon after, the characteristic bass line enters in the background. In this recording it’s played on an upright bass rather than a marímbula.
