Cesar "Pupy" Pedroso's fiery style of Cuban music blends dance-floor energy and musical intelligence. Taking off from where the popular Los Van Van (with whom Pedroso played keyboards for years) left off, Pedroso has started out on his own, if you can call a man accompanied by a wild 15-piece band as being "on his own." Like Los Van Van, who toured the world in the 80s and 90s, Pedroso is equally intent on spreading the gospel of Cuban son, songa, salsa and timba with his latest "Mi Timba 'Cerra' ."
With his band Pupy y Los Que Son Son, Pedroso's experienced leadership shows in the way he transcends styles. Timba, one of Cuba's most energetic rhythmic styles, is just the framework here. What really pleases is what goes on inside -- combustion. His band sets hard-core grooves, then loads on earthy singing, explosive percussion and a tough backbone of bass. It's as if Pedroso took the already vibrant parts of Los Van Van and pumped them up to bursting point.
Pedroso also keeps things balanced. His music is both raw and sophisticated, modern and traditional. The rock-style drum kit is sharpened by timbales, just as the keyboard harmonies are whetted by violins and horns. The intricate arrangements never slow the fluid human rhythms, though. This CD explodes at every turn. If you buy only one Cuban CD this year, "Mi Timba 'Cerra' " is the one. Then, get his others.
