LOS JOVENES DEL BARRIO
Es Diferente (Shanachie)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Led by percussionist Johnny Almendra, a protege of Mongo Santamaria, Los Jovenes Del Barrio is a New York based charanga band that offers a sound rooted in the charanga tradition, but fully contemporary in its sound.

Mixing mambo, son, cha cha and rumba beats with just a bit of the blues, this is a dancer's delight, but if you find those salsa steps a bit intimidating, it's also a joy just to listen to. The band features a trio of lead vocalists, Marco Bermudez, Maggie Ramos and Jillian (yeah, just Jillian) who each add an individual spice to the sauce.

This is an Afro-Cuban carnival on a disc, with a tropical breeze to cool you off. Never too much cooling, though. Los Jovenes are always cooking.

Track List:

Artemisa To New York * Quisiera Ver * Casas Del Amor * Nuestro Tiempo De Amor * El Querendon * Blue You * Es Diferente * Quasi Danzon * Lo Que Te Gusta * Aragon Medley * El Finalito

© 2000 - Shaun Dale