Among the rags-to-riches stories that make the annals of popular music such a colorful read, few tales are as dramatic as that of Ibrahim Ferrer, now age 76.
Dubbed "the Cuban Nat King Cole" by Ry Cooder, who gave him a key role in the Buena Vista Social Club project, Ferrer was shining shoes at the time Cooder managed to track him down. As the success of the Social Club launched phase two of Ferrer's halted career, and propelled him to previously unimaginable heights, these days he is more likely to be found polishing his gold discs than other people's spats and loafers.
To the delight of his widening Japanese fan-base, Ferrer will be performing in Tokyo Oct. 14-15 to promote his latest album, "Buenos Hermanos." This will be his third visit to Japan, and he clearly can't wait to perform here again.