Pedro Luis Ferrer
Natural
Escondida Music ESC 65272

No cheap cosmetics here

'Music without make-up' is how Pedro Luis Ferrer describes his raw and rustic Cuban sound, one full of catchy rhythms, witty wordplay and piquant humour.  Natural follows in the footsteps of Ferrer's stunning 2005 disc, Rustico, and is powered by the irresistible twang paired by that of his daughter Lena.  She also keeps the maracas shaking, which is no mean feat given the way they played in Cuba., with set patterns that are devilish to learn. 

Ferrer is something of a mythical figure in his country, renowned for his individuality and for not toeing any musical or revolutionary line.  Although only recently having come to world attention, this genial man is an inveterate composer of over 30 years standing.  He remains characteristically inventive, re-minting changui styles from around Guantanamo (as on 'Changuisa del picador').  Hailing from near Sancti Spiritus, he's also a modern master of old Spanish troubadour verse poetry, a form utilising witty syllabic rhythms, as Decimas del cucalambe shows.  Ferrer's lyrics (well translated in the booklet) pick up on the craziness of everyday life, from marijuana parties to the gibberish notion of 'word soup' (!).  Lerlys Morales, who also sings while playing guitar, and Basilio Perodin, who plays various percussion instruments, make up Ferrer's group - or rather his bunga (an old country world he gives his band, emphasizing its ad-hoc versatility).  They favour tight arrangements, and every song is memorable, in particular 'Anana Ote,' influenced by the macuta ritual. 

Jan Fairley