CUBA -- Art & Soul

I shall read the post thoroughly as I am somewhat intrigued by the "art under a repressive regime" theme. There was a literary discussion ages ago between Eastern block and USA writers including Philip Roth. I recall the phrase "when nothing is possible, everything matters and when everything is possible, nothing matters." Let's see whether that thesis statement is supported by the evidence in your post!

Ever heard of Jane Bunnet? She is a jazz flautist (sp) and soprano sax player from Canada who has played and recorded with Cuban musicians for decades. No embargo for Canada. The USA fined Ry Cooder $100,000 for his work with Cuban musicians ; Canada gave him an Honourary Ph. D. (Queen's University) .

Never been but smoke the cigars!