Amazon.comThese are lovingly done recordings of the intimate hand-wrought music known as changüí, country cousin of the son form. This is working class music from the Guantanamo region of southeastern Cuba, featuring charmingly rough call-and-response vocals over a backing of tres, low-tuned bongo, metal guiro, high maracas, and marimbula, a metal-tined bass instrument related to the African kalimba. Changüí is typically performed outdoors for all to enjoy, and this live recording captures the festive ambience and energy of this homespun music. Outstanding tracks on the CD include Grupo Changüí's performance of the traditional Bantu-Cuban tune "Mayembe" and the Estrellas Campesinas song "El Guararey de Pastora," which features fine tres and bongo solos. --Jeff Grubb