Rumours, rumours, rumours..The current Manolito debate continues, but according to Michelle White of timba.com, William is still in Pupy and El Noro is now in Manolito. And that's it. Final. Apparently.
(photo c. Rod Lawson)
You might remember that there was a bit of crisis with the Casa de la Musica, Galiano back in November. Well, checking the listings on the EGREM site suggests that it's up and running again...and Pupy is playing TONIGHT!!! (someone rescue me from the Manchester rain pleeassseeee!!)
Yay! Tirso's new album is out now and available from Prodland. Click here for the US site, or here for the German one. I can't wait to get my hands on it, I'll just have to be patient through the Christmas post....As soon as I have the album, I promise I'll fill you in!!!
Despite trying to hunt him down in Havana, I couldn't find him until he did a guest spot with Adalberto Alvarez @ Casa de La Musica, Miramar. We had a little chat and he tells me he'd been working with NG La Banda lately, just like in the days when he'd just left Charanga. Watch this space for more updates.
Speaking of Tirso, catch this video recorded in 2000 with Charanga Habanera. How cute and young does Tirso look?!
I’m not normally a fan of live CDs, but my resistance was soon melted away as soon as the opening track booms through- just like being back in Rome- the tension, the anticipation and the feeling that this could be history in the making.
We dive straight into the epic “La Masa”, the track which hooked me onto them in the first place and whose energy never fails to disappoint- HEAVEN FOR DANCERS!! The distinctive voice of Norisley (often compared to Mandy Cantero, but with his own bone-stirring timbre) is perfect for live performances. As the CD progresses, Ricardo and Norbert each take their turns and proclaim their virtues. Unlike the new incarnations of Charanga Habanera, Maykel has recruited on the basis of talent, and it shows. Great vocals, great musicians, great arrangements- you can’t fault them.
“Esto Esta” was another of the instant DJ hit, originally from the “Recoge y Vete” release (as are several of the tracks) and draws the most comparison with Los Van Van. Despite this, the band already has their own recognisable ‘sello’ which keeps us dancing throughout.
The two tracks that aren’t on previous recordings “La Masa” and “Control” tie the whole disc together- old, familliar and new!
Maykel Blanco has been making music for what feels like forever (and he’s still only just into his late 20s!) and previous tracks with his old band ‘La Suprema Ley’ are introduced in Popurri form. It feels like a greatest hits album, or better still, a “This is us. Take us or leave us!” Our answer? I’ll take it, just give me more!!!!!!!
So if you didn’t make the tour, can’t make it to Havana, or just want to hear it all again-listen then BUY IT.
(DJs- buy Recoge y Vete if you haven’t already I promise, the WILL dance)
(photo c. Rod Lawson)
