CD Review: Santa Habana by Melvis Santa (Bis Music 2012)
Reviewer: Bill Tilford (all rights reserved)

As a founding member of Sexto Sentido and a lead vocalist in Interactivo, Melvis Santa was already building an impressive musical resume prior to this project, which uses her colleagues from Interactivo along with Germán Velazco and other distinguished musicians. All except one of the songs was composed by Melvis, and Santa Habana blends many styles in a manner similar to what Interactivo does.

The first song, Tu momentico, is in the style of a traditional Son complete with muted trumpet. But then the style changes very quickly for the next three tracks, which are a blend of Cuban Soul, Hip Hop and Ballad very much in line with her earlier work.   Siete cuerdas adds an element of Bossa Nova, and Lo Bueno is a more modern Son.   Demasiado para ti finds her singing with Telmary in a kaleidoscope of several different genres.  The final three songs incorporate Afro Cuban folkloric music (Inmensidad, in 6, is a song for Yemaya, No te confundas and Música both rely heavily on Rumba. No te confundas uses the talent of Rumberos de Cuba for a slower Guaguancó, and Música uses Interactivo for something faster.  

Those who might be concerned that the incorporation of more North American musical influences will damage the quality of Cuban music can feel better after listening to Santa Habana.  This project uses some of the best elements from both places.  

Here's an official video of one of the songs (Siete Cuerdas)  from the album: 

Santa Habana was a nominee in Cubadisco 2012 (Fusion) .

Songs (all composed by Melvis Santa except 10, composed by Juan Carlos Marín)

1. Tu momentico 
2. Santa Habana
3. Aeio
4. Eres mi locura
5. Siete cuerdas
6. Lo bueno
7. Demasiado para ti 
8. Inmensidad
9. No te confundas 
10. Música 

Personnel for the Recording