In Que Bueno Baila Usted ("How Good You Dance"), the
very famous Benny Moré song, the singers call out
"Generoso how good you play!" Every Cuban knows whom they
are singing about: Generoso Jiménez, star of the Benny
Moré Big Band and the most celebrated trombonist in the
history of Cuban music.
El Trombon Majadero is Generoso's one recording as a bandleader. Out of print for many years, it is a classic that Cuban trombonists use as a model in their education, sharing worn-out records and imitating the well known phrases.
Generoso was born in the small town of Cruces in the province of Las Villas (now Cienfuegos), July 17, 1917. He started playing trombone and other instruments while still very young. After playing in various popular bands in the area, Generoso traveled the 150 miles northwest to Havana. There he mixed with many other musicians as part of the capital's thriving, pulsating nightlife scene. They would play in the club orchestras until early in the morning and then get together and jam afterwards. Many of these descarga (or jam) sessions were recorded, and often feature Generoso.
In April 1955, Generoso joined Benny Moré as an arranger and composer, section leader and soloist. He remained in the band until June 1959. Even after this he helped Benny with arrangements and musical details. Generoso's own band existed from November 1963 until September 1965. He finished his career as part of the prestigious orchestra of the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television.
Today, Generoso lives in Havana with one of his daughters and her children. Still clear minded with an excellent memory, Generoso's help was invaluable to the release of this recording. He remembered all the details of the recording and the significant dates of his career. While venerated in the minds of the people, the times have largely passed him by, and he lives in very modest conditions with little attention. The sales of this recording will help sustain him and his family.
We translate El Trombon Majadero as "The Naughty Trombone." It is as if the trombone takes control away from the performer, playfully making its own music. Once it gets started, you cannot stop it from inventing one note and then another. This concept perfectly fits Generoso's playing. He sings out beautifully smooth phrases that sound like his trombone has valves. Or he blares out guttural solos that speak of the streets and the nightlife. And all sorts of sounds in between.
El Trombon Majadero was Generoso's conception, start to finish. He wrote or co-wrote half of the twelve numbers and arranged them all. It was recorded in the middle of his orchestra's life, from October 15th to 19th, 1965. The musicians were all friends that he had played with in many different groups over the years (including his brother, Pedro, on trumpet.) Generoso himself provided us with all the information about the songs and the names of the musicians, including their colorful nicknames. Generoso has a nickname as well. He is known as "Tojo," undoubtedly because of a certain Asian aspect to his features that his clowning musician friends seized on.
