OCHUN - EN EL ANO DE OCHUN (2006)
A mix of son,guaracha,guajira,salsa,bolero with lots of flavor,all in one
Miguel Garcia Vocals
Paul Armstrong Piano and vocals
Pablo Moya Tres and vocals on cuts 4 & 11
Gabriel (Chinchilita) Machado Congas, timbales and vocals
Gregg August Bass
Nestor Villar Percussion
John Hines Trumpet
Marshall Gilkes Trombone
Ocavio Ponce Saxophone and flute
Guillermo Edgehill Bass on cuts 1, 10 & 12
Albert Leusink Trumpet on cuts 1, 10 & 12
Andy Hunter Trombone on cuts 1, 10 & 12
Guest Artists: Meilana McLean Gillard Saxophone on cuts 1,10 & 12
Oriente Lopez Flute on cut 10
Mauricio Smith Jr. Flute on cut 11
Eddie Venegas Violin on cut 10
Hillary Mercer Viola on cut 10
Jennifer Vincent Cello on cut 10
9 Camaguey
10 Ochun Ochun
11 La Esquina de Galiano, A Bailar con Rita (Extended)
more tracks can be heard on Vinilemania's Radio Channels
courtesy www.descarga.com by Bruce Polin
Wow, what pure salsa
pleasure we've got here! The opening track, "La Esquína De Galiano
(A Bailar Con Rita)" will embrace you with its almost jarring
musical integrity. I was delighted to discover that they've included
an extended version of this title as the last track. But "La Esquína..."
is not the only great track on El Año De Ochún. Far from it. This is
Ochún's second release, and this New York orchestra is really coming
into its own: clearly dedicated students of the great Afro-Cuban
traditions. These are well-worked,rich, multi-layered compositions
that speak volumes about the earnestness and depth of the musicians
as well as the ingenuity of arranger Pablo Moya. This is a first
class project that should not be missed. It's not the fastest,
hottest, hippest or whatever. Ochún does not seem to be interested
in any of those labels. This band is so soulful that even the one
bolero, "Un Beso Y Un Adios," rang true and nearly conjured a tear
from this jaded listener. And what a lush, moving version of the
charanga classic "Camagüey." It's just gorgeous. Great job by
vocalist Miguel Garcia. Also kudos to pianist-vocalist Paul
Armstrong, conguero/timbalero Gabriel (Chinchilita) Machado, sax and
flute player Ocavio Ponce, bassists
Gregg August and Guillermo Edgehill
and many others. Guests include Oriente Lopez and Mauricio Smith
Jr., Meilana McLean Gillard and others.Note to up-and-coming bands
out there: Study this CD hard. It's a gem. Very Highly Recommended.
(BP, 2006-06-27)
