Que cosas tiene la vida

Cesar "Pupy" Pedroso - Los Que Son Son

Review by Julian Mejia

At the time I heard Pupy was starting a new band, two things came to my mind:
1. What will happen with Van Van?
2. This group will smoke.

His first work was as I expected from someone who has been doing the best Cuban music in the last 30 years. Actually, I kind of felt like it was too similar to Van Van on their previously released "Llegó Van Van", especially with the voice of Tirso Duarte sounding so much like Mayito's. But now that statement is no longer valid, Los que son son sound just like Los Que Son Son. Changüi - Songo - Son - Pilón all together to the highest exponent.

Let me go song by song:

1 :: Que Cosas Tiene la Vida

The CD starts with a re-recorded tune from his first album :Los Que Son Son". This time, one minute longer than the original. Its powerful beginning invites averybody to start dancing.
"Si tu no bailas con esto,
tu no bailas con na'".

The tune starts with a sticky chorus, strong bass to keep you moving, violins responding to the vocals, and the "tumbao" on the piano. Then a whole explosion of brass takes place. Trombones and Trumpets take the first half to its climax. Then just when you think it's at its highest peak, the "soneo" begins and the tune gets starts on fire.

:: lead singer: Armando "Mandy" Cantero

2 :: Mi vecino se mudo

Also recorded on the previous Pupy's CD (Los Que Son Son). This time, even more appealing for the dancer.

Rafael Paseiro on the babe-bass, Andrés Ordoñez "Paisa" and Sergio R. Luna on Trombone keep the groove going, they smoke on this number.

:: lead singer: Armando "Mandy" Cantero

3 :: El gato amaga y no araña,

Here Pupy and his piano take this tune to another level. Tirso Duarte on the soneo part realy shows off what he knows. The chorus on the Timba section make this tune stand up. My objection is the fade-out ending.

Keep in minde that Tirso Duarte use to play with La Charanga Habanera. Yes you are reading correct, play with DAvid Calzado, no sing. He used to play Piano and now he is singing.

"No Hay duda,
No hay duda,
No hay duda,
No hay miedo,
Nosotros somos de Cuba..."

:: lead singer: Tirso Duarte

4 :: Mamita portate bien.

Here again, a Songo number where the vocals of "Pepito" Gomez and "Mandy" Cantero stands out

:: lead singer: Armando "Mandy" Cantero

5 :: La Bomba soy yo.

Originally recorded by Van Van with Mayito on the lead vocals. I still think this number is made to fit Mayito, but here Tirso Duarte pushes the envelope. His voice is outstanding.

Pupy does a solo here that shows that at the end of the day, "the real bomba" is "El Maestro de la clave" Pupy. An Shut-up!!!

:: lead singer: Tirso Duarte

6 :: Ay Papá

A new tune, and it's Songo!!!

The work on the bass is excellent. At minute 3, the timba hits hard, and bass, tumbadoras, drums and chorus contrast with the tumbao on the piano and violins.

:: lead singer: Jose "Pepito" Gomez

7 :: El pregonero

On this tune Changuito on pailas, El Toro on tumbadora, Rene Suarez on
Timbale and Bombón on drums smoke.

:: Lead singer: Armando "Mandy" Cantero

8 :: Juégala

This tune, my favorite of the whole CD, was written by Pupy in honor of his "puro" (father) "Nené" and all the real Cuban Soneros.

At minute 4 this tune catches on fire again.

:: lead singer: Jose "Pepito" Gomez

9 :: Te Molesta que sea Feliz

This time 2 minutes longer than the previously recorded, on (Los Que Son Son) and with a faster beat.

Goes over the edge on the chorus. At about minute two, Tirso Duarte really shows off on the chorus and "rapeo". The way he manages his voice on the high tones is great.

:: lead singer: Tirso Duarte

10 :: Hoy se Cumplen Seis Semanas

Juan Carlos Borrero "Chocolate" smokes here with his trumpet. Ñoo, acabando.

This tune ends with ritmo pilon.

:: lead singer: Jose "Pepito" Gomez

This is definitely a MUST HAVE CD.

Other CD by this group