When a song is built around a family’s escape from tyranny, sometimes words aren’t enough. That’s the thinking behind Zanna Records’ bold decision to strip the vocals from its latest freedom anthem and let a guitar tell the story instead. On November 10, 2026, the label will drop “Cuba Libre Rising (Instrumental Version)” worldwide, featuring Havana-born guitarist Robert Sarzo — a move that turns a rock single into a purely emotional sonic journey.
SEDONA, AZ, UNITED STATES, November 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Zanna Records has officially announced the release of “Cuba Libre Rising (Instrumental Version),” a new edition of the label’s rock anthem that puts guitarist Robert Sarzo in the spotlight. Beginning November 10, 2026, the track will be accessible across all major digital platforms.
The song was penned by Gianluca “Luca” Zanna and produced by Danny Saber. “Cuba Libre Rising” was recorded on July 27, 2026 at Clear Lake Recording Studio, bringing together a seasoned lineup of rock veterans: Rudy Sarzo on bass, Robert Sarzo on guitar, and Robin Diaz on drums. The original vocal version hit streaming services on August 20, 2026, and has since found its way onto hard rock radio rotations, including KNAC Pure Rock and 128DB Pure Rock.
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By removing the vocal track, this instrumental version places the full weight of the narrative on Robert Sarzo’s six-string work. The result is a 4-minute-47-second composition that evolves from a restrained, tension-filled opening into a full-throttle climax, with the Sarzo brothers and Robin Diaz anchoring the rhythm section throughout.
Rudy and Robert Sarzo with Gianluca Zanna during the recording of Cuba Libre RisingFor the Sarzo brothers, the song carries deep personal meaning. Both were born in Havana and fled Castro’s Cuba with their family as children in 1961. Robert later rose to prominence with the band Hurricane, while Rudy became a legendary bassist for acts like Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, and Dio. Notably, Rudy donated his entire performance fee from the recording session to a non-profit organization.
“Some feelings are bigger than words, and Robert’s guitar says everything this song is about,” said Gianluca “Luca” Zanna, founder and CEO of Zanna Records. “Every note carries the story of a family that left Cuba with nothing but hope. This version lets anyone, in any language, feel what ‘Cuba Libre’ means.”
“My guitar work on the instrumental guitar version of ‘Cuba Libre’ is a direct reflection of my own emotions—capturing the deeply personal journey of leaving my country as a six-year-old boy and navigating life while growing up in an unfamiliar land.”
-Robert Sarzo VuDu Man
“Cuba Libre Rising” is dedicated to the Cuban people who continue to seek freedom, as well as to actor Tomas Milian. The track originated from “Cuba Libre / Exilio,” a song Zanna wrote back in 2005 after dreaming of Cuban streets, protests, and hungry children. Nearly two decades later, the original recording resurfaced on TikTok among Cuban activists, which inspired this new all-star version.
This instrumental edition joins a growing family of “Cuba Libre Rising” releases, including the Radio Edit, the Official Version, and the Andrei Murariu Remix. Zanna Records’ catalog has now been verified on 532 radio stations across 99 countries and territories worldwide.
Credits Cuba Libre Rising Instrumental
Robert Sarzo — Guitar
Rudy Sarzo — Bass
Robin Diaz — Drums
Gianluca “Luca” Zanna — Music, Lyrics and Executive Producer
Danny Saber — Producer
Eric Milos — Audio Engineer
Recorded July 27, 2026 at Clear Lake Recording Studio.
Listen and Learn More
Stream on all major platforms: [Smart link]. Photos, session videos and the story behind the song: https://www.cubalibresong.com
About Zanna Records
Zanna Records is an independent record label founded in December 2022 by songwriter, producer and performer Gianluca “Luca” Zanna, who previously founded Contatto Discografico, Italy’s leading music trade magazine. The label’s catalog spans more than 200 original compositions across EDM, rock, classical and operatic styles.
Gianluca Zanna
Zanna Records
Why it matters: This release demonstrates how music can transcend language barriers to communicate deeply personal and political narratives. By centering an instrumental track on the story of exile and hope, Zanna Records proves that a refugee family’s experience can still resonate as a universal anthem of freedom in the modern rock landscape.
