CD Review: Follow The Rhythm by Tico's Mambo Drama (Music Roots Records 2014)
Review by Bill TIlford, All rights reserved

Follow The Rhythm evokes the feel of both the Mambo Craze in New York, which was represented by the orchestras of Tito Rodriguez, Tito Puente and Machito along with the descargas of Cachao during the late 1950s and early 1960s.  Of the "big three", the feel of this recording probably most resembles that of Tito Rodriguez during the time that Cachao was his bassist.  The opening track, Baila Mi Ritmo, is very reminiscent of Cachao's Trombon Criollo.   Happy Hours and I Wanna Be Where You Are are well-orchestrated Cha Cha Chas;  Soneando is a 60's style descarga.  Tico en Guaguanco is, as titled, a hard-driving Guaguanco; Ansias de Amar is a rich Bolero;  the recording also contains a Mambo (Miami Mambo) and a Guajura (Mi Guajira).  Iroso Di brings the bata out front in a nice Descarga finish. 

There is a very nice balance of song styles here, and  a lot of young dancers are rediscovering the music and dance styles of this era.  

Tracks:

Baila Mi Ritmo
Happy Hours
Soneando
I Wanna Be Where You Are
Tico En Guaguanco
Ansias De Amar
Miami Mambo
Mi Guajira
Iroso Di 

Personnel in Follow The Rhythm