Javier Gutierrez and Vivaz, Latin Caravan (Independent)


A native of Bolivia, Gutierrez is a musical wizard, excelling on Spanish and electric guitars and on the Cuban tres, a guitar-like instrument made up of three double strings. And though much of the Viváz sound has Cuban roots, amazingly none of the 11 band members are from Cuba, but it doesn’t matter. The sound is there and it sizzles! Between Gutierrez’s incredible guitar virtuosity and lead vocals and the percussion, keyboards, bass and a killer horn section, there isn’t a base left uncovered. Everything from salsa and flamenco to cha-chas. Featuring guest appearances by bassist Sam Price of Otra and Joe Canoura of Fredy Omar’s band on flute. Six of the CD’s ten tracks are original compositions by Gutierrez or members of the band, while some of the other cuts are covers of songs by Tito Puente, Jose Feliciano and the Gipsy Kings. If the record has any shortcomings it’s the shortage of merengues. There is only one, and though it’s red hot, it’s over in three and a half minutes. The instruments and the talent are definitely there, so hopefully we’ll be hearing more. It’s a great record. Viva Viváz!