Album Notes

The "N.R.G." of the kids from Havana has taken Dallas by storm. But this is a different sort of storm, one full of real "energy" that makes people swing their hips and turn in a frenzy on the dance floors of the city's venues.

Some might dare to think that this orchestra is the same as the one its members came from. After all, it is a great groove what makes a great band, and it is great musicians what makes a great groove. During their first 2-plus years in Dallas, it was these craftsmen (and a woman) who set the city ablaze with blistering Salsa, tangy Merengue, soulful Cha-cha-chas and other Latin rhythms, riding the new wave of popularity of all things Cuban.

But judging by what Havana NRG! — which, by the way, means New Rhythm Generation — has accomplished since July 2002, this orchestra is far from its previous incarnation. The energy is all there onstage, and it has engulfed audiences in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Miami. Despite the familiarity of the faces, the band manages to be always "newly fresh," smiley, jumpy, and fun. And it hits you like a brick in a way that captures your attention immediately and you cannot resist moving automatically your feet.

What you have here is an all-star ensemble that is "pumped-up to jam with a passion," because Havana NRG is their own creation, their brainchild, the new essence in their lives. There you have Mariela, the lady charm of the band who, besides playing the piano and the violin, also sings and serves as the band's musical director. Next to her is Maiquel, the boy wonder of the meanest trumpet between Havana and Los Angeles, who is also the orchestra's inspired lead vocalist. They are the group's two pillars, the solid columns that are masterfully supported by Ramon on bass and vocals, Ivan on timbales and vocals, Chencho on trombone, Mauricio on congas, Jeff on saxophone and flute, and Willie on bongo and minor Latin percussion.

They are the new kids on the block; musically educated masters that will undoubtly impress you with their clean collective sound — and will surely make you dance. They are the energy.... the new Havana NRG!

— Adaptation from a cover article by Wallice de la Vega, Nuestra Salsa Magazine 2002