Ahi na’ ma (Independent)

From the first bars of Ahi na’ ma, the musicians of Puro Son let us know they’re a force to be reckoned with in Latin music. The title track of their debut release is a classic Cuban son number—uptempo with swinging vocals, propulsive congas, rock-solid bass, and exultant trumpet. The arrangements are super-tight, the brief solos from horn-blower Miguelito Valdes soar sweet and free, and the song—a paean to Cuba—is an original from the pen of bassist Arianne Charon. Puro Son is the real Cuban deal.

Valdes and his wife, keyboard player Cynthia Rodriguez, have had a powerful impact on the Latin scene in Vancouver since moving here from Havana two years ago, and this album shows why. The musical quality is excellent throughout. Lead singer Zahili Gonzalez has a sultry and elastic voice, while on “Mala Cabeza”, Valdes steps up to the microphone and belts out the guaracha-son number with panache. The range of rhythms stretches from frenetic merengue to romantic bachata, with six of the songs coming from Charon, clearly one of the strongest composers in Canada, Cuban or otherwise. If Ahi na’ ma isn’t bound for a Juno nomination, I’ll eat my white Kangol cap.

Puro Son plays CBC’s Studio One on Friday (June 20).