Review by El Caobo In the liner notes of this CD, Recordando a Cuba by Cubanoson, band leader, pianist, composer and singer, Leonel "Papo" Ortega, asserts that his orchestra is a "traditional Cuban dance orchestra."
After listening to the CD, I find that I fully agree with Papo. Yes indeed, this is a CD literally full of music to be enjoyed by the dancer. Based on a masterful blending of traditional Cuban rhythms, the punto cubano and the son montuno, the tempo of all the songs are of just the right tempo for the dancer; not too fast, nor too slow.
This debut CD from Cubanoson, dedicated to the memory of Papo's brother, Raúl Ortega, sports ten dance floor driving tracks, of which, my favorites are two of their four original songs: Cubanoson and Recordando a Cuba.
The first track that I mentioned above, Cubanoson, is a son montuno, penned by Papo, that effectively introduces the group. The song opens with the introductory trumpet workmanship of Roberto Rodríguez and Oscar Oñoz. Their melody establishes the son montuno's soul, essence or groove of the song. Ubiquitously heard and enjoyed throughout the song is the rhythmic strumming of the tres guitar by Junior Rivera. Later, the tune also features an awesome tres solo by Rivera. However, the delight does not end there. There is still more to come! Papo's fingertips begin to massage our very souls with his mastery of the blancas y negras during a piano solo that will captivate any dance floor!
The second track that I mentioned above, Recordando a Cuba, is a tribute to the six original Cuban provinces: La Loma, Pinar del Río, Habana, Matanza, Las Villas, Camagüey and Oriente, and was composed by both Papo and his uncle Sergio Sori. This song is faster-paced and more driving than is Cubanoson, but is still of a tempo that is dance friendly. It is introduced by the swinging notes of Papo's piano. Here again, we are treated to a masterful piano solo by Papo. Also in this song, are some very distinct and mellifluous trumpet improvisations by Roberto Rodríguez.
Not forgetting to pay hommage to their predecesors, Cubanoson covers some of the classics with a new arrangment of Lágrimas negras by Miguel Matamoros, Qué mala suerte by Arsenio Rodríguez and Mujeres de Mayarí by Francisco Repilado, also known as Compay Segundo!
Well, salseros, if it is dance music that you seek, this is a CD that I sincerely recommend to you. It has what the dancer wants to hear. So, I especially recommend this CD to salsa DJs. Trust me, you will not go wrong by purchasing it!
Band Members:
Leonel "Papo" Ortega: Leader, pianist, lead vocals
Roberto Rodríguez: Lead trumpet and musical director
Luisito Quintero: Percussion
Junior Rivera: Tres guitar
Willie Cintrón: Bass
Ernest "Chico" Álvarez: Lead vocals 1 & 5; duet 3, 8, 9, 10 and chorus
Hiram Remón: Chorus
Ronnie Baro: French voice and chorus track 2
Oscar Oñoz: Second trumpet
Alexis Llerena: Trombone
