Willy Chirino

The music of the Beatles is getting a new interpretation by Cuban salsa star Willy Chirino, who will be in concert Saturday at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami.

Chirino’s recently released a tribute album covering the legendary band’s music, but with a salsa twist. My Beatles Heart (Eventus Music) CD includes versions of Come Together, All You Need is Love, Yellow Submarine, Drive My Car, Across the Universe, Because and Blackbird.

“For years I have wanted to do a CD with the music of the Beatles because, ever since I played the drums in my teenage years, they have been an influence in my work,” said Chirino, 64, who came to the U.S. in the early 1960s as part of Operation Pedro Pan. Soon after his arrivals, the British invasion began.

“I have always been a fervent fan of the Beatles repertoire,” he said. “In fact, my family and I cry every time we watch Love, the Cirque Du Soleil show with their music playing in Las Vegas. And when Paul McCartney performs in a concert in Miami we never miss it.”

Chirino never saw the Beatles perform live. Only many years later, long after the group broke up, he ran into George Harrison in New York.

“I was with Lissette [Chirino’s wife] in Bloomingdale’s children’s department when I suddenly look to my left and there was Harrison,” Chirino said. “Lissette approached him to say hello, and then they called me. He was very kind to us, but I was so tense that I didn’t even think of asking for his autograph.”

One thing Chirino is not nervous about is the criticism he might receive from Beatlemaniacs when they hear his Cubanized tribute album.

“I don’t think they will criticize me, but will rather do the opposite,” he said. “I am sure the connoisseurs of the Beatles’ music will enjoy this CD because it was done with a lot of respect.”

The singer/composer said that most of the themes retain the original tone and harmony; “only the flavor is changed.” On the other hand, the decision of recording them in English was never an issue.

“Songs sound better in their original language. Especially if they are universal,” he said. “And The Beatles songs are not an exception.”

Willy Chirino, Saturday, September 10 at 8 p.m. Knight Concert Hall at the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; 305-949-6722.  Tickets $53-$165.

This story was originally published September 8, 2011 at 9:09 PM.