Ritmo: La música de hoy

Latin Beat Magazine, Dec, 1998 by Franz Reynold

SO PRA CONTRARIAR - So Pra Contrariar (BMG/RCA)

Youthful exuberance launched from a foundation of classic style, propels the well-earned appeal of this grupo Brasileiro. SPC's initial stateside release combines the requisite slices of samba shuffle with a couple of well-crafted ballads (some of which are sung en español), all executed with astute inspiration. Vocalist Alexandre Pires' smoldering leads enjoy the luxury of choice aural support, courresy of the other members. Their instrumental skills and vocal punctuation are integrated into a sound that offers comfort in its familiarity - even as it sparkles with brisk innovation. The frivolity of Doido Varrido - a pagode swing - provides bold contrast (and release from monotony) alongside ballads like Cuando Acaba El Placer and Mi Mitad. The songs, graced with lean sophistication in their melodic construction, invite easy acceptance -- even for the Portuguese-challenged. Smoothing conviction with restraint, Pires answers the challenge of variety, with soulful grace. The seduction may be subliminal, but the intent is undeniably there.

RAUL PAZ - Imaginate (RMM)

Cuba's loss is música tropical's gam, since Imaginate the debut collection from Raul Paz is loaded with the scent of superior musical gifts. Framed by the percussive melange and blazing horns so integral to that genre's foundation, Paz's compositions defy accepted confines to include more than a dash of blasphemy (a.k.a. Pop!). But what a way with sacrilege! Even as the chug and whip of the instruments waft in their customary manner across cuts like the sly El Balcon or the delicate Cara, there percolates, not far from the obvious, traces of melody and vocals that would find warm welcome on more high-profile playlists. Skirting blatant acknowledgment (perhaps intentionally so), increments of contemporary sabrosura etch hvbrid fuerza into the duplicitous (and delicious!) Policia - its marriage of rap and cha-cha, guaranteed to offend as many as it delights. Granted, such 'unfaithful' inspiration should not have to suffer the disdain of crass purists. After all, the rhythms bloom from a common root - Africa!

Boas Festas! Happy Holidaze! Felices Pascuas!