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CD Review
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Global Rhythm, CD Review >>
Based in the unlikely Richmond, Virginia, Bio Ritmo draws from the Puerto Rican roots of lead singer/composer Rei Alvarez. Alvarez sees Ritmo's mission as counter to the saccharine fatigue of salsa romantica; favoring the music's roots as popular commentary on social themes and concerns of everyday life. A tight, cooking nine-piece ensemble, the band lays claim to the brassy Latin dance sound of the '70s, mixing classic elements of son, guaracha, rumba and bomba with an unexpected dash of Brazilian samba, R&B, electronica and miscellaneous audio effects. Performing exclusively their own material, Bio Ritmo represent the sentiments of a younger dance crowd searching beyond the jejune prescription and superficial flash of international Latin pop. While not cultivating the overt political edge of progressive icons like Ruben Blades and Willie Colon, Bio Ritmo share their energy, perpetuating the legacy of straight-ahead dance maestros Tito Puente and Machito, whose percussion and brass artistry will never go out of style. MICHAEL STONE 06/01/04
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