Chicago musician Susan Werner wrote the six songs of “An American In Havana” during her travels to Cuba in 2015 and 2016, and the recording features her trademark wry, poetic lyrics set to Cuban sounds and songforms.  Produced with Venezuelan drummer Pablo Bencid (who plays timbales and drums) and featuring Cuban American percussionist Mayra Casales, the EP is a vivid, colorful mural of the delights (riding in a vintage American car along Havana’s Malecon), the beauty and scarcity (detailed in the lead track) and the obsession with coffee (Cortadito) that are part of every American’s introduction to the island.

Cuba has long held a unique fascination for Americans; for its music, art, culture, and politics.  When President Obama eased restrictions on travel from the US to Cuba, many US citizens took advantage of an opportunity to experience the island for themselves.  Chicago musician Susan Werner wrote the six songs of “An American In Havana” during her travels to Cuba in 2015 and 2016, and the recording features her trademark wry, poetic lyrics set to Cuban sounds and songforms.  Produced with Venezuelan drummer Pablo Bencid (who plays timbales and drums) and featuring Cuban American percussionist Mayra Casales, the EP is a vivid, colorful mural of the delights (riding in a vintage American car along Havana’s Malecon), the beauty and scarcity (detailed in the lead track) and the obsession with coffee (Cortadito) that are part of every American’s introduction to the island.