Cuban flutist and bandleader Orlando Valle ‘Maraca' delivers 'Lo que Quiero es Fiesta', a high-energy album of dance music grounded on tradition but influenced by current trends. The concept behind the album is to revitalize the sound of his band, to mix street life with some innovations in the fusion of rhythms and references to jazz and other international styles.
After a few years away from the studio and extensive touring around the world, Cuban flutist and bandleader Orlando Valle 'Maraca' delivers “Lo que Quiero es Fiesta”, a high-energy album of dance music grounded on tradition but influenced by current trends. The theme behind the album, says Maraca, is to revitalize the sound of his band. “But in essence, the songs have to do with street life, with some innovations in the fusion of rhythms and references to jazz and other international styles”.
Maraca's new record features an array of talented young musicians who infuse the songs with a vital energy and a rich sound. The album showcases the talents of Jose-Miguel Melendez and Lester Hojas who equally share the microphone with their soulful voices. The album's special guests include vocalists Ammiel Castellanos and Pedro Lugo “El Nene”. Maraca says all four vocalists are very different. “They complement each other creating a unity of style that's very rich and reinforced by young musicians who contribute to the sound with a collective approach. It's important to note the work of trumpeter/trombonist Luis Valle, my brother who lives in Japan, and is considered by many one of the best trumpeters in that country”.
“Lo que quiero es Fiesta” is an album rich with Cuban musical styles, including guajira, descarga, timba, son and rumba, but as Maraca passionately points out, this recording also shows that his music is always evolving. “I cannot be static, sometimes it's necessary to change musicians to explore new sounds and fresh ideas”.
Maraca dedicates the album and the composition titled “Guaguanco” to one of the pillars of Cuban music, the master percussionist Tata Güines, who passed away earlier in the year. “Tata was like a father figure to me. Besides having a deep friendship with him, he always helped me open the doors of Cuban music with his teachings. That's why we offer our modest but sincere tribute to him, who from the congas, helped me to change the concept of music, the flute, friendship and life”.
This recording is a milestone for both Ahi Nama Music and Maraca as they celebrate the release of the fifth album for the label and a 10 year relationship which began in the Summer of 1998. The record was produced by Maraca and Celine Chauveau and mixed by the legendary engineer of the Fania All Stars, Jon Fausty.
