¡Dime Nagüe!

Album Review

Born of a collaboration between Cuban vocalist Pascual Mates Aquirre and Stockholm guitarist/tresero Jan Bogdan, the Soneros All Stars have created a sound both folkloric and modern, consisting of a mix of soncubano, timba, and changui. Hailing from the Guantánamo region, Aguirre's home territory, the changui style is the predecessor of the incredibly popular son montuno style, and gains its distinctive flavor from the tres, Bogdan's chosen instrument. Aguirre, more commonly called el Sinsonante, has made a name for himself worldwide as a master of changui, both for his style and repertoire. After meeting in Stockholm in 2003, Bogdan and el Sinsonante decided to combine their significant gifts. A mere two years later, ¡Dime Nagüe! was produced as the project's first fruits. Recorded in Havana with all-star musicians from such luminary groups as ¡Cubanismo!, Sierra Maestra, los Van Van, and Buena Vista Social Club, the musicianship throughout the record is remarkable. With a sound both rustic and modern, both rural and urban, ¡Dime Nagüe! bears the mark of greatness. Excellent production and arrangements combined with the very unique quality of the leadership make the Soneros All Stars' debut among the strongest of the year. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, Rovi