Cachao – Ahora Si! (2004)

Bassist Israel "Cachao" Lopez popularized mambo and the lively descargas jazz sessions. Actor/percussionist Andy Garcia brought him back into the spotlight with the popular Master Sessions recordings in the 1990s. This CD and DVD, recorded at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, marks Cachao's fourth collaboration with Garcia. The enduring bandleader's deep arco and pizzicato basslines form the foundation for a group of renowned musicians, featuring salsa trombonist Jimmy Bosch, timbalero Orestes Vilato, and tresguitarist Neslon Gonzalez. They perform Afro-Cuban rhythms spanning changui to rumba. "Mambo Cambio de Swing" connects Havana to Harlem, while "Guajira Clasica" blends Bartokian influences with the Cuban countryside. "Queja Africana/Protesta Abakua" features Justo Almario's saxophone, reminiscent of Coltrane, further highlighting the musician's diverse influences.