Havana Cafe
Barbarito Torres played as a guest instrumentalist onBuena Vista Social ClubandA Toda Cuba Le Gustabefore gathering together Cuba's premier musicians and recording this amazing debut. A sensual mix of Cubanson,danzon, andguaracha,Havana Cafemakes austere use of instrumentation, using only thelaud(Cuban lute), guitar, percussion, and vocals to create a wall of wonderfully spirited music. "Hijo del Siboney" rings in the collection with bright melodies and vibrant guitars before the set goes on to boast gem after gem of traditional and contemporary Cuban music. Singer Pio Leyva lends his brassy bellow to two tracks, adding an authentic dimension that's refreshingly void of pretension and characteristic of this playful, joyous album. Singer Ibrahim Ferrer also appears in all of his romantic glory. It's rare when the "in the moment" chemistry of musicians collaborating is captured on disc, but withHavana Cafe, the chemistry is thankfully captured forever.--Karen Karleski