Nuevo Milenio - El Mismo Sabor 
by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

Reviewed by

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, one of Latin music's most well known groups, has created a new classic in their Nuevo Milenio - El Mismo Sabor. Released in time for the 21st century, the CD combines the best of the El Gran Combo tradition with new blood, suggesting that the already long-lived Combo is once again reinventing itself. The result is a very danceable album with several songs that receive regular and much deserved airplay on the radio and in clubs.

A lot of the new energy felt throughout the album is, in my opinion, the result of El Gran Combo's decision to include Richard Bastar, son of legendary percussionist Francisco "Kako" Bastar, in their newest incarnation. Bastar, who has been playing bongó with the band since 1999, has both the musical acumen to live up to the high standards expected of El Gran Combo musicians and the youthful zest needed to pep up El Gran Combo's efforts. I had several opportunities to observe his playing live in Puerto Rico during the summer of 2000, and his very competent bongó and campana performances acted as a spark for the band's spirited and enjoyable live performances. This zest is very obvious in Nuevo Milenio - El Mismo Sabor, the first album he has recorded with the band. 

The result is audible throughout the entire album. It is a pleasure to hear the timbales, congas and bongó interacting and filling in each other's spaces. I particularly enjoy the bongo / conga combination on "Dime que quieres", and a great part of the appeal of "Viva Puente" is the combined performance of Domingo Santos on timbales, Miguel Torres on conga, and Richie Bastar on bongó / campana. Bass player Wilfredo Rivera applies some interesting colours to the bass lines, creating an infectious rhythmic swing while continuing to colour within the lines. The horn section gives a solid and enthusiastic performance, the kind we expect from these veterans of the music scene.

The album also benefits from the inclusion of some very good material. Songs such as "Me liberé" and "Viva Puente", for example, have universal appeal on the basis of their sentiment. Many of the songs employ catchy coros and strong mambo sections that showcase the musical talents of the band members to good effect. The arrangements combine the signature EGC sound with punchy horn and bass lines that help to punctuate the music and add a spicier feeling to the album that was somehow lacking in the previous album. 

A solid album well worth the listen and the dancing effort, Nuevo Milenio - El Mismo Sabor is aptly named, indeed.

Song Titles:
1- El amor es ciego 
2- Se nos perdió el amor 
3- Me liberé 
4- Viva puente 
5- Amigos 
6- Dime que quieres 
7- Me muero por ella 
8- Nadie como ella 

Musicians:
Rafael Ithier Director & piano
Jerry Rivas Cantante
Charlie Aponte Cantante
Luis A. Rosario Cantante
Eddie Perez Saxofon
Wilfredo Cruz Miranda Saxofon
Luis A. Maldonado Trompeta
Victor E. Rodríguez Trompeta
Moise Nogueras Trombon
Wilfredo Rivera Bajo
Miguel Torres Conga
Richard Bastar Bongó y campana
Domingo Santos Timbales

 

Read more CD reviews at SalsaPower HERE