2-CD Review: Alejandro Almenares' 'Casa De Trova Cuba 50's'

Alejandro Almenares
Casa De Trova Cuba 50's [2-CD Set]
Tumi Music

Cuban composer and singer, Alejandro Almenares, presents us with an exciting two-CD set with one CD devoted exclusively to instrumental tunes and another with vocal tunes. The music is steeped in Cuban son and bolero in true troubadour fashion. The romantic melodies and intimate instrumentation are staples on both albums, but Alejandro's voice ties everything together. The album title is named after a house of troubadours in Cuba. There are thirteen tracks on the vocal album and fourteen on the instrumental. Each album contains almost the same tracks, but in a different order. At any rate, this is excellent Cuban music from a talented performer. Fans of Cuban music will be pleasantly-surprised. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Hijos de Agueybana's 'Agua del Sol'

Hijos de Agueybana
Agua del Sol
Tumi Music

Puerto Rico's Hijos de Agueybana play bomba music on their latest offering, Agua del Sol. Bomba music is a richly-textured drum and dance music form born out of a group of Africans forced to work sugar plantations. The barrel drums and vocal choruses make the music stand out with tons of rhythm and magical musical textures. The group is led by Otoqui Reyes and consists of eight musicians. THe largely traditional nature of the vocals, drumming, and assorted percussion make Agua del Sol soar high with African ambiance. The thirteen tracks are rich with vibrant vocals and drumming, which resemble West African traditions in a contemporary form. The only sense of modernity is captured in the opening song, "Saludo al Sol," which includes an electronic pan flute sound that plays throughout the mostly instrumental piece. Anyone interested in the traditional music of Puerto Rico should find Hijos de Agueybana in their repertoire. ~ Matthew Forss