American R&B is fused with the musical traditions of Cuba by pianist Juan Carlos Alfonso. The former arranger for Orquestra Revea, Alfonso has continued to explore a contemporary approach to Latin music with his own band, Dan Den, since 1988. Alfonso was born in Bejucal, a small town south of Havana, and began studying piano at the age of seven or eight. Initially attracted to American pop music and rock bands including Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, Alfonso became increasingly absorbed by the traditional music of his homeland. After studying at the Alejandro Garcia Caturla Music School, Alfonso joined Conjunto Colonial at the age seventeen. He later played with a number of bands managed by Beny More Enterprises. Dan Den's debut album, "Siempre Hay Un Ojo Que Te Va", released in 1990, included the synth-heavy hit, "No Me Carezcas". The band took a funkier approach with their next albums, "Rollo Que Pelicula" in 1991 and and " "Dale Al Que No Te Dio", in 1993. The group's third album, "Salsa En Atar", released in 1998, featured more urban, horn-driven, jazz-inspired, dance music. ~ Craig Harris