Lo Que Traigo Es Sabroso was much more of a subdued outing than
Palmieri's previous La Perfecta LP -- due, no doubt, to the presence of a smaller band with no trumpeters (instead of the five heard on La Perfecta). Except for the opening mambo, two guarachas, and a descarga, this smaller band takes many of the songs at a mid-tempo pace, but controlling their power proves just as entertaining as cutting loose. Even when taken at the pace of a cha cha, "Criticona" is a lordly, devastating workout for the brass involved, and the title-track mambo lightens the mood considerably. The dual-trombone line of
Barry Rogers and Jose Rodriguez provide much restrained firepower throughout the album, and flutist
George Castro gets some great space for soloing. ~ John Bush