This superb
Dimensión Latina recording shows the band continuing to display excitement, and it benefits greatly from
Andy Montañez's powerful voice, as potent as he has displayed in his 15-year tenure with El Gran Combo. Wladimir Lozano and
Rodrigo Mendoza are superlative performers with great facility for the Cuban-influenced repertoire.
Montañez's voice is impressive in tunes like "Como Canto Yo," "Quisiera Saber," and "Mi Bombolayé." Arranger/trombone player César Monges leads a forceful band, which sounds better every passing year. Lozano shines in a medley of some of Cuba's most famous popular tunes, like "El Dulcero," "A la Loma de Belén," "Son de la Loma" (by
Miguel Matamoros), "Bururú Barará," "La Mujer de Antonio," and "El Que Siembra Su Maíz" (composed by
Matamoros). The album title refers to the combined weight of the participant at the time (1716 pounds, in all!). A must for salsa collectors. ~ José A. Estévez, Jr.