The music of Joan Manuel Serrat, the echoes of his poetry, have always deeply resonated in the soul of Cuba and, naturally, in the sensitivity of its most distinguished artists. From the days of the Nueva Trova movement to the times of the Buena Vista Social Club, the figure of the Catalan singer-songwriter has been an object of profound admiration and respect on the Caribbean island, as now demonstrated by the release of this sincere tribute by the first-rate figures of Cuban music.

For over a year, many artists answered the call from DiscMedi-Blau with the aim of paying their respects to Serrat's work through their renditions of his most emblematic songs. Tracks we all thought we knew perfectly now unfold with vibrant new attire before our eyes and ears, wrapped for the first time in the warmth of the son rhythm or the chromatic richness of the guajira beat.

No one wanted to miss their chance to make Serrat's written words their own and claim his brilliant melodies. There was the legendary Omara Portuondo with her voice full of time and sensibility singing 'Por dignidad' (For Dignity), and the venerable Ibrahim Ferrer singing to diversity in 'Te guste o no' (Whether you like it or not); the greatest among Cuban percussionists, Tata Güines, enthusiastically beat his drums accompanying the young Vania in her salsa-key revision of 'Toca Madera' (Knock on Wood), while Silvio Rodríguez embroidered a delicate interpretation of the beautiful 'Menos tu vientre' (Except your Womb)...

Cubans singing to Serrat, poets praising the poet, and musicians applauding the genius of the musician. That is "Cuba le canta a Serrat" (Cuba Sings to Serrat), the latest chapter in a beautiful love story: the one that was born between the Catalan and the island from the very moment they first met.