Reviews
| Latest review |
Reviews archive | here |
Artist - Jose Conde Y Ola Fresca
Title - (R)evolucion LP
Label - (Mr Bongo)
Released - 18.06.07
Posted 10.06.07
Ola Fresca (fresh wave) is the name of the band singer-composer-lyricist Jose Conde founded in 2000. Ola Fresca features some of the best musicians in New York City, coming together for a fresh take on rootsy, funky, jazzy, Latin dance music. Their new album '(R)evolucion' is produced by the Grammy-winning Aaron Levinson and sees the band expand to include a unique array of musicians' musicians, some of whom are living legends.
Jose Conde describes '(R)evolucion' as "a forward-reaching Latin-World record." It's not made to fit the straitjacket of commercial radio. Nor does it sound much like what's coming out of Cuba, or Miami, or San Juan, or from other bandleaders in New York. Recorded at the vintage-gear all-analog Brooklyn Recording studio during summer 2006, '(R)evolucion' is part of a new wave of Spanish-language alternative music that's growing in strength and popularity worldwide.
All the members of Ola Fresca have a slew of major credits in a variety of Latin styles. Bassist Jorge Bringas played with Buena Vista Social Club star Omara Portuondo in Havana; trumpeter Steve Gluzband played with Ray Barretto for many years and trombonist played with Colombian star Toto Momposina.
The guest performers on '(R)evolucion' are also a who's who of Latin music. Highlights include 89-year-old trombonist Generoso Jimenez (who was at one time music director for Benny More), and present-day salsa dura rave-up trombone superstar Jimmy Bosch. Cubans have to come with serious rhythm, so besides the regular percussion complement of Ola Fresca '(R)evolucion' makes room for the charismatic young conguero Pedro Martinez, creating a natural yet unique sound with the help of the most celebrated funky drummer in the United States, New Orleans's own Zigaboo Modeliste.
The Cubans have a kind of stew called 'ajiaco', into which all kinds of meats and vegetables can be incorporated. '(R)evolucion'is definitely a musical 'ajiaco'. You don't have to be able to identify every bite to like the taste. In each tune, one style of music informs another. Conde describes 'Caffi Con Sangre'as "bombafunk 'n' salsa." There's a tasty Cubanized Haitian compas (Pffiti y Titi' in both French and Spanish versions), as well as the cumbiameets-soca-meets-reggae 'Probando Nuevos Sabores'. There's Havana-style timba, and you know there's a cha-cha-cha (El Titere). There's also "El Chacal" (The Jackal), which parodies a well-known Cuban revolutionary song to criticize the commodified image of a controversial icon- "you don't win peace with bullets," says the lyric.
Conde has expressed a personal commitment to non-violence, and his cosmopolitan vision of the Latin world is a hopeful one. The title of '(R)evolucion'tells you that. The music lets you hear how it might sound.
"Jose and his crew are up there with the likes of Roberto Fonseca, Bobby Valentin, Eddie Palmieri, Noro Morales Quintet, Willie Colon, Ray Barretto, Tito Puete and the Fania All Stars - Latin influenced music does not get any better. Future classic without a doubt, this wicked LP will be waking the Latin spirit with the world music loving massive over the soon come hot summer months and will be settting Latin loving dancefloors on fire for years to come!
We say: "A filler free great LP, the highlights range from the Cuban vibed 'Ritmo Y Sabor', soulful 'Cafe Con Sangre', funky 'Oshiri Pan Pan' (will be a b-boy classic in years to come), to the old school Cuban of 'Despelete', and the laidback funksoul of 'Ride La Ola' this LP covers all bases. Other favourites include El Titere, dosed with Cuban keys and an easy vibe and the Buena Vista styled 'El Chacal', 'Despolote' and 'Probando Nuevos Sabores'. Bonus tracks include a newer sounding 'Mi Muscia', a beautiful late night late jazz version of 'Summertime' and a Spanish version of the kitch sounding 'Pititi Y Titi' (also included is a French version). Buy from 18th June and file under Latin/Grove/Cuba"
Rating - 10/10
Reviewer - PT
