Angel Bonn: Circunstancias (1998)

Javier AQ Ortiz

CD/DVD Reviewer since 2001

JAQO's bohemian life eventually led to jazz...

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Published: March 1, 2002

A contemporary Cuban group featuring a balmy singer, unlike today's dominant shrieking style, surfing over fiercely pliable piano montunos, wicked horn riffs, a quite astounding percussive afinque, while not leaving the dancer astray for one second, should be a hot item on the world's Latin Dance airwaves, club and festival circuits. Surprisingly, although this recording is laden with straightforward hooks, doused with lots of masacote, it will probably not get its commercial due. It is hoped that this intuition would prove itself completely wrong; thus, benefiting an increasing audience restless for new sensations, expressions and visions within the Timba, and Salsa environments.

Everyone, from Cuba on to Puerto Rico, through New York, Colombia, and who knows where else, is milking a particularly recognizable pattern, sound, and feel and their respective markets seem ablaze with signs of tiredness. This recording is a prime example of a danceable and truly popular product done with integrity, expertise, and passion, focused yet seasoned with spontaneity. Bonné, however, cannot escape the temptation to mellow things at times in insufferable and predictable ways, what else can anyone expect given the desperate search for marketable formulas? Its variety, and rich surprising textures will lead you, nonetheless, to meet Señora Fun by Angel's side.

Track Listing: 1. Ya yo pas

Personnel: Partial list: Back up Vocals-Ernesto Caraballo, Marcos Dom

Record Label: EGREM
Style: Latin/World