Nadie Se Parece a Ti

Album Review

While Klimax has made a name for themselves in the timba world, the musica tipica coming from the street level of today's Cuba, their take on the style is anything but typical. Lead by drummer/percussionist Giraldo Piloto, who has filled the drum seat at Havana's famed Tropicana Club, as well as with artists like NG la Banda and Issac Delgado, this group has its sights clearly set on a wider audience than timba loyalists. With greater stylistic variety than other outfits in the genre, like Bamboleo and Charanga Habanera, Nadie Se Parece a Ti features reggae, bolero, R&B, and straight-ahead salsa tracks, all with a healthy dash of Cuban funk. The production style of Piloto is generally much more sophisticated than that of his peers. Each track offers not only a different stylistic approach, but a new tonal color, often thanks to creative use of both acoustic instrumentation and electronic elements. Though not much of a vocal contender, the arrangements and writing put this record among the finest to come off the island in years. The pedigree of leadership, surprising diversity of flavor, and general musicianship make Nadie Se Parece a Ti a very accessible and a sure cross-cultural success. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, Rovi