Los Originales 
Cuban Masters 
CD Reviewed by

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you read that a CD includes the following musicians: Cachao, Patato, JP Torres, Casanova, Francisco Aguabella, Alfredo Rodríguez, Rudy Calzado, Walfredo de los Reyes, Chocolate Armenteros, José Antonio Fajardo, Alfredo Valdés Jr, Miguel Cruz, Rafael Palau and Adalberto Lara? 
...that it has to be smoking... And smoking it is! 

The title cut opens this gem, and what a beauty! Rudy Calzado and Casanova drive this baby home, paying respects to the cats that have passed away (Puente, Arsenio, Puntillita, etc). They show us what salsa sounds like in the hands of veterans, and they rock! ...and this is only the first cut! 

Next is "Cachao es mambo." Do I really need to get into this one? Ok, I will. Cachao is still the man on bass. His solos still sound fresh. As he plays, the band simmers down so you can feel every stroke on the strings of his bass. WOW! And this is only the second cut! 

Next they go into the Cha Cha, "Toca la flauta Fajardo" and Mr. Fajardo shows why he's considered one of the best Cuban flautist (next to Richard Egües, of course). What's refreshing about this is that they sound like they recorded this in one take, no overdubs. Mmm, And this is.. Well, you get the point. 

"Toma chocolate" is next and Armenteros is on point...on top of the groove as if he was flying a plane. This man has been around and shows no sign of slowing down. 

I can go on and on, with this release. If you can only purchase one CD this year, this is it! 

You will not be disappointed and if you are, it is because "tus sentimientos están sordos." 

Songs: 
1- Los Originales 
2- Cachao es mambo 
3- Toca flauta Fajardo 
4- Toma chocolate 
5- Club Social Buena Vista 
6- Santa Cecilia 
7- Danzón para los maestros 
8- Los dos Alfredos 
9- Oye mi tumba'o 
10- Se calientan los cueros 
11- Quítate la careta 
12- Quiero un sombrero 

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