Ever the pioneer, Gilles Peterson brings back from Cuba a set of brand new recordings and a collection of new Cuban talent in Latin and hip hop in particular. The collection, CD2, is a vibrant picture of Cuban music today and features some pretty intense stuff from Kumar, Wichy De Vedado & Tony Rodriguez and Danay. The new recordings, produced by Peterson himself, feature Vince Vella and Roberto Fonseca, who directed a host of undiscovered street musicians in the recording in Havana. The results could hardly be more authentic and fizz with atmosphere. To pick out two highlights, the frantic piano improvisation through ‘La Revolucion Del Cuerpo’ and the poppier edge that suddenly dresses ‘Think Twice’ are well worth returning to, but in all honesty this whole production works very instinctively, like a modern day Buena Vista Social Club.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Ben Hogwood
