RELEASED ON 7.6.2024 ON MR BONGO VIA PROPER
CATALOGUE NUMBER MRBLP293
Released on Cuba's state- owned Areito imprint , Algo Nuevo showcases
trombonist, bandleader, arranger and producer Juan Pablo Torres' unique scope
of sound. A melting pot of an album that weaves together jazz- funk and
traditional Afro- Cuban genres with tripped- out synth touches and dancefloor
grooves.
The opener 'Pan Caliente' is a fiery celebration, combining a driving groove with
Latin percussion, feverish horns and infectious "la- la- la" vocals. The wild,
squelching cosmic synth lines give an otherworldly touch to proceedings that sit
nicely on a modern dancefloor. 'Guajira 2001' is perhaps Juan's future-focussed
take on the vibrant style of Cuban dance- led music called guajira . Blistering
bongos, congas and claves moving together with trumpets, trombones and
twanging acoustic guitars that you can't help but bounce to.
Other highlights include, 'Cacao', a Cuban cosmic funk strutter that places the
claves upfront, with a scatting vocal line and percussive climax reminiscent of
George Kranz electronic disco anthem 'Din Daa Daa' from 1983. Elsewhere, 'Elvira'
further showcases the psychedelic essence of many of the album's tracks. A
deep Latin workout where tasty percussive breaks and scorching keys blend with
trippy vocals and rumbling synths.
A varied album encompassing a variety of Afro- Cuban genres and rhythms
entwined with flashes of mind-bending cosmic influence. Algo Nuevo is a further
jewel in Cuba's musical crown of riches, with plenty of dancefloor treats and
downtempo numbers held within.
Tracks:
1. Pan Caliente
2. Son De Caramelo Para Ti
3. Guajira 2001
4. Cacao
5. Tatagua
6. Rumba De Cajon Op 1
7. Mangle
8. Elvira
9. Mayajigua
10. Asi Son Con El Son