Perhaps not typical of the average sonero, Cuban singer Issac Delgado has a gentle sounding voice that resonates with elegance and grace amidst some infectious salsa rhythms--more commonly known as salsa romantica. And while many consider "salsa romantica" watered down as opposed to some of the more traditional harder salsa from El Gran Combo, Oscar D'Leon and Celia Cruz, Delgado's music offers a more contemporary sound on his CD titled "La Formula."

The first track "Nadie Me Quiere Bailar" starts with pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba laying down a rhythm accompanied by a funky cha cha beat. Next, the smooth salsa sound is hear on "O Estas Loca" followed by "Amor Sin Etica." "El Solar De La California" has a harder edge and is a narrative description of a section of the city of Havana with some tinges of the hit song of the Eagles "Hotel California." Adding a Jazzy flute on the intro, "Quando" has a gentle melody as Delgado sings the lyrics in Italian. The session continues with the title track "La Formula" spinning a tasty web of salsa grooves. Other tunes like "Caricias, "A Ti Todo" and "Te Perdono" continue following the romantic salsa trend talking about love and romance.

Delgado is a lyrical singer that drives much inspiration with the resonance of his voice. His style is based on simply articulation and precision hovering within a medium range rather than the traditional high pitch percussive vocals. All the musical arrangements are exquisitely orchestrated with refined taste for the genre. Renowned pianist Rubalcaba adds some inventive grooves and demonstrate his fine arranging skills--truly one of the most prolific all around musicians of the contemporary Latin music scene. For those that enjoy smooth salsa beats with a tinge of Latin Jazz here and there, this CD will undoubtedly satisfy.

review by John Davis
JDavis@latnjazzclub.com
Contributing writer
LatinJazzClub Magazine

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