Search - Juan Formell & Van Van :: Todo Cuba Baila Con Juan Formell Y Los Van Van

Los Van Van is perhaps the most influential Cuban dance music group for nearly 20 years. Led by bassist singer and composer Juan Formell and powered by percussionist Jose Luis Quintana "Changuito," Los Van Van are an updated flute-string-and-brass charanga, blending finesse and muscle. The set, part of the Toda Cuba Baila series that also includes releases by Irakere and NG La Banda, here looks back at the band's old hits such as "De 5 a 7," "Artesanos Del Espacio" and "Despues Que Te Casaste." Often, the band walks a fine line between musical experimentation and the demands of the dancers on the dancefloor such as the ersatz rap-charanga "Que Extrano Saxofon," the rumba influenced "De La Habana a Matanzas." A good glimpse into an important contemporary Cuban group. --Fernando Gonzalez