Musical Chairs in Havana

No need for words.......

Yep, it's another case of musical chairs in the timba department. The lovely Michelle White of timba.com has announced from her Christmas Cuba jaunt that the rumours are true: El Indio is leaving Trabuco to be replaced by El Noro of Salsa Mayor whilst William has left Pupy to be replaced by Lester- a former member of Salsa Mayor. Phew!
Also, the new Los Van Van release is not available from prodland.de so take a look, along with a mysterious new release from Tirso Duarte. Can't wait to get my hands on them!!! (maybe if I ask Santa.....)

Los Van Van new release. The GREATEST hits of greatest hits

JUAN FORMELL Y LOS VAN VAN “AQUI EL QUE BAILA GANA”

At last, Planet Records has announced the long-awaited new release from Los Van Van.
Comprising of double CD and DVD recorded in 2005, it contains a definitive list of songs that helped Van Van's claim on a place in history.

Tracks will be as follows:
CD1: Chapeando; Tim Pop Birdland, Pouturrit, Y Despues De Todo, Que No Que No, Si A Una Mamita, El Baile Del Buey Cansa’o, Anda Ven Y Muevete
CD2: El Negro Està Cocinando, Marilù, Por Encima Del Nivel (Sandunguera) , Soy Todo(Ay Dios Ampárame), Anda Ven y Quiereme, Ven Ven Ven, No Pidas Mas Presta’o, Somos Cubanos

Keep your ear to the ground for more info or check out DJMelao on timba.com with the latest from Miami.

New Reve, New Van Van, New Manolito

Well, the anticipated arrival of new releases from Van Van and Manolito have left me drooling and counting off the months...Van Van's should be out soon-ish and will have a lot of guest appearances and feature the talent of Samuel. Maybe even a DVD too if we're lucky.

Contrary to what the grapevine says, Manolito have only just laid down the finishing touches to the new album (which sounds amazing by the way) and expect it to be out early next year.


And of course, can't fail to mention the new release from Reve- Fresquecito. It's getting rave reviews- can't wait to get my hands on it. At the moment, it only seems available from the website prodland but let me know if you find anywhere else, and I'll do the same!!!

Los Van Van- Si A Una Mamita

This classic is getting played again and again by Havana DJs at the moment. New version? Yep, reckon so...

Watch and enjoy!!!!

Elio Reve y Su Charangon- Fresquecito (review)

I’d heard it was good, but I didn’t count on just how good it could truly be! Fresquecito is the long awaited album from Elito Reve y Su Charangon which reinforces Elito’s rightful inheritance as son of the Godfather of Charangon. It’s infectious to the max: just you try hitting that stop button and see how you feel!

Reve has a great reputation and for a good reason. Many great artists have passed through the band over its 50 year history and I have a feeling they are about to burst back to new heights.

Already knowing the title track “Fresquecito” doesn’t help quell the addiction, and we continue through the rich incessant piano of Pachy Junior, violins from guest Irving Frontela of Los Van Van fame and even a surprise appearance from another Van Vanero: Roberton. The vocals of Dagoberto, El Sinsonte, Eric Broche and Lázaro Cuesta weave rich coros that won’t leave your head or feet for days and call to you in your sleep. (did I already say that I love this CD?)

Top tracks have to be El dinero, La Viuda, Ya No Te Doy Mas Na', El Jonron and A Sancochar Boniato but they all rock!

BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT

Tracks

1. Fresquecito
2. El teléfono

3. El dinero

4. El martes

4. La viuda

5. Ya no te doy mas na'

6. El jonron

7. Vamos a bailar Changüí

8. A sancochar boniato

9. No le pegues con el pie

10. La madrugada

Musicians:

Piano: Wilfredo A. Naranjo "Pachy Jr."

Bass: Aisar Hernández Segundo

Tres: Jorge Luis Vila

Timbales, Bata: Andy Fornet

Conga, Bata: Arian Chacón

Bongos, Cowbells, Bata: Ariel Hernández

Guiro: Maikel Díaz

Trombones: Eulices Benavides, Yamer Pérez, Orlando Montander

Vocals: Dagoberto Vázquez, Pascual Matos "El Sinsonte", Eric Broche, Lázaro Cuesta, Elito Revé, Jr.: