Irakere (faux-Yoruba for 'forest') is a Cuban band founded by pianist Chucho Valdés (son of Bebo Valdés) in 1973. They won the Grammy Award for Best Latin Recording in 1980 with their album Irakere. Irakere was a seminal musical laboratory, where historic innovations in both Afro-Cuban jazz and Cuban popular dance music were created

April, 1983: Orquesta sinfónica nacional Areíto LD-4139 - La colección Volume VIII Live at Teatro Mella. This album has no dance tracks and no obvious connection to the development of timba but it's interesting to hear Irakere with a symphony orchestra. 1985: Bailando así Areíto LD-4186 - La colección Volume IX. The killer dance track here is El Tosco's Rucu rucu a Santa Clara. As timba's perfect storm reached its frenzied peak in 1997, the energy swept Irakere to its best dance album of the 90s: 1997: Babalú Ayé Bembé 2020 2. Nominated for a Grammy, Babalú Ayé, featured the multi-talented José Miguel, a phenomenal timbalero who sings lead with Paulito-like ease and accuracy.

By Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional, Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional. PLAY ALL. Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional. Released by Sony Music Apr 2013 5 Tracks. By Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional, Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional.