Vocalist Lázaro Reyes comes to the world audience bearing a gift with his 2006 release
Desde Cuba con Sabor. As the title says, the record is packed with plenty of that special Cuban flavor that North American audiences have been hooked on for so long. It is with very little variation from tradition that Reyes comes from his native Cuba. Both Reyes' vocal style and band sound harken to the cigar smoke-filled dance halls of a bygone era. His brassy voice and classically ornamented improvisational style seem to emulate the late
Beny Moré or
Machito. With a big, beefy horn section that is used in a very traditional fashion and rhythm section that forego all the influence of the day, Reyes' stylings sound right at home. On his first release for the Pimienta label, it seems that once he chose his artistic direction, he was able to pursue it with conviction. The effect is a very convincing throwback-style record with an eye for integrity and consistency.
Desde Cuba con Sabor is charming, and feels as right as dominoes and rum on a Saturday afternoon. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez