RAUL GOMEZ - RAUL GOMEZ

Released: 31/05/2024

Presenting a unique blend of orchestral disco and jazz-funk , with Afro-Cuban
favours and soundtrack influences , it's rich with drum breaks, energy and
evolving compositions. A record that forever keeps you guessing, powered by an
exemplary orchestra at the top of their game.
 
Cuban composer and singer Raul Gomez is most known for featuring in the
groups Mirtha Y Raul and Los Bucaneros alongside producing the Cuban classic
Los Reyes 73 album, amongst a whole host of other incredible productions over
the years. Released on Cuba's state-owned label Areito, Instrumental sees Gomez
not only as an instrumentalist and author, but also as a producer and arranger.
 
It's an album that deftly evades pigeonholing. Floating between instrumental
mood music and library/soundtrack mastery, followed by explosions of cosmic
Latin funk, psych guitar workouts and compositions that reflect the orchestrated
disco coming out of the US at the time, from greats such as Love Unlimited or
MFSB. Lace that together with a healthy serving of Afro-Cuban magic to underpin
the tracks and it's a recipe for a record that captivates from start to finish.
 
Predominantly an instrumental album as the title suggests, the record showcases
the Orquesta EGREM in full flow, soaring strings and vibrant horns at every turn.
Highlights include 'Mi Samba Carnaval' with its breathtaking drum break, bubbling
synths and sublime arrangements and the romantic film music impressions of
'Tema De La Sierra', that have been a sampling source for many a producer.
Elsewhere, '6 Son' is a mind- melding psych guitar powerhouse, with 'Dacapo',
written by Gilberto Peralta, offering up a slice of atmospheric and energetic Latin
shuffle. One of only a handful of tracks where scat vocals compliment the
orchestral tones, a Brazilian percussion theme marries with dancefloor
sensibilities for a dose of feel-good, brilliance.
 
A wide- ranging, multi- dimensional release, Instrumental exhibits musicianship,
composition and creativity at its finest and demonstrates another key example of
the rich output of music that flowed from the island of Cuba post revolution.
Tracks:
1. Preludio De Un Amor
2. Tema De La Sierra
3. Dacapo
4. Marinero Quiero Ser
5. Anatomia De Un Problema
6. Mi Samba Carnaval
7. Poema En La Playa
8. 6 Son
9. El Sonido De La Montan\u0303a
10. Un Paseo A La Playa