Amazon.com essential recording
NG (short for Nueva Generacion) La Banda was the most popular and prolific Cuban band of the '90s. Led by former
Irakere flutist José Luis Cortés, the group is famous for its propulsive
timba grooves and a four-piece horn section known as "Los Metales del Terror"--in English, "the Terror Brass." This 10-track collection of the ensemble's definitive recordings for the Cuban Caribe label opens with a live recording of "Papa Chango" that illustrates La Banda's dynamic strengths. Vocalist Tony Cala is featured on a pair of tributes to the legendary Cuban singer
Beny Moré, "Bonito y Sabroso" and "Cienfuegos." "Veneno," the title track from the group's 1997 album, showcases the comparatively cheesy
salsa romantica singing of newcomer Jeny Valdes before the tune is rescued by some diabolically clever piano riffing.
--Rick Mitchell