A contemporary Cuban group, but one who fit easily in the long cultural legacy of Havana – as the combo have a way of taking timeless modes and making them come alive again in all new ways – often really stripping things down to their roots, with an intimate, earthy presentation that you wouldn't even find on classic Cuban records from many years back! In a way, the style here is similar to some of the recent Gilles Peterson/Brownswood Records projects from Havana – really tapping into the overlooked richness that still flows from the city's corners with a group like this – heavy on percussion, working in a variety of rhythms, often with guitar or tres in the mix – and topped with some wonderfully soulful vocals. Titles include "Caridad", "Na Na Saguey", "Devuelvame La Voz", "Rumbarimbula", "Gaston's Rumba", and "Chichiribako". CD

No danger here – unless you're afraid of the raw power of a stunning 60s Latin session – this gem of a record that features lead vocals from Roland La'Serie and a young Ismael Rivera – each of whom get plenty of tracks on their own, then come together for two duet numbers too! Backing is by Cortijo, who's at that key point in his career when he was focusing the energy of a larger group down into the sort of tighter combo modes that would make his early 60s sound a big inspiration for others in the later part of the decade – especially on the number of guaracha tracks on the set! Titles include "Moliendo Cafe", "Severa","Sola Y Triste", "Yo Te Contare", "El Mar De Lima", "Los Carreteros", "Maria Conchita", and "El Pescador". CD