I can’t speak highly enough of Pancho Amat’s De San Antonio a Maisí, an absolutely delightful collection of traditional and contemporary son by today’s living master of the tres. This disc fairly vibrates with the life and joy that infuses the spirit of son.
Recorded in Havana and Madrid for the Spanish label Resistencia, De San Antonio contains 12 tracks that last about 50 minutes total. The production is sharp and clear, the playing precise yet still warm and inviting. The packaging is exemplary, with sharp photos, a well-written bio of the band and its leader, and printed English and Spanish lyrics. The unique triple-fold CD carrier includes a pocket on the middle panel, a neat solution to the problem of where to store the thick accompanying booklet.
The sextet includes Amat on tres and second voice, William Borrego on lead vocals, Jose Amat on bass, Francisco Padron on trumpet, “Toto” Noriega on percussion and Dayron Ortega on guitar. In addition, there are several guest artists, including the great vocalist Fernando Alvarez, who used to sing with Beny More; Duo Evocacion, a young Cuban female duo with beautifully clear voices who previously recorded with Compay Segundo; and singers William Baloy and Alejandro Sequeda.
The music includes traditional sons and boleros, and some of Amat’s own compositions. Among the best of these is “En el cafe,” a quick-stepping guaracha-son laden with double entendres, in which the protagonist is sure that the woman he’s hot for put something in his coffee.
“Anda y dime,” (“Go on and tell me”), featuring Duo Evocacion, is a lilting traditional bolero, the perfect setting for the women’s lovely harmonies. Pianist Daniel Amat adds some different colors on a medley of three traditional numbers that use sugar cane as a metaphor for the sweetness and stickiness of hot tropical love.
Tying it all together is Amat’s sterling performances on the tres. Even though it’s his band, Amat doesn’t grandstand himself above the other musicians, but plays with great taste and restraint. Even so, his skill is evident, and you’re left wanting more, which is always a good policy for a musician. This is one disc that will reward repeated playing for years to come.
(Resistencia, 2000)
