Customer Reviews

Chan Chan Charanga

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a perfect example of the dynamic, swinging, frenetic, hard-driving style of Cuban Timba. Charanga Habanera is one of the best of the Cuban Timba bands and they are probably the most popular band in Cuba, especially among the younger generations. Although all of their CD's rock, this is in my opinion their best recording to date. The arrangements here are more dynamic and sophisticated than in their previous recordings. This band swings from beginning to end on every cut with pure energy. As with most of the Cuban bands, the musicians are first rate and the music takes center stage. This is certainly much more fiery than any of the salsa romantica that is commonly heard here in the United States. In Cuba it is the music that is most important, not any individual vocalist, no matter how talented he/she may be.

If you like timba then you'll know that you can never go wrong with the Charanga Habanera. (If you don't know what timba is take Bill Wolfer's, the director of Mamborama, description: "it's kind of like salsa on steroids") The Charanga Habanera has practically defined the genre, although its creation is credited to Jose Luis Cortes of NG La Banda. After their album "Tremendo Delirio", the super orchestra split into two bands, the Charanga Habanera, and the Charanga Forever. The director, David Calzado stayed at the front of the Charanga Habanera and proved beyond doubt who was the real genius behind the group, as he continued producing top-notch timba even after losing all his musicians.

As to "Chan Chan Charanga", I agree with the previous reviewer: this is definitely one of their best albums ever. Unlike some other previous albums containing a few 10s and a lot of mediocre stuff too, this album is packed with 9s. There are some really great arrangements here, and some amazing horn lines.