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CD Review
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latin Beat, CD Review >>
SKA CUBANO
jAy, Caramba!
(Cumbancna)
Tired of the Buena Vista, Nuyorican, or Miami Calle Ocho approach to Antillean/Caribbean dance classics? The new stateside release by Ska Cubano will have you shouting "Ay, Caramba!" when you hear its deliciously infectious blend of Cuban, Colombian and Jamaican music. Imagine whipping up a classic, thirst-quenching Cuban mojito, but made with Captain Morgan's Jamaican rum plus two shots of Colombian aguardiente thrown in for good measure! This CD is like a powerful musical cocktail where you take a snifter of Benny More, mix it with some Lucho Bermudez and Toto La Mompesina, stir in the English Beat and the Skatelites, sprinkle a little Mighty Sparrow and a squeeze of Glenn Miller, and say "Woy!" (that's the way the Jamaicans say "(Ay, Caramba!"). According to its bio, Ska Cubano is the brainchild of British entrepreneur and music lover Peter Scott, whose love for classic Jamaican ska (the antecedent to reggae) and Cuban son and mambo led him to dream of a musical group that could reunite these long-lost musical relatives. Upon traveling to Santiago de Cuba (the "cradle of Cuban son"), along with UK DJ and ska vocalist Natty Bo, Scott enlisted the able talents of composer/arranger Paco Ullos, bassist Ray Crespo, and assorted santiaguero (Santiago-born) musicians, topping off the EGREM recording sessions with the exceptionally gifted vocalist Juan Manuel Villy (aka Beny Billy), who, to my astonished ears, added the classic flavor of a reincarnated Benny More. Natty Bo was responsible for the concept of bringing in the cumbia tunes, as well as the patois Jamaican vocals, and the retro sounds in general. Cumbia lovers will enjoy jams like Soy Campesino, while ska aficionados will dig the powerful original Oye, Compay Juan. Abundant brass arrangements, for this exciting ska/reggae/cumbia hybrid, are combined with traditional Cuban instruments such as tres, marimbula, botijuela, bata drums, and even a charanga-style flute for good measure. However, there is nothing quaint, antiquated, or folky about this CD. From the beautiful packaging to the sense of experiencing fun throughout, this record is HOT! The band already has a fan base in Puerto Rico, and toured the U.S. this summer to rave reviews (unfortunately without Beny Billy, due to visa problems). Many thanks to ace ethnomusicologist/Putumayo compilation producer Jacob Edgar for recognizing the unique flavor of ska Cubano and making this the first release on his new label Cumbancha. 10/01/06
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