Tristan Butler Y Timba Británica

After having played in the UK Latin scene for over 10 years, drummer and percussionist Tristan Butler (UK) had established himself as one of London’s most in-demand Latin percussionists. Spending much of his time in Cuba studying with the drummers and percussionists of Havana’s top bands such as Alain Perez Orchestra, Manolin el Medico de la Salsa, Formell y Los Van Van, El Noro y 1ra Clase, Azucar Negra and Haila Mompié, Tristan was developing his own unique style to Cuban timba playing calling from his Jazz fusion upbringing mixed with in-Cuba training.

In March 2024, Tristan called together the best young UK jazz musicians, combined them with the top Latino musicians in London and formed the UK’s biggest Cuban Salsa orchestra – Timba Británica.

The 15 piece, cross cultural power house is dedicated to performing the intricate, groove based arrangements of Cuban Salsa - an intoxicating mix of son, rumba, salsa, funk and rock, all played by 15 of the most sought after session musicians in the UK.

Within the group’s first 6 months they had recorded a series of Live Sessions at Terminal Studios in London, Headlined the Latino stage at Glastonbury, performed a UK tour in collaboration with Ex-Los Van Van, Grammy Award winning vocalist, Mayito Rivera, headlined the UK Havana Salsa Festival and sold out their debut performance at the famous Pizza Express Jazz club in London.

“the cultural duality lies in the blend of players from both countries… an intoxicating blend of son, salsa, rock and funk” - JAZZ WISE