Nashville Scene,
CD Review
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Tito Gonzalez got a late start as a musician, making his professional debut at 40. He also got a boost from a government agency in Cuba who helped him advance through the ranks as he developed a distinctive approach on the three-stringed tres. Though he now lives in California, Gonzalez and his 12-member band, plus special guests pianist Angel Labori and vocalist Felix Del Pilar, recorded this first-rate collection spotlighting son, the vintage Cuban form, in Havana. Gonzalez wrote all the lyrics and music, while band director Jose Dume Monterro crafted precise and explosive arrangements. The disc primarily features driving, upbeat tunes, but there are also a few sentimental change-of-pace pieces that demonstrate Gonzalez's versatility as a singer. These also give his excellent tres' fills and accompaniment more exposure. The music doesn't sound radically different from that made by Cuban groups of past eras, but Tito Gonzalez's current band plays their variations on it with edge and elegance. 03/05/10
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