Sonsublime Gran Reserva

Latin Beat Magazine, Dec, 2002 by Rudy Mangual

(Lasemco)

The Cuban tradition of the charanga format, style and sound, which utilizes violins and the flute as the main instrumentation, is what the latest release from the New York City band SonSublime is all about. Opening with the Eddie Palmieri classic Muñeca, the band displays its traditional Cuban roots with the robust flavor of a New York City Latin band. Led by vocalist and percussionist Jesse Herrero, the production includes 10 selections of mostly classic tunes, such as Ahora Me Da Pena and Me Voy Pa' Mayarí(of Francisco Repilado "Compay Segundo" fame), El Chivo Quiere Que Le Den Candela (from Adalberto AIvarez), and Cuatro Personas (from the late Puerto Rican composer Rafael Hernández). The magical flute of Connie Grossman shines throughout the entire recording, framed by the violins of Lisa Crowder, Mike Pérez and Yrving Yeras. The vocals of Ronnie Baró, Alex Fernandez Fox and Herrero complete SonSublime's unique sound, which is anchored by a strong rhythm section led by Gilberto Suárez on piano, Marino Solano on bass and percussionists Joe González and Manuel Rivera. Like a fine wine, SonSublime continues to age nicely, acquiring a fuller flavor and body of sound. (RM)