Vocal Sampling

January 11 - 18, 1 9 9 6

**1/2 Vocal Sampling

UNA FORMA MÁS

(Sire)

This Cuban vocal sextet needs no instrumental support since it's constantly imitating all the instruments of a salsa band. If that doesn't put you off, chances are you'll enjoy the novelty, humor, and sheer nerve of the singers on this upbeat album -- think of a Latin version of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the early Mills Brothers, or the Nylons (whom they most closely resemble). Still, there's much to be said for actual percussionists interacting with vocalists in Cuban music. Even the slickest and most clever vocalese can never capture the deep throb of a conga drum, though this comes close.

-- Norman Weinstein