Great new music from John Santos and the Coro Folklorico Kindembo

I have been listening to great new music this past month. Among the gems on my current playlist is “La Esperanza”, the latest cd from John Santos Y Su Coro Folklorico Kindembo. This fine recording showcases exceptional Afro-Cuban folklore, son and plena augmented with guest appearances by Jimmy Bosch, Lazaro Gallaraga, Jose Clausell, Little Johnny Rivero, Anthony Carillo, Roberto Borrell, Jesus Diaz, Fito Reinoso and others. Santos and Kindembo pay tribute to some of the masters and ancestors that have influenced them with dedications to Francisco Aquabella, Papin, Tito Puente, Julito Collazo, Victor Pantoja, Merceditas Valdes and other greats. La Esperanza is full of solid renditions of original music ranging from son and plena to traditional rumbas. The performances by Santos and the impressive Kindembo ensemble are rich, powerful and inspired. The recording features noted rumberos such as Sandy Perez, Harold Muniz and Javier Navarette. Strong vocal work from singers Willie Ludwig and Orlando Torriente (who shines on “Para Ser Un Buen Sonero”) who are associated with Kindembo from various eras. The strong coro features Ismael Rodriguez, Reynalda Nunez, Jose Luis Gomez and Beatrice Muniz. This music is a homage to the roots of modern popular Caribbean based music such as Latin Jazz, Salsa, Timba and many others. Well worth checking out!!