The Best of NG La Banda

Amazon.com essential recording
NG (short for Nueva Generacion) La Banda was the most popular and prolific Cuban band of the '90s. Led by former Irakere flutist José Luis Cortés, the group is famous for its propulsive timba grooves and a four-piece horn section known as "Los Metales del Terror"--in English, "the Terror Brass." This 10-track collection of the ensemble's definitive recordings for the Cuban Caribe label opens with a live recording of "Papa Chango" that illustrates La Banda's dynamic strengths. Vocalist Tony Cala is featured on a pair of tributes to the legendary Cuban singer Beny Moré, "Bonito y Sabroso" and "Cienfuegos." "Veneno," the title track from the group's 1997 album, showcases the comparatively cheesy salsa romantica singing of newcomer Jeny Valdes before the tune is rescued by some diabolically clever piano riffing. --Rick Mitchell

Tracks:

Te Confunde
Tu Y Yo Somos Uno Mismo
Jinetero?
Amor Entre Tres
Cha Cortes
Llegara
Largo Fin De Semana
Santa Palabra
No Me La Llames Mas
Un Tipo Como Yo
Te Regalare Mi Mejor Cancion
Ponle El Biberon
No Te Compliques

Amazon.com essential recording

NG (short for Nueva Generacion) La Banda was the most popular and prolific Cuban band of the '90s. Led by former Irakere flutist José Luis Cortés, the group is famous for its propulsive timba grooves and a four-piece horn section known as "Los Metales del Terror"--in English, "the Terror Brass." This 10-track collection of the ensemble's definitive recordings for the Cuban Caribe label opens with a live recording of "Papa Chango" that illustrates La Banda's dynamic strengths. Vocalist Tony Cala is featured on a pair of tributes to the legendary Cuban singer Beny Moré, "Bonito y Sabroso" and "Cienfuegos." "Veneno," the title track from the group's 1997 album, showcases the comparatively cheesy salsa romantica singing of newcomer Jeny Valdes before the tune is rescued by some diabolically clever piano riffing. --Rick Mitchell

Customer Reviews:

Timba.......2006-01-28

Este grupo fue el primer grupo timbero, y el primero que yo escuche. Hay un sonido de la calle habanera que se escucha en las canciones de este disco, diferente de la salsa escuchada en Puerto Rico y USA por inovaciones y cambios de estilo en la Cuba de hoy en la percusion y los metales. El estilo de los vocalistas es tambien diferente, mas agresivo pero sin tener lenguaje en mal gusto.

Es un buen disco para cualquier fanatico de la musica latina tropical, ya que de esta banda sale el molde de las bandas Cubanas modernas. Si eres Cubano y no sabes de ellos debes comprarlo, y si no quizas aprendas un poco, como lo hice yo, de esta isla tan cercana a nosotros, pero a la misma vez tan distante.

You should check this group out.......2001-05-03

This album is very good, although I don't think it's their best. There are nice versions of Beny Moré's "Bonito y Sabroso" and "Cienfuegos." The songs "Cara de Guante" and "La Apretadora" are especially memorable, and will have you mentally replaying them all day. There is alot of overlap in the album "Veneno," which I believe is their best. Those overlap songs ("Verano Habanero," "Veneno," and "Conga de los Refranes") are super. If you're not the compulsive type who "delves deep" into a new band, either take this one or "Veneno." But you really can't go wrong buying both of these albums.