Cachaíto Review

Candelario Orlando López Vergara, better known as Cachaíto, was a Cuban bassist and composer, who gained international fame after his involvement in the Buena Vista Social Club recordings. He was nicknamed Cachaíto (“little Cachao”) after his uncle, the famous bassist and innovator of mambo music Israel “Cachao” López. His father and Cachao’s older brother was Orestes López, also a famous bassist/multi-instrumentalist and composer.  Sadly, Cachaíto passed in 2009 at the age of seventy-six.  Cachaito a self-entitled album rooted in the spirit of descarga.  Given a bold update by producer Nick Gold and a vital rhythm section this re-issue offers a winning sound. The album highlights a groove-based improvisational journey mixing Cuban styles, jazz, funk, hip-hop and reggae.  Featuring Manuel ‘Angá’ Díaz (congas), Pee Wee Ellis (horns), Bigga Morrison (Hammond), Manuel Galban (guitar) and Hugh Masekela (flugelhorn). That’s the short of it!