Tiempo Libre Albums (5)
What The Critics Say
Good music has long been adaptable into styles that the composer would have never envisioned. The Cuban group Tiempo Libre takes the Baroque music of Johann Sebastian Bach and transforms it by blending elements of various Cuban styles and vocals into a unique blend. "Tu Conga Bach" is adapted from "Fugue in C Minor" and transformed into an energetic street party that could get everyone on their feet. The musicianship is tight throughout the session, with the addition of two guests. The masterful Paquito D'Rivera plays alto sax in the warm rendition of "Air on a G String," recast as a soft bolero and retaining its romantic quality, switching to clarinet for the infectious "Baqueto con Bajo" (inspired by the "Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major"). Yosvanny Terry, a rising star in Cuban jazz, appears on alto sax in the driving rendition of "Minuet in G." The only thing that may disappoint some listeners is the presence of a synthesizer, which stays mostly in the background but remains an unsatisfactory substitute for acoustic piano. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'What You've Been Waiting For/Lo Que Esperabas'
Release Date 5/23/2006
Tracks 9
Label Shanachie
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Though timba's popularity in the U.S. and Europe continues to spread quickly, and the music's new devotees are extraordinarily loyal, these markets have yet to see a homegrown band who could really do the music justice. Is it any surprise that the first truly fantastic timba group to surface stateside would come out of Miami, a city known to many Latino musicians as "northern Cuba?" Tiempo Libre is comprised of some of Miami's heaviest Cuban-born, conservatory educated players, and the pedigree shines through easily. Their third album, What You've Been Waiting For/Lo Que Esperabas is well named. The U.S. has been longing for their very own timba group, a group who could tour and record without having efforts dashed by political silliness. Tiempo Libre is what we've been waiting for. The deadly tight rhythm section could compete with the likes of David Calzado's Charanga Habanera. With access to the genre's finest studios, the production value need not compete. The arrangements, courtesy of keyboard player Jorge Gomez, are surging and melodic, with all the sway and grace of the ocean on Cuban shores. With groups like Tiempo Libre at the helm, U.S. timba groups need no longer worry about their claim to authenticity, just keeping up. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
What happens when a bunch of Cuban expatriate ENA (Escuela Nacional de Artes) graduates hanging around Miami have a little spare time between salsa gigs? In the case of Tiempo Libre (Spare Time), they formed the first and finest truly authentic timba group in the United States. No doubt missing the new and hip music of their generation after leaving the streets of Havana, the young musicians longed for a group that would scratch the itch for something more musically satisfying. And satisfying it is. In genuine timba style, Arroz con Mango (signifying something unusual or unexpected) features both salsa favorites done in a modern style and timba originals. Tiempo Libre are a small group by timba standards, partially because of the daunting financial prospect of launching a 15-piece orquesta, and partially because the musicians are good enough to do double duty, almost every instrumentalist also singing coro. With arrangements as complex and a band sound as swinging as any of their Havana counterparts, Tiempo Libre have quickly become one of the most respected Latin groups in the States. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide
'Timpiando'
Release Date 1/1/2004
Tracks 8
Label Tiempo Libero Productions
See Album Tracklist and Review
