VICTORIA CARDONA

QUE PASÓ

Leggero Records

The Victoria Cardona Ensemble:  Victoria Cardona, vocals/lead & rhythm guitar/bass/drums/  percussion/piano/organ/steel drums/composer; Tim Goodman, guitar/mandolin/marimba/organ /synthesizer/ background vocals; Jimmy Haslip, electric bass; Bill Payne, piano/organ; Jimmy Branley, drums/background vocals; Rene Camacho, baby bass; Francisco Torres, trombone/ background vocals; Justo Almario, flute/saxophone/clarinet/background vocals; Kevin Ricard, percussion; San Miguel Perez, Cuban tres guitar; Bill Bergman, saxophone; Nick Lane, trombone; Darby Patterson, background vocals.

Victoria Cardona is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter.  From the very first strains of “Que Pasó En La Habana” I was intoxicated by her exotic music and warm vocals. Cardona grew up in a traditional Cuban household.  Music was in her DNA. At first, she was drawn to the music of Celia Cruz and Gloria Estefan. The talented young lady started by studying jazz guitar in Florida and later in Minnesota.  She developed a live-looping-One-Woman-Band project. Before she could blink, the ‘road’ called. Victoria Cardona found herself playing clubs and concerts in the Southeast United States and then touring across Europe. She wrote songs about her heritage, her family, her love lives.

This opening song explores the struggles faced by the Cuban people when they were under communist rule.  It describes the hardships, food shortages and struggles of her culture, with emphasis on their resilience. The background vocals are rich, tight harmonies.

Cardona has a recognizable vocal sound that is warm and convincing. She is clearly a stylist, not only vocally but with her songwriter style.  On a tune she titled “Ghost” she reflects on the haunting sense that a loved-one’s spirit came to her in a vision.

“George From heaven” is a quirky lyric that unravels the story of a Cadillac driver who pulls up on a pretty female and offers her a ride.  It reminds me quite a bit of the Paul Simon style.  The band sounds very South African on this arrangement. This sounds like a hit record to my ears and the rhythms are infectious.

Cardona’s music covers personal songs about her family’s escape from communist Cuba and her grandparent’s resistance to government control. Some songs she sings in Spanish, like “Me Voy Pa La Playa (I’m Going to the Beach)” where her story features Caribbean rhythms and a lyric that celebrates leaving the ‘grind’ behind and enjoying an escape to the ocean’s edge. Jimmy Haslip lays down a bass groove that locks hands with the intoxicating drum rhythms.

Victoria Cardona is very percussive throughout this production. On a tune called “Rhodes Royale” she plays steel drums and percussion instruments. Rene Camacho adds the baby bass to the arrangement and the legendary Justo Almario adds saxophone and clarinet to the mix, as Victoria sings, “I struck it rich in Rhodes Royale, but the boys don’t want to pay.”

This is Victoria Cardona’s premier album release. It’s bound to launch her talents to a wider audience, both in the States and internationally.  I could not keep still while listening.  The grooves, the lyrics, the rhythms, her voice, and memorable melodies encourage dancing.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

 

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Order the New Book From Making a Scene

Breaking Chains – Navigating the Decentralized Music Industry

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.

Get your Limited Edition Signed and Numbered (Only 50 copies Available)  Free Shipping Included