Bembe En Mi Casa
Lovely piano melodies anchorBembe En Mi Casa, the collaborative compilation presided over by--breathe deep--composer, pianist, arranger and bandleader Ignacio "Nachito" Herrera. The Cuban music man has played with the Buena Vista Social Club, directed shows for son sister Albita and toured the world with the all-star Cubanismo! band.Bembe En Mi Casafinds Herrera tickling the ivories alongside daughter Mirdalys, trumpeter Adalberto Lara, saxophonist Nardy Castellini and Jesus Diaz. There are luscious, sweeping moments, to be sure, but much of the disc feels oddly muted and understated. After awhile, the instrumental runs seem to, well, run together, making it hard to figure out where one song ends and another begins. It creates a coherent atmosphere, but one that may lull you to sleep when it should be putting some swivel into your hips. Only the title track seems to snap the dance floor to life, and daughter Mirdalys commands attention with her confident, booming voice on album closer Ritmo Caliente. Maybe Herrera's next collaboration should be a wholly familial affair.--Joey Guerra