10/10/2025
Drawing from his work with The Buena Vista Orchestra, Steven Machat's "I Can Hear Music" explores the deep connections between sound, culture, and humanity. By studying the origins and metaphysical layers of Cuban music, tracing its roots back to Africa and Europe, Machat uncovers what he calls "the unseen yet palpable energies"—referred to as Muses, gods, orishas, or angels—that influence societal structures and often foster division.
In this deeply personal book, Machat uses his seventy-year journey through the global music industry as a lens to examine life's most profound questions. He posits that music is the universal language, a key that can unlock a shared understanding among people and challenge the divisive narratives that shape our world. The book chronicles his travels and his immersion in diverse cultures, where he used music, dance, and art as his guides.
"I Can Hear Music" is more than a memoir; it's an invitation to listen more deeply. It is a call to recognize how unseen forces can shape our beliefs and to use the unifying power of music to build a more connected and loving world. Machat encourages readers to find the rhythm in everything and to understand how the art of the Muses provides the common thread that connects us all.
