22 April 2025 (gig)
23 April 2025
La Linea, London’s annual celebration of Latin music, launched its 25th edition on Wednesday 22 April at the Barbican Centre. Known for spotlighting both established names and rising talent from across the Latin music spectrum, the festival began with a set from Casa Nuestra, a Liverpool-based quartet whose mellow selection of covers provided a relaxed and unhurried introduction to the evening.
The headline act was Eliades Ochoa, one of the key figures behind the global success of the Buena Vista Social Club. Now approaching 80, Ochoa retains the quiet authority and stage presence that have earned him comparisons to Johnny Cash – a likeness reinforced by his all-black outfit and signature cowboy hat. His five-piece band, immaculately dressed in matching white trousers and warm beige jackets, framed Ochoa with crisp instrumentation and an easy chemistry.
Speaking only in his native Spanish – he noted early on, “my English is no good” – Ochoa introduced each number with warmth and a smile, even if non-Spanish speakers were left to intuit much of the detail. A notable exception came with the phrase “Yo soy campesino” (“I am a peasant”), which stood out in his brief explanation of his rural upbringing, and spoke to the sincerity and humility that underpin his music.
The setlist featured several of his most well-known pieces, including 'Chan Chan' and 'El Cuarto de Tula' – staples of the Buena Vista repertoire – which required no translation for the sold-out crowd. With Ochoa leading on vocals and guitar, the band filled out the sound with trumpet, piano, double bass, bongos, maracas, claves and congas, delivering the full rhythmic range of traditional Cuban son.
Ochoa’s voice remains remarkably strong and expressive, particularly for an artist nearing his ninth decade. His guitar playing, too, retains its precision and distinctive rhythmic drive. A late technical hiccup with his guitar led to an impromptu call for his technician José – prompting a good-natured chant from the audience – but the issue was resolved swiftly with minimal impact.
By the final numbers, many in the audience had left their seats to dance in the aisles, ending the evening on a celebratory note. It was a confident, generous performance – and a fitting start to this year’s La Linea – by one of Cuban music’s most enduring ambassadors.
