There are tons of “traditional” Cuban albums. These two recent releases from Ansonic Records, if they are a portend of things to come, are the real deal!
“Spontaneous” is the literal translation that the team of Dayron Ortega Guzman/g, Maykel Elizarde/tres and Eduardo Silveira/perc have named themselves. They combine original compositions with traditional pieces and even some material by Chucho Valdes, as in the gloriously strummed “Mambo Influenciado.” Elizarde’s tres dances on “Guajireando” and is evocatively virtuous on his solo “Improvisaciones.” Silveira slithers on the bolero “Son Pa’ Gozar” and creates an earthy cadence for Guzman on “A Improvisar” with the two strings sizzling on a festiv “Conga Pa Tocar.” This one is a real joy!
Just as intriguing is the a cappella ensemble of Jacqueline Ramirez Torres, Anna Lee Ramirez Reel, Anne Gomez Medero and Carmen Rosa Gonzalez Alvarez as they tackle traditional Cuban fare as well as some clever pop and jazz tunes. They bop with delight on Heal Hefti’s “Flight of the Foo Birds” and create percussive sounds on the conga “El Carbonero.” The voices blend sweetly for the sensuous bossa nova classic “Desafinado” and are cheerful on “Suavecito.” Rich voices meld on a liturgical “Cuarteto De Aida” and wonderful local themes are evocatively produced for “Acariciame” and “El Cumbanchero.” Clever, earthy and alluring.