And why not? Granted, David Calzado and Charanga Habanera's album Light may be a head scratcher at first. However, once the listener has had a chance to adjust their expectations, it becomes evident that Charanga Habanera is not only one of the baddest dance orquestas to ever grace the Latin music world, they're also just an incredible band, and Calzado their fearless leader is equally versatile. Charanga Habanera -- with landmark albums like Soy Cubano, Soy Popular to their credit -- have long been among the best timba bands around. Light, however, departs from their frantic, rock-hard Cuban dance rhythms in favor of the "lighter" side. R&B-fueled Latin pop is the flavor of the day. Though there are glimpses of the up-tempo Caribbean heat that made these guys famous, most of the play list seems focused on winning hearts instead of shakin' booties. Calzado and crew prove themselves to be master musicians and arrangers, even outside of their home style. The pop selections are head and shoulders above the standards of the Latin pop genre, and the moments in which the band flexes their timba muscles, there can be no doubt that these boys are at the top of their game. Though this may not be what Charanga Habanera fans expected, Light's musical merit is undeniable.
© Evan C. Gutierrez /TiVo