Bembé 2020 2

Nominated for a Grammy, Babalú Ayé, featured the multi-talented José Miguel, a phenomenal timbalero who sings lead with Paulito-like ease and accuracy. While not as innovative as the Oscar Valdés, Miguel perfected the dual role of lead singer/percussion virtuoso. Miguel, now the leader of the on again-off again timba band La Balanza, added a timba composition of his own as well as doing new versions of Irakere classics like Por romper el coco which benefited greatly from his professional singing voice. The closing title track features a guest performance from santería master Lázaro Ros.

Ironically, the musicial area where the greatest timba fireworks might be expected -- Chucho's piano tumbaos -- changed very little in response to the extraordinary reinvention of the style by the new crop of timba pianists. We're left to wonder what amazing timba piano tumbaos this formidable virtuoso might have created if he'd been so inclined.

Rather than go mano a mano with Melón, Noroña, Tirso and Rolando, Chucho, while maintaining his leadership of the band, stopped touring with Irakere altogether in the late 90s, performing instead with a jazz quartet.