Cumana (song)

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"Cumana" is a mambo tune written by jazz pianist Barclay Allen [1] [2] , together with Harold Spina and Roc Hillman and released by Barclay Allen's Rhythm Four on Capitol 15107 in 1947. [3] Allen also recorded the tune with Freddy Martin And His Orchestra later in the year for RCA. [4]

Contents

The song is sometimes referred to Cumaña, Cumaná or La Cumana and described as a boogie. [1]

Description

Its signature riff is a fast moody change between two chords (chiefly F minor 6, or its tritone substitution, and C minor seventh) with some syncopation added. [5] This tune, in its original context, is in the key of E Flat major with some parts sounding like they come from the relative key of C minor. The suggested tempo is 180 beats per minute, and this song in its original context takes about three and a half minutes to play, taking all repeats.[ citation needed ]

Reception and legacy

The song is described as a "big band hit". [6] [7] The RCA version was described as "spin[ning] in the lively samba rhythm, Martin showcas[ing] the nimble keyboarding of Barclay Allen in fine style". [8]

The song, described as a classic from the Hispanic repertoire, was frequently played by Liberace. [9] Milton Nascimento also played the song on tour. [10]

"La Cumana" has been featured on several episodes of The Lawrence Welk Show.[ citation needed ]

References

  1. 1 2 Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 1961-06-05.
  2. ↑ Daily Variety. Daily Variety Limited. 1961.
  3. ↑ Record Research. Record Research. 1987.
  4. ↑ LIFE. Time Inc. 1947-09-22.
  5. ↑ Corp, Hal Leonard (2014-07-01). The Real Latin Book: B-Flat Instruments. Hal Leonard Corporation. ISBN   978-1-4803-9653-1.
  6. ↑ Hoflander, Kay (2006-11-27). Al Fike the Modern Minstrel Man 1912 - 1996. AuthorHouse. ISBN   978-1-4678-1287-0.
  7. ↑ Simon, George T. (2012-03-08). The Big Bands. Schirmer Trade Books. ISBN   978-0-85712-812-6.
  8. ↑ Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 1947-07-12.
  9. ↑ Badajoz, Joaquín (2023-08-31). "The Latino takeover (playlist)". EL PAÍS English. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
  10. ↑ Dolores, Maria (2022-09-19). Travessia: A vida de Milton Nascimento (in Brazilian Portuguese). Record. ISBN   978-65-5587-606-2.
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