For all asking the question, "Who will lead Cuban music into the new millennium?"
Orlando "Maraca" Valle
has an answer. With the 2005 release of
Soy Yo
,
Maraca
boldly maintains their status as one of the very finest and most cutting-edge groups to come out of Cuba. Alongside
Issac Delgado
and
David Calzado y Su Charanga Habanera
stays on the crest of the
timba
wave while maintaining the integrity of a genuine
salsa
orchestra. Bandleader
Orlando Valle
distinguishes himself as not only an accomplished flutist, but also a brilliant composer/arranger. The horn section is driving and tight. The percussion section, with featured guest, conga godfather
Tata Gueines
, swings the clave from the first to the final track. Lead vocalists
Jesus Madera
Wilfredo Campa
display range and style to equal any in the business. With the some more traditional sounding selections in the repertoire like the steamy
cha cha
/
bolero
"Estrella de Amor,"
will please a more conservative
audience as well. Though there are many elements that evidence a very progressive influence,
does not forget whence they came, and goes down smoothly for just about any audience. With records like
to his credit,
will be remembered as one of the great bandleaders of his generation. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez