Search - SonSublime :: Bailando con SonSublime

THE MAGIC OF THE BAND They have a sound as fresh and as deep-rooted as sugar cane. A fluke? Not likely. Not if they are SonSublime. Not after a first pair of ground-breaking CD?s under their belt. And it should not surprise us. Because SonSublime is not just another Cuban charanga orchestra based in New York City. Yes, like many other bands, they play danzón, chá-chá-chá and són. Yet SonSublime embraces these classic styles and enhances them with such a novel and energetic sound that the band has carved a unique niche in the hearts of dancers of all ages. SonSublime, of course, has an edge?an array of extraordinarily gifted artists who are also blessed with an ingrained sense of cultural authenticity, as evidenced once again in this new recording. The musicians are: Alfredo Valdés, Jr. on piano, Marino Solano on bass, Joe González on conga drums, Manny Rivera on timbales, bongos and snare drum, Connie Grossman on flute, Mike Pérez on violin, Sam Bardfeld on violin, David Rimelis on violin and viola, Ali Bello on violin and viola, Jennifer Vincent on cello, Gilberto Velázquez on vocals, Ronnie Baró on vocals. But SonSublime?s soul is, without a doubt, Jesse Herrero. As the band?s founder and musical director, he also adds an essential component to the rhythm section with the Cuban güiro, in addition to leading the band and producing all the recordings under his own label, LASEMCo. As one of the lead vocalists, Jesse?s voice really captures the style and tone of the traditional Cuban charanga sound. Bailando con SonSublime is, in essence, a top quality recording, a welcome addition to anyone?s musical trove. And a feeling of awe is not unwarranted. For Herrero?s selection of songs for this album, filled with colorful and innovative arrangements, again reveals his undeniable sense of cubanía. While sweeping dancers, young and old, to their feet, SonSublime will continue to foster an appreciation of an important component of Cuba?s prodigious musical legacy: the charanga, a genre characterized by its rich instrumentation, its mellifluous, intoxicating sound and the universality of its sensual lyrics. Iraida Iturralde, President Cuban Cultural Center of New York