For their second album, Bambulaye, New York City’s Los Hacheros continue their infatuation with classic Caribbean rhythms like guajira, guaracha, and son montuno, played here with impeccable and robust perfection. Between the melancholic and impressive voice of Hector “Papote” Jimenez and the guitar work of Jacob Plasse, my two favorite elements of the entire recording, Los Hacheros get the right combination of musicianship, rhythm, and atmosphere to construct a solid album that rests between the legacy of Fania records and the Buena Vista Social Club catalog. ¡Cosa Buena!

RIYL: Jungle Fire, Orquesta el Macabeo, Cortijo y su Combo, Ibrahim Ferrer and Fania discography.

FCC CLEAN!
Recommended Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and 9

1. (7:05) **Bambulaye – Slow intro, then it’s absolute masacote! Last minute of the song is just a guitar solo. Great piece.
2. (4:23) *Píntate – Another upbeat stunner here. Vintage Cuban sounds forever.
3. (6:50) *** Esta Noche Corazón – Extraordinary rendition of the Benny Moré bolero classic. One of my favorite songs of the year so far.
4. (6:23) Justicia – Semi-political piece about police brutality in the tradition of early Willie Colon’s work. Current.
5. (5:48) Querida Madre – Tender piece of music dedicated to their moms. It has a lot of rhythmic changes towards the end.
6. (4:02) Bomba De Loisa – Upbeat and melodic track. Nostalgic sometimes.
7. (1:53) **Las Nieves De Brooklyn – Inspiring short instrumental track with the island on their minds. Tasteful.
8. (6:52) *Timbalaye – Upbeat son motuno tune with interesting lyrics.
9. (6:36) ** Descarga Para Abe – Another great piece of music here. The first minute and ½ is slow then the rhythm is gonna get you.