Eliades Ochoa – Guajiro (World Circuit Records, 2023)
Renowned Cuban musician and songwriter Eliades Ochoa released Guajiro in 2023 under the banner of World Circuit Records. The title, which translates to “country man” in Spanish, serves as a window into Ochoa’s roots in rural Cuba. Throughout the album, Ochoa’s mastery of the guitar takes center stage, accompanied by delicate percussion and occasional flourishes of brass and vocal harmonies. Despite his age at the time of the recording, 76 years, Ochoa’s lovely lead vocals brim with vitality and fervor, while his guitar work remains both melodious and daring.
The album is further enriched by the contributions of special guests such as Joan Wasser, Rubén Blades, and Charlie Musselwhite, as well as a mix of highly talented Cuban and Spanish musicians. They all add their unique flavors to Eliades Ochoa’s tantalizing Cuban music.
Standout tracks include ”Vamos a alegrar el mundo” (Let’s brighten the world), an exuberant opener featuring the talents of American bluesman Charlie Musselwhite on guitar and Spanish jazz bassist Javier Colina. “Soy Guajiro” (I am a guajiro), an infectious son cubano written by the influential Cuban songwriter Senén Suárez, presents lively female backing vocals alongside Ochoa’s own spirited performance on the tres guitar.
“Creo en la naturaleza” (I believe in nature), a poignant bolero, addresses climate change; it features American singer Joan As Police Woman (Joan Wasser). Meanwhile, “Pajarito voló” (the bird flew away), introduces Panamanian vocalist and salsa star Rubén Blades, who delivers a stellar performance.
Other highlights include “Ando Buscando Una Novia” (I’m looking for a girlfriend) that infuses Dominican merengue influences. The album gracefully concludes with “Se Soltó Un León” (A lion was released), combining Cuban rhythms with Puerto Rican plena; and “Los ejes de mi carreta” (The axles of my cart), a perfect finale spotlighting Javier Colina’s virtuosity on the double bass.
Musicians: Eliades Ochoa – vocals, tres, backing vocals, guitars; Demetrio Muñíz – producer, backing vocals; Amir Haddad – guitars, bouzouki; Raony Sánchez Rosaez – trumpet; Javier Colina – bass; Santiago F. Jiménez – bass; José Ángel Martínez Nieves – bass; Ángel Herrera – bongó, tumbadora, güiro, bell, maracas, backing vocals; Katia Marquez Rodríguez, Eglis Ochoa Hidalgo, Ángel Luis Aguiar Muñoz, Debra Feliu Munilla and Galina Leyva Cabrera – backing vocals; Roque Martínez – alto saxophone, backing vocals; and Charlie Musselwhite – güiro, guitar, harmonica.
Buy Guajiro.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
