Chaka y su Tumbao
April 30, 2005
Club Nostalia
3425 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
305-531-8838

Review by

Tonight’s show by Chaka y su Tumbao was an example of the high quality of musicianship and artistry which I have come to associate with Cuban music. Although there was a nostalgic element to the selection of songs, what I heard was excellent musicianship – and superlative timba.

The selection of songs was very retro. Especially in the early sets, the band played what can be called "old standards". "El Cuarto de Tula", "Bilongo", and "Lágrimas Negras" were among some of the classics that floated out through the club. Many of the more modern numbers included hits of yesteryear. I particularly enjoyed the band’s version of Marc Anthony’s "No hay nadie como ella" and NG la Banda’s "El Sitio Entero".

However, with every song, the band progressed deeper into "timba territory", breaking out the despelote and creating an interesting mixture of old songs and new sounds. Even the reggaeton hit, "Gasolina" was whipped into service as the inspiration for a coro. As a result, the show stayed lively and fresh, and there was obvious enjoyment on the part of dancers, listeners, and musicians.

Another highlight of tonight’s show was the variety of "invited guests" who performed with the band. The lead singers included Giovanni, a Puerto Rican singer well known in Miami circles. Also of note was Elaine, who blew us away with her version of Celia’s “La Negra Tiene Tumbao”. Elaine y su Cubaney have performed at the Conga Room in Los Angeles and are now located here in South Florida, presently seeking a local gig. Promoters... check her out!

It was also a pleasure to have Tomás Cruz, one of Manolin’s former musicians, sit in on conga, keyboard and timbales respectively on three different songs during one of the sets. In fact, there are several former Manolín band members, including group founder, Eduardo "Chaka" Nápoles and lead singer, Dayammí. In the percussion section you have the awesome Joaquín "Pututi II" Díaz and from NG la Banda fame, "Wickly". Talk about nostalgia, timba style!

While this band may have some genuinely retrospective elements, the music they play and the enjoyment I experienced is totally of the moment, "de moda", so to speak. If you are in the area on a Thursday or Saturday night, this is a band to experience for yourself.

Read other concert reviews at SalsaPower HERE!

This page was last updated on 02-May-2005