Fusing a variety of Latin rhythms into a potent, down-to-earth style, Los Van Van has been packing dance floors for over 30 years and shows no sign of slowing down. A Cuban institution, this wild, 15 member band is not only the most successful Latin group to arrive on the world stage from Cuba (at least, before Buena Vista Social Club came along), Los Van Van is undeniably the most danceable. They bring their infectious beats and spicy Spanish lyrics to Japan for a two-week tour starting Wednesday.
Though Cuban products were outlawed and subject to confiscation in what could have been one if its biggest markets -- the United States -- Los Van Van's CDs were one of the first Cuban exports to be licensed, packaged and sold legally there. Plenty of their recordings were smuggled in, though, before then, and they became instantly popular throughout Europe and other parts of the world by touring long before many Cuban groups could exit the country.
The impulse was not just economic; the band plays with an intensity and dedication that demands to be heard. Though salsa remains at its core, Los Van Van was one of the first bands to mix in timba, son, songo, charanga and large doses of jazz to its sound. The ensemble's combination of sharp violin, pumping horns, suggestive vocals, and nimble percussion is deeply traditional in its arrangements, but progressive in its playing: long-time leader Juan Formell's constant innovations just keep people dancing all the more. And their technical complexity and masterful approach never gets in the way of a good time. The band can really connect to a crowd -- and there surely will be large ones hjere -- with an easy rapport and ready-to-play attitude. One of the world's great bands, the legendary Los Van Van should not be missed.