MAYITO RIVERA - Alma De Sonero (Connector 59916), Released 2013
The former lead singer of Cuba`s venerable Los Van Van is back with the acclaimed Soneros de Verdad orchestra (led by Luis Frank Arias) and a suite of ten lush son, bolero, guaguanco and changüi tracks that cast a new light on the singer who made his career in the timba/songo spotlight. All of the tracks were penned by Rivera, who also handled the arrangements. There`s a lot of Cuban sabor packed into these tracks which include "Rio Seco," "Oye Mi Quinto," "Sin Diana No Hay Guaguanco" and even one entitled "Son Pa` Shakira," a son tribute the pop queen. The album features guest tresero San Miguel Perez and trumpeter Alexander Abreu who contributes a solo on the lovely balada "Lorena Mia."