Que Felicidad

Que Felicidad
Unlike the international trend to a "neo-traditional" salsa style, the musicians in Cuba developed their music into a completely different direction. They came out with a fresher sound, more complex rhythm and harmony and they called it "timba". José Luís Cortés (bandleader of NG La Banda) who has worked with Picason in the early nineties is considered to be the father of the new style. Timba uses all kinds of musical influences. The funky seventies (Kool & the Gang, Earth Wind & ire, etc.) play their parts together with Hip-Hop and Rap. Compared to traditional salsa, the timba groove is heavier and even more syncopated. There’s more space for the rhythm section to improvise, bass and piano play their poly-rhythmical "tumbaos“ with much more power. The horn-riffs have become sharper and the lyrics cheekier.

< Picason has put the finishing touches to Orlando Valle’s wonderful compositions by adding the latest spices from the Cuban timba-kitchen. There’s also a "special red hot pepper“ with the group now: Ernesto Manuitt. Ernesto is known as a lead singer of one of the top Cuban timba bands, "Klimax". Now living in Europe, Ernesto is the youngest member of Picason and one good reason for the authenticity, the high quality, and the refreshing energy of the actual Picason albums 'Timba' and 'Que Felicidad'.

'Que Felicidad' marks the 20th anniversary of Picason.