Introduced into a completely different climate for Latin music compared to the
Afro-Cuban All Stars' 1997 debut, Distinto Diferente undoubtedly benefits from the increased commercial and artistic attention given to Afro-Cuban music in the wake of the
Buena Vista Social Club (which includes many of the same members). Leader
Juan de Marcos González gave Distinto Diferente a similar angle to
Buena Vista, but concentrates more on the hot dance music Cuba's been known for since its 1930s and '40s boom for American vacationers. The two best-known members of
Buena Vista Social Club,
Ibrahim Ferrer and
Rubén González, also appear here. ~ Earl Simmons