Layered compositions, calligraphic abstractions, and public spaces often factor into the works of Brooklyn-based Cuban-American artist José Parlá, who has exhibited worldwide and installed large-scale murals in spaces ranging from inside the lobby of One World Trade Center to at the Havana Biennale. (His first solo museum exhibition, “José Parlá: It’s Yours,” is currently on view at the Bronx Museum, through Jan. 10, 2021, though the museum is temporarily closed at the moment due to Covid-19.) As the summer heat sets in, Parlá, who keeps a D.J. setup in his studio, shares with us a playlist of some of his favorite Cuban songs to move to.

“A la Caridad del Cobre,” Celina y Reutilio

“The voice and sound of the mountains, rivers, and creole spirit.”

“Cao, Cao, Maní Picao,” La Sonora Matancera, Celia Cruz

“Happiness and rhythm in a dance song about chopped peanuts. A carefree, high-spirited Cuban sound.”

“La Pachanga Amor,” Joe Quijano y Su Conjunto Cachana

“The bass line, piano, flutes, drums, and horns blend together to reflect the African and European backgrounds of Cuba. There is so much history in this beautiful composition.”

“Que Bueno Baila Usted,” Beny Moré

“Beny Moré's unique voice and sound, alongside Generoso Jiménez on trombone, will keep you dancing from beginning to end.”

“El Reto,” Celina González

“This is Cuban soul. ‘El Reto’ means ‘the challenge.’ The lyrics are so beautifully heartbreaking, and the rhythm rises and flows to uplift love again with passion.”

“Bossa Cubana,” Los Zafiros

“This song tells you that Loz Zafiros were incorporating Cuban and Brazilian styles of music, but also Harlem-style doo-wop. A must-play at any party!”

“Yiri, Yiri, Bom,” Beny Moré

“This is rumba—full of influences of styles, from flamenca to comparza—and reminds me of growing up, seeing my parents making the house into a magical dance hall.”

“Oye Mi Tres Montuno,” Cachao y Su Ritmo Caliente

“Cachao, with his playful mastery of the tres guitar, takes me on a journey through the small country towns in Cuba.”

“Rumberos de Ayer,” Beny Moré

“This song pays homage to Cuba’s great percussionists of yesterday, called rumberos, to Chano Pozo, Malanga, and it’s full of lessons on history and style.”

“Contestacion al Dinero No Es la Vida,” Celia Cruz

“Celia Cruz breaks down the importance of money in 1950s Havana with elegance, grace, flavor, and humor. Without money, you can’t have fun, live, nor have a cola de pato—a Cadillac from those times, with the stylish winged sides—en Havana.”

“La Caminadora,” Los Zafiros

“High-energy Los Zafiros sing about a girl walking down the street with men following her screaming, ‘Waaaaaaa!!! Waaaaaa!!!’”

“Santa Barbara (Que Viva Chango),” Celina y Reutilio

“Grew up on this song—it was one of my mother’s favorites. Chango! Protect us all, keep the good energy in the earth!”

“Anabacoa,” Beny Moré

“Stretch and get ready to move your body!”