There is something immediately lovable about this style of music. It’s inspired by the music of Central and South America, the type of music that women dance to while men in high-waisted trousers, open shirts and narrow-brimmed hats sit outside cafés on cobbled streets playing cards and dominoes whilst sipping rum. You get the idea.
But it was actually recorded in Paris, and the Latin ideas are used as the foundation for more adventurous music. This spans sometimes harmonically quite abstract jazz, soul and – with the inclusion of a cover of Wonderwall – even Britpop. Even with this seemingly risky premise, the band keep everything together and nothing feels out of place. The swampy, sophisticated Oasis cover is something you definitely, not maybe, won’t hear at the band’s reunion concerts. It would probably have fans demanding a refund.
The percussion is the key to everything here; it keeps the band simmering nicely allowing the brass to weave and shift effortlessly while the rhythm section work on making the feet move. My standout tracks are the impressive Dance To Hope with its cool, laid-back vibe and Brainstorm Groove for its surprising synth and interesting shift from toe-tapper to hands-in-the-air, almost-rock attitude.
This is a superb album for the sunshine, like a trip to Havana from your living room and a joy to listen to.
Discography
Alusión; Carrousel; Wanna Feelin’; Dance To Hope; Intro Wonderwall; Wonderwall; Tinajones; Brainstorm Groove; La Fama; Toca El Cielo; Jazz Plaza (41.11)
Carlos Sarduy, Ibrahim Maalouf (t); Pedrito Martinez (v); Irving Acao (ts, ss); Harold Lopez-Nussa (p, kyb); Rolando Luna (p); Gastón Joya (b, elb); Rodney Barreto (d); Yaroldy Abreu (pc). Paris, France 2023.
Caramba CR032LP1