Phew! The whirlwind that is life with a new baby is calming ever so slightly now: my eyes are slightly less bloodshot, my ears more receptive and I'm coming BACK!
My little Timba Baby is wonderful, amusing and somehow is a big fan of Adalberto Alvarez. Wonder why?....
The world is reeling still from Mandy Cantero's departure from Los Que Son Son and I have to admit that I'm not convinced it will ever be the same again. Mind you, I said that about Salsa Mayor and the Cubanos seem to be loving them like no other!
It was only a matter of time before I started to talk endlessly about Pupy's latest release, Tranquilo Que Yo Controlo. Despite Pepitos shock decision to stay whilst on tour, the much anticipated release went ahead. Click here for short samples from the album
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MY REVIEW
In the meantime, I thought I'd leave you with a track from the new album Si Me Quieres Conocer. Pepito is still in the band at this point so enjoy it for 'old times sake'!!!
Been scratching your head? I'll be really kind and put you out of your misery....
After the surprise departure of long-standing singer Pepito, Pupy came up with what I would say is a fantastic addition. I must be honest and say that Pepito was my least fave Pupy singer (and Mandy's vocals turn my legs to jelly!!) WELCOME MICHEL PEREZ, direct from Tumbao Habana. He brings the image of the band up to date and adds a bit of spark to the group.
The man and his band have done it again, and they just keep doing it! This is album 20-something and he still delivers the smooth, instantly loveable and memorable Son that he is renowned for. Will this man ever stop?
It's like he only has to breathe to create a new theme as his sound is so effortless, and distinctive and this release marks 35 years of continued success for EL Caballero de Son from Camaguey. Along with the 'oldies' such as Cesar Pedroso and Juan Formell who have been around forever, he manages to keep the sound popular, universal and modern. Two new hits 'Gozando En La Habana' and 'Amor de Mentira' kicks off the albums and are currently being worshiped on their home turf, complete with super-modern videos- how does he do it?
Gozando En La Habana (on telly)
As testament to his longivity and legendary status, 2 pupurris are included on the album- one dedicated to the 90s and the second, later on to the 80s (for those who remember!)They slip from one song into the next effortlessly and remind of the sheer number of hits they have had.
As another blast from the past (and maybe something for the other oldies!), there is a new, delicious version of the classic 'Camina y Prende El Fogon', made famous by Conjunto Chappottin. See below for the original :-)
The rest of the album delivers more- It's reliable Adalberto, maintaining the strength of lonely Son in a world of timba and reggaeton...
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!!)
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.....)
