The quartet Volcan consists of Gonzalo Rubalcaba/p-key, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez/dr, Jose Armando Gola/b-eb and Giovanni “Manenguito” Hildago/perc. This collection of songs is a bit different than other Rubalcaba recordings in that he mixes electronic piano with his acoustic work, and it creates a nice added flavor. Some of the material such as “VOlcan” and “Sin Punto” has a jazz fusion sound hearkening back to the 70s, with lots of fiery percussion mixed in. “Pon La Clave” is supercharged with rhythm, and only someone such as Rubalcaba could keep up with the tornado of sounds, while a reading of Dizzy Gillespie’s “Salt Peanuts” has synthesizes over a caffeinated collection of drums and hand percussion. Maridalia Hernandez’s earthy vocals are well suited for “Corsario” as the hard hitting and festive “Ano Novo” closes this album on a wonderfully exhausting note. Lots of energy bouncing off the walls here!
5 Pasion Records