"Cuban Music From AtoZ avoids the unfortunate politicization of music and culture that is legacy of political divisions among Cubans. Included in the work are figures such as Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, Willie Chirino, and Albita Rodriguez who reside or resided in the United States. . . . [T]his work is a valuable resource that advances, for both novices and experts, the knowledge of one of Cuba's great gifts to the world: its music." - José M. Vadi , Studies in Latin American Popular Culture
"A comprehensive English-language reference for anyone with an interest in Cuban music. . . . The encyclopedic organization means terms are easy to find; entries are concise but interesting and full of detail. . . . This volume is truly a 'tribute to Cuban music and its musicians.'" - Publishers Weekly
(Starred Review) "An amazing survey of Cuban musical styles, dances, instruments, and personalities. . . . Concise, factually detailed, and rigorously informative. . . . This will make a terrific addition to all music and academic libraries; it is the only in-depth resource on Cuban music. . . ." - , Library Journal
"[R]emarkable. . . . a rare and most unusual reference work illustrating the innumerable facets relating to Cuban Music. I recommend it to the many followers of the art." - Al Merritt , Jazz Now
"[T]he English-speaking world now has an excellent reference source on the music of Cuba." - Ralph Hartsock , American Reference Books Annual
"[U]sers will find that Orovio and the editorial team for this edition have admirably documented the richness and transcendent power of Cuban music." - Janet Sturman, Arizona Journal of Hispanic Cultural Studies
"Concise yet remarkably detailed and extensive, Cuban Music from A to Z is a welcome addition to the growing bibliography on Latin music. . . . [It] will no doubt become an indispensable reference for anyone seriously interested in Cuban music." - Fernando Gonzalez, Jazziz
"Readers and the jazz listening audience who enjoy Cuban music will want to own a copy of Cuban Music from A to Z. . . . Covering the full range of dance, styles, performers, composers, and related subjects, this is a pleasing book to read at your leisure. Much, much information is given in a crisp, highly readable format. This is a must-have reference book for your Cuban section in the home library, and a nice book to have on hand for library patrons at the Public Library."
- Lee Prosser , JazzReview.com
"This dictionary is an indispensable source for music journalists, the student of Cuban music, and scholars alike. The entries are concise, accurate, and informative, providing dates and places of birth and death for musicians, composers, and other important figures in Cuban music history." - David F. García , Notes
"With more than 1,300 alphabetical entries (from Abakuá, a form of music that originated in Africa, to Eddy Zervigón, a New York City flutist and bandleader), this volume is a comprehensive English-language reference for anyone with an interest in Cuban music." - Latin Jazz Network
This encyclopedia is ideal for an undergraduate reference collection, as subject entries can be consulted for a short answer to a general question or the entry can become a point of departure for more through investigation.” - Gregg Engstrom, Music Reference Services Quarterly
“Helio Orovio’s book is a basic reference tool for any serious researcher, or any fan, of Cuban music.”
- Ned Sublette, musician, cofounder of Qbadisc, and author of Cuba and Its Music: From the First Drums to the Mambo
