Album Review by George Velez, Jr.

SOMOS LATINOS

(Label: Independent, released 2013)

BY GERARDO CONTINO Y LOS HABANEROS

A REVIEW BY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

GEORGE VELEZ, JR. (of Grupo Arcano)

Original Article: http://www.vickisolasalsa.com/salsa-cd-reviews/


Gerardo Contino y Los Habaneros bring to us their latest release entitled, ‘Somos Latinos’. 


Before listening to this short album (only seven tracks), I could only image what to expect when looking at the credits for this album, besides Gerardo (ex-vocalist for NG La Banda). Among them we find Luisito Quintero, Roberto Quintero, John Benítez, Yaure Muñiz, Angel Subero, Hector ‘Papote’ Jiménez and Manolo Moriera.


The album starts off on the right-Timba-foot, with the track “Siempre Latino.”  This definitely, I felt, was a tone setter and as the rest of the tracks played, one thing became very evident:  The musical arrangements of pianist Axel Tosca Laugart are really exceptional, with very nice movement in the melodies, always creating the right mood for each song.  And the coros throughout all of the tracks are on the money.


The album though is not solely a display in Timba, though the foundation is ever present in some sense.  Gerardo displays his versatility by including a couple romantic styled tropical salsas and even a ballad, “Ni Un Ya No Estas.”


The production also ends with a great bang, returning to a fiery timba track, ”Se Preguntan,” in which the coro perfectly prepares the answer: “La gente se preguntan, que tiene Gerardito?” 


Well, what is it that Gerardito has? 


In his latest release, “Somos Latinos,” he has seven tracks of great arrangements, vocals, musicianship, quality and versatility, or what Los Habaneros call “Sentimiento con Sabrosura.” ◊◊◊

Gerardo Contino Y Los Habaneros