Vacilón Santiaguero
Circle 9, 2024
8/10
The multi-instrumentalist Kiki Valera brings his worldly jazz flavor to this 2nd US solo release, where a large cast accompanies him across 12 lively tracks.
The bright and animated “Este Vacilón” starts with Alexis Baró’s glowing trumpet adding much color to Carlos Castante’s flowing voice, and “El Ají De Cocina” follows with Francisco ‘Coco’ Freeman’s expressive pipes guiding the rhythmic interplay.
Further along, “El Penquito e’ Coleto” welcomes Pete Nater and Dennis Hernandez’s precise trumpets via the festive climate, while “Mari-Juana” showcases Pedro Vargas’ meticulous congas and Steve Guasch’s coros prowess.
Close to the end, “Pájaro Lindo” allows for Brian Lynth and Thomas Marriott’s contributions on trumpet to illuminate the dynamic album highlight, and “El Cuarto de Tula” exits with Valera’s many talents present for the rhythmic and cultured finish.
Valera handles cuatro cubano, guitar, bass, clave, maracas and coros splendidly, as the songs unfold with plenty of Cuban spirit and timeless jazz qualities that you can’t not enjoy.
Travels well with: Randy Weinstein- Harmonimonk; Jake Hertzog- Longing To Meet You