KIKI VALERA

VACILÓN SANTIAGUERO

Circle 9 Music

Kiki Valera, cuatro Cubano/guitar/bass/clave/maracas/coros; Pedro Vargas, congas/bongos/coros; Steve Guasch, coros; Carlos Cascante, Joshuah de Jesus, Raquel Zozaya & Francisco ‘Coco’ Freeman, lead vocals. SPECIAL GUESTS: Alexis Baro, Michael Rodriguez, Jonathan Powell, Pete Nater, Dennis Hernandez, Brian Lynch, Thomas Marriott, Leon Q Allen & Steve Mostovoy, trumpets.

Kiki Valera has a small band with a big, joyful sound.  They open his recent release with a tune called “Este Vacilón.”  This is boisterous, jubilant music.  As seen on the accompanying videos, people are inspired to dance.  Carlos Cascante has a strong, confident voice that matches the energy and excitement of the Valera band. ”El Aji de Cocina” reflects the same intensity as their opening tune. This time, Francisco ‘Coco” Freeman performs the emotional lead vocals with gusto.  Once again, the music inspires hips to swivel and feet to move.

Kiki Valera is steeped in musical history, strong as Cuban coffee and just as delicious.   He has spent many distinguished years as director of La Familia Valera Miranda in Santiago de Cuba.  This is a century-old group and one of the most important purveyors of the Son Cubano. This album is his second US solo release.

On track #3, “Sobre una Tumba una Rumba” they slow the tempo, but the rhythms still encourage fingers to snap and feet to tap.  Track #7 is a surprising tribute to “Mari-Juana.”   Much the way R&B icon, Rick James sang about Mary Jane.

This is an album full of spice and the celebration of life.   You don’t have to understand the Spanish lyrics to enjoy the spirit wrapped up in the music of Kiki Valera. I’m glad to hear him share his infectious music, crossing borders with high energy and elation.  Kiki Valera and his band offer music that elevates the spirit and puts a smile on your face.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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