In this latest release he pulls out ALL the stops, and it’s an album you’re going to want to keep in your car, in your phone, your house…wherever you go. The first selection “Quién te ha dicho” transports you to a dance floor where your feet just take over and you are no longer in control of your own body. The string accompaniment really takes you back in time as well giving the piece a warm feeling of nostalgia. And when I said earlier he pulled out all the stops I wasn’t lying…. A wonderful video made by the dance group from Valencia, Spain, Con Sabor y Sentimiento provides some beautiful imagery as the dance to this opening selection! The title track “Golpe Duro” showcases the great writing of Rivero as well as mastery of the congos! It’s an emphatic statement that puts the world that “Pequeño Johnny” is taking things to the next level! Almonte’s “Chinita Monda” is a wonderfully lighthearted cha-cha that just makes you smile and uplifts your spirit. The great Eddie Palmieri makes a special appearance on the album performing his classical number “Mi Corazón te llama” which is a number that Rivero fell in love with as a youth before playing with the maestro. In all these selections, not only is the music itself impeccable, but the lyrics speak to you and are always telling a story. “Listo Pa La Pelea” is another great gem on this record. Translated as “Ready for the fight,” it again is another calling card to the world that Little Johnny is moving onto bigger things, and it’s well deserved for an artist of his caliber. Another collaborator of Rivero’s, Zaccai Curtis writes the beautiful “Sombra de Lluvia” where the strings make another appearance, which perfectly fits the title and mood of this selection. The final selection “Pide Que Hay Z93” is the perfect encore for this amazing project. The energy is earth-shattering as the band doesn’t waste any time coming out the door. Rivero takes one last solo that shows the years of experience he has as his taste is absolutely exquisite. He led his cartel (as he affectionately loves to call his band) flawlessly and the result is nothing short of breathtaking.
It truly was a privilege to listen to this album. It took me forever to write this review as I would often get sidetracked and start air playing instruments or pretending like I knew how to dance, but I guess that’s a testament to how hypnotic this music is! It will make you want to dance and move even though you know you can’t dance! I laugh while writing this, but all jokes aside, many thanks to Johnny for this incredible album and I wish him all the best with the success to come!
Don’t forget to check out his recent Occhi interview with Darryl Yokley!
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