He has been called one of the most influential and creative contemporary Cuban musician of his generation.
But these Cuban musicians, an apparition made possible by shifts in politics, ambition and taste, are not disappearing again.
Generally, however, popular Cuban musicians lead relatively privileged lives and have not sought to defect.
The influx of Cuban musicians had more of an impact on jazz than salsa.
Every once in a while, a Cuban musician manages to leave Cuba and start a career elsewhere.
Many of the Cuban musicians who featured on the album were at their musical prime in the 1940s and 50s.
It is possibly the most famous piece of music created by a Cuban musician.
These are not easy times for Cuban musicians and artists who are seeking an independent path.
Cuban folkloric musicians do not use the 3-2/2-3 system.
"But despite the embargo, Cuban musicians have always had a way of getting the information they wanted," he said.