When lead singer Rei Alvarez rejoined the Richmond, VA, band Bio Ritmo in late 2001, it was the start of something big.  In the space of a few months the band reinvented its sound to evoke the classic salsa of Alvarez’s influences (La Sonora Poncena, El Gran Combo, the Fania All Stars) while remaining fresh and original.

The band’s self-titled fourth CD on Locutor Records captures this sound in exquisite detail:  the stunning power of the four horns, the nuances of Alvarez’s passionate vocals, the firm groove of Marlysse Simmons’ piano, the spark and rumble of timbales and congas.

Except for “El Rayito,” a closing lament, the album is straight-ahead salsa – bubbling percussion, driving brass, building to a big payoff where Alvarez improvises over repeated choruses of backing vocals.  These improvisations are the true test of the sonero, and Alvarez has both the glib tongue and the innate sense of melody to stand with the masters.  Even on the “getup and dance” number “El Cambio,” Alvarez lyrics let you listen with your mind as well as your body.  Highlights include “Fabula,” with its duck call and samba break, Simmons’ shimmering piano solo on “Atrevete,” and the swinging horn arrangement on “El Monte.”  Tasteful studio embellishments lurk throughout: phased vocals on "Hermano,” brushed piano strings on “El Cambio,” synthesizers that peek briefly out of the mix and disappear again.

Bio Ritmo honors its traditions but is not afraid to bring them into the 21^st century.