Soneros de Cuba is another nice package from the excellent Swiss label Real Rhythm. The Septeto Nacional plays solid son music, and the 11 tracks on this disc range from sultry boleros to lively guajiras and rumbas, with of course many traditional son pieces.
The Septeto Nacional was the first son band to add a trumpet to its lineup in 1927, and it has been playing in various forms ever since. The seven mostly younger musicians in the current lineup are augmented by a number of guest vocalists and musicians on piano, guitar, horns and percussion, all of which adds variety and keeps things interesting.
This disc also opens with “En Guantanamo,” a very infectious mid-tempo song, featuring tight harmonies and colorful trumpet flourishes.
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The next track, “Porque me guardas rencor,” is in the popular rumba style (with its 1-2-3, 1-2 rhythm). The skills of Dorgis Matos and Eugenio Rodriguez, the two vocalists on most tracks, are particularly evident on this song, whic they sing with practically one voice.
“La Chica de la calle Madrid” features some hot tres, guitar and trumpet interplay, and the seductive bolero “Mueve la cintura mulata” effectively combines smooth vocals with percolating rhythms and sweet guitar and tres playing.
My only complaint about this CD is that some of the tracks are mixed up in the liner notes. But overall, this is good music by a skilled group of musicians.
(Real Rhythm, 1998)
