I've been a little bit busy lately, so excuse my absence. Anyway, as fans of timba.com will know, Maikel Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor have just packed up from their second European tour and have headed home for a quick rest before hitting the Havana scene once again. As I've mentioned, we are all convinced they are the ones to watch, and everyone is keen to know exactly
Who are Maikel Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor???
Well, MrBongo has pointed me in the direction of a great interview to get you clued in. Take a look.
Otherwise check out timba.com for full info of the band...
Poor Tania- she had her critics when she started singing with Bamboleo but she soon proved time again what a voice she truly had and her stage presence- WOW! She’s a little package but with a humungous voice. On this, her first solo release she silences her critics with a collection of 10 lovely tracks. Using songwriting talents such as Giraldo Piloto, Ricardo Amaray, Manolito Simonet and Alain Daniel she teases our ears with soft salsa/timba, beckons with soothing ballads and even had the guest appearance of Alexander Abreu up her sleeve. Go girl! Unfortunately, if you’re looking for slamming dancefloor Timba, then turn elsewhere but as a debut- it ain’t bad. 1. Te Sueno Despierto 2. Llora 3. Nube Oscura 4. Voy A Seguir Sin Ti 5. Qué Piensas de la Vida 6. Esta Manía 7. No Llores 8. Si Estuvieras Aquí 9. Es Simplemente Puro Amor 10. Asuntos Entre Tú y Yo
Sounds like a cliché, but even this is an understatement compared the past 6 months in the life of this fresh salsa/timba band from Havana. Although Salsa Mayor has quickly become firm favorites with DJs throughout Europe, this summer hailed their first European tour and now the release of their first Live CD.
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)
