Sometimes the most powerful stories are told without a single word. That’s the approach Zanna Records is taking with its latest release, where a guitarist’s emotional journey takes center stage over any lyric. The label has announced the debut of “Cuba Libre Rising (Instrumental Version),” a track that lets Havana-born guitarist Robert Sarzo speak through his instrument alone.
SEDONA, AZ, UNITED STATES, November 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Zanna Records today announces the release of “Cuba Libre Rising (Instrumental Version),” featuring guitarist Robert Sarzo. The new edition of the label’s rock anthem for freedom is available worldwide on all digital platforms on November 10, 2026.
Penned by Gianluca “Luca” Zanna and produced by Danny Saber, “Cuba Libre Rising” was originally laid down on July 27, 2026 at Clear Lake Recording Studio. The session brought together a lineup of seasoned rock musicians: Rudy Sarzo on bass, Robert Sarzo on guitar and Robin Diaz on drums. The vocal version dropped on August 20, 2026 and has since found its way onto hard rock radio stations, including KNAC Pure Rock and 128DB Pure Rock.
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With the vocals stripped away, this instrumental edition throws the spotlight squarely on Robert Sarzo’s six-string work. The track unfolds over 4 minutes and 47 seconds, beginning with a restrained, tense opening that gradually builds into a full-throttle finale. The rhythm section, anchored by the Sarzo brothers and Robin Diaz, keeps the energy locked in throughout.
Rudy and Robert Sarzo with Gianluca Zanna during the recording of Cuba Libre RisingFor both Robert and Rudy Sarzo, this song carries deep personal weight. The brothers were born in Havana and fled Castro’s Cuba with their family as children in 1961. Robert later made his name with the band Hurricane, while Rudy became a rock legend through stints with 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 still striving for freedom and to actor Tomas Milian. The track grew out of “Cuba Libre / Exilio,” a song Zanna originally wrote in 2005 after dreaming of Cuban streets, protests and hungry children. Nearly two decades later, that original recording resurfaced on TikTok among Cuban activists, sparking the creation of this new all-star version.
This instrumental release joins the Radio Edit, the Official Version and the Andrei Murariu Remix as part of the broader “Cuba Libre Rising” catalog. Zanna Records’ music has been verified on 532 radio stations across 99 countries and territories.
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 instrumental release transforms a personal exile narrative into a universal anthem, proving that music without lyrics can still carry immense emotional and political weight. By foregrounding Robert Sarzo’s guitar, the track invites listeners of any language or background to connect with the story of a family who fled Cuba with nothing but hope—a reminder that the fight for freedom resonates far beyond any single nation’s borders.
