Customer Reviews

Navidad Cubana

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

 

 

I was familiar with this all-star group of Cuban expats from the discs Cuba L.A. and Cuba L.A. Dos, both of which I reccomend, without reservation, to anyone interested in Latin music. But I thought the idea of Cubanized arrangements of American Christmas Carols was goofy. After all, Cubanos don't grow up singing these tunes around the arbolito. After 60 seconds of the first cut, Let It Snow, I knew how wrong I was. This group uses these melodies as a basis for some swinging mambos, cha cha chas and guaguancos. You'll be dancing before the first tune is over.

Usually xmas music is packed away, maybe with the ornaments, to break out but once a year and then there are exceptions. One such exception is Navidad Cubana that you might want to have handy for listening to after the tree has been recycled. Although it is xmas music and all of the songs are traditional xmas songs, this disc swings like no other. The tight musicianship brings Latin sabor( flavor) mostly through the jazzy arrangements of Danny Lozano who is the flautist for this fine band knowna Cuba L.A.. You will literally forget you are listening to xmas music at times as the melodies are extended to the blurring point by Latin jazz . If you like Latin jazz this is an outstanding disc to throw in the rotation. It is refreshing to hear these soulful interpretations. "Silent Night" is an extremely beautiful number that has enough of the melody to keep you in tune and the bass lines and percussion give it a perfect treatment for La Noche Buena(xmas eve) as the violin replaces the voice for the song. "Jingle Bells" is a salsa dancers delight as the song gently provokes the hips and feet to move. "The Little Drummer Boy"features a different violinist taking the lead amidst a counter melody provided by the percussion that sizzles. Eventually the violin wanders off into some exploratory solos that come back to earth for a beautiful ending to a good change of pace xmas disc. If you appreciate top notch musianship and Latin jazz that brings on the cha cha cha, salsa and mambo than this disc is for you. When you have had enough of the usual xmas fare try this for a little spice in your life.

A break from the typical traditional Christmas fare. Spirited & lively, great for a Yuletide party.

The CD arrived well packed and in record time. Highly recommended. Cuba LA produces excellent music. I would like them to record more.

An invigorating rendition of christmas tunes...! Salsa, meringue and rumba...uplifting and giving the holiday favorites a fun twist.