Si, Para Usted: The Funky Beats of Revolutionary Cuba

Si, Para Usted: The Funky Beats of Revolutionary Cuba
Label: Waxing Deep
Rated: NONE
Media: CD
Format: Album
WorkNameSort: Si, Para Usted: The Funky Beats of Revolutionary Cuba

Salvaged from Cuban funk vinyl, these beautifully remastered singles from original sessions offer a glimpse into Havana’s fuzzed-out fusion scene of the ’70s and ’80s, when Afro-Cuban jazz-rock combos flourished. The disc opens with no surprises: Juan Pablo Torres y Algo Nuevo offer a conga-driven, fuzz-guitar spiked Cuban son fusion that stands as one of the great accomplishments of the time. Next is Irakere’s first hit, ‘Bacalao con Pan,â?� a song about cod sandwiches that’s a funk assault equipped with wah-wah guitar, Arturo Sandoval on trumpet and the revered Chucho Valdés on keys. Track No. 3 finds the 30-year-strong Los Van Van weighing in with their steamy songo sound, melding traditional charanga violins with organ, drum kit and Juan Formell’s legendary electric bass tone rumbles. Less popular, though just as innovative, Los 5-U-4 (‘Baila, Ven y Bailaâ?� is a thumping, psychedelic funk jam with a riveting guitar solo that rocks), Combo Tiempos Nuevos, Los Tainos and Grupo Los Yoyi exude a vibe that beckons to the dance floor.

This article appears in May 23-29, 2007.