Gig review: Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club

Published on Thursday 29 October 2009 17:59

ORQUESTA BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB **** USHER HALL, EDINBURGH

ANY doubts about whether Cuba's Buena Vista Social Club should continue to tour after the core veterans have passed away were dispelled by this tremendous two-hour concert.

Musical director Jess "Aguaje" Ramos has introduced new pieces and refreshed classics to their repertoire. Singer Idania Valds remains the female focal point, her voice and that of Carlos Calunga harmonised wonderfully over thrilling percussion. Barbarito Torres, one of the few string lad players alive, offered feisty fingerwork and dazzling solos. He later brought country style timbres to a beautiful version of El Carretero. Trumpeter "Guajira" Mirabal was on golden form, leading a brass section who were formation dancing in inimitable style.

The real fireworks of the evening were launched from the piano by Robertico Luna who, together with bassist Pedro Pablo and saxophonist Ral Macianceno, brought an intense contemporary jazz sensibility to the whole.