artist:	Afro-Cuban All Stars
album:	A Toda Cuba le Gusta
format:	CD, DVD-Audio, SACD
label:	World Circuit / Nonesuch / Warner
performance:	8
sound	9.5
reviewed by:	Jerry Del Colliano

I got a lead on a record from an industry friend of mine, Christopher Hansen. Chris is the founder of the legendary Beverly Hills mecca of high-end audio, Christopher Hansen Ltd. He’s known for having a taste for the finer things in life, especially restaurants and music. When he specifically called me to dial in CD NOW to buy The Afro-Cuban All Stars, I knew that he had found another treasure and I should act on his advice.

Since A Toda Cuba le Gusta arrived in my mailbox, I have been enamored of the lush arrangements and spicy melodies of this rich ensemble of Cubano jazz musicians. The All Stars perform classical Cuban jazz tunes reminiscent of the great bands of the 1950s like Riverside and Casino de la Playa. There are six lead singers, most notably Ibrahim Ferrier, plus a complete instrument section, with piano, bass, trumpets, trombones, baritone sax, flute and more.

The recording quality of the album is stellar, among the best I have heard this year in any genre. The depth of the soundstage and lush instrumentations are reminiscent of a 24/96 master tape, not a mere CD. Some of the better cuts on the record are "Amor Veradero" and "A Toda Cuba le Gusta." The entire record is coherent, well-produced and very worthy of your purchase.

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