Jose Luis Quintana Fuerte, more commonly known as Changuito (a name that comes from Chango, the thunder god of the Yoruban religion), has done more to influence the Latin percussion world and the role of the timbales and drum set in that world than nearly any other artist in the last century. His groundbreaking work with Cuban dance band Los Van Van defined an entire era of Cuban music. Changuito, being a talented instructor as well as performer, has also taught some of the next generation's finest percussionists, including conga master Giovanni Hidalgo. Changuito's debut solo record is, however, not what one might expect. The self-titled record, a collaboration with electronica trendsetter Tony Thorpe, is a mysterious, jungle-like sonic landscape that draws as much on Thorpe's "sounds from the beyond" as Changuito's ripping conga technique. Cuban music purists may be disappointed or irritated that Changuito's first shot at filling a whole disc with his brilliance is not a string of timbale solos and diesel-powered Latin jazz. However, Changuito's choice to experiment with urban and electronic sounds proves him to be a master musician, not a master technician. Every one of the ten tracks explores a different avenue, a new conversation between rhumbero and hip-hopper, between Changuito's Havana and Thorpe's London. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, Rovi

1		Syncopation
2		Pasado y el Presente
3		Timba Laye
4		Chucho y Lo
5		Agarrame Si Puedes [Vocal
6		Baba le Baba
7		Agarrame Si Puedes [Instrumental
8		A Ma Pancho

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