Héctor Valentín – Me Quité (Tumi Music, 2021)
Me Quité is the new album from captivating Cuban singer Héctor Valentín Larrondo Ricardo, better known as Héctor Valentín. Although Valentin’s name may not sound familiar as a solo artist, he is a well known and respected vocalist in Cuba. He was the lead vocalist for some of Cuba’s finest ensembles during the late 20th century such as Orquesta Revé and Adalberto Álvarez y su Son.
This superb recording was produced by famed Cuban musician, composer and bandleader Manolito Simonet (Manolito y su trabuco). Me Quité is proof that Cuban dace music is alive and well. Hector Valentin and a fantastic lineup of top Cuban musicians from some of the best ensembles deliver an irresistible set of Cuban styles such as son cubano, Afro-Cuban rumba, timba and boleros; plus one Dominican bachata song.
The lineup includes Héctor Valentín on lead vocals; Ricardo Amaray on lead vocals; Adalberto Álvarez, Rubén Rodriguez, Gabriel Rodriguez and David Bencomo on backing vocals; Manolito Simonet on piano and keyboards; Roger Rizo on piano; Ernesto Leandro Sánchez on bass; Evelio Delfín on tumbadoras (congas), Héctor Randy Olmos on timbal and drums; Jorge Luis Guerra on güiro and maracas; Carlos Frank Iraola on trumpet; Eulises Benavides and Osley Antonio Patridge on trombone; Carolina Rodriguez de Armas on cello; Ana Karla Sarmiento on viola; Jelyem Baso and Amanda Michelle on violin; Dorgelis Álvarez on piano; Lino Lores on guitar; Adonis Panter on cajón, chéquere (shekere); quinto and tres; and Bárbaro Crespo “Machito” on tumbadora (conga).
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.