Heritage

As a youth in Havana, singer/composer/multi-instrumentalist Angel D'Cuba (born Angel Luis Badell) was already exploring music from the rest of the world at the same time that he was absorbing and sharing his own rich heritage. He even got into breakdancing as a teenager. His early career on the island included work with several bands including the group formerly led by the late, great Emiliano Salvador, but by his own account, his time as lead singer with the supergroup Mezcla, which performed a broad spectrum of world music, soul, rock and jazz in addition to the more traditional Cuban styles, was the experience that probably had the strongest influence on his future approach to music. Coming to Chicago (an unusual choice at the time for a Cuban performer, but Angel tells me that it was all about love) meant leaving an established, reasonably secure career to pay a new set of dues all over again, but he persisted while developing a following and attracting some of the city's finest talent to his ensemble. Still, in spite of having a star's voice, outstanding original compositions and an elite band, he remained relatively unknown in much of the United States outside of Chicago. That is, until now. Heritage, which features Angel's own compositions and arrangements in an expanded ensemble setting, finally gives him a long-overdue proper introduction to the world at large, showcasing his wide musical range, while still honoring his roots. This project has a Cuban heart, as you'll hear in Muchacha de Escuela (a tasty Songo), and Can't Hide Love (a Funk-Mozambique fusion guaranteed to make you move), and it also features a much wider range of genres including Vallenato-style Cumbia, Samba, Calypso, even some Reggaeton, which is all done con alma y sabor. World, meet Angel D'Cuba, and enjoy. --Bill Tilford, Timba.com Personnel: Angel D'Cuba Vocals & Percussion James Cornolo Guitar & Tres Cubano Brett Benteler Bass Jean-Christophe Leroy Drums & Percussion Osbaldo (Ogie) Merced Congas Edwin Sanchez Keyboards Darwin Noguera Keyboards Victor Garcia Trumpet, Flugelhorn and Valve Trombone Steve Eisen Flute; Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophones Diana Mosquera Background Vocals Heitor Garcia Percussion Diego Mosquera Percussion Octavio Rodriguez Bat Drums Nestor Rodriguez Tenor Saxophone Johnny Rodriguez Trombone Children of the YOURS Project Chicago Reach Orchestra Background Vocals.