Chanchullo
After starting off in an anxious mood with long, somewhat aimless jams,Chanchullosettles nicely into the gorgeous chemistry that madeIntroducing... Rubén Gonzálezso incredibly magnetic. On the opening track, the 81-year-old virtuoso races at the piano like a horse charges from the gate, barely stopping until arriving at "La Lluvia," the percussion-inspired third song. From then on the ensemble elegantly glides along as González and his amazingly nimble arthritic fingers lead the band in a set of nostalgicdanzóns, cha-chas, and other Cuban forms. The melodious violin and flute of "Central Constancia" spawns visions of the sweet little ballet class captured on the Buena Vista Social Clubdocumentaryand for which González regularly plays. Fellow Cuban starIbrahim Ferrersings on a couple of cuts, but unfortunately his part is too short on "De una Manera Espantosa" and the accompaniment too sloppy on "Choco's Guajira."Eliades Ochoa's unadorned contribution to "Quizás, quizás" is a highlight, as is the charming standard "El Bodeguero." A total of 21 musicians contribute to this album, butChanchulloreally only needs one: a pianist with a voracious appetite for life and immense talent. And it certainly has that.--Karen K. Hugg