There are few soneros out there who can claim the same level of pedigree that produced
Yumuri. Born Moisés Valle, alongside brothers
Orlando (Maraca) and Luis, one can only imagine how musical that house must have been. He met the salsa world head on in 1984 when he joined the very popular
Elio Revé Orquesta (which, incidentally, gave him the name
Yumuri), affording him the opportunity to share the stage with such vocal greats as
Cheo Feliciano,
Rubén Blades,
Ismael Miranda, and
Tito Nieves. Known especially for his amazing range, comfort in the upper registers, and improvisational ability, it was not long before
Yumuri split from
Revé to pursue a solo career, backed by his famous brothers. Though his 2002 release
Tiene Bilongo does not feature both of the other fabulous
Valles (Maraca does appear on the record), there's plenty of talent to go around. The record draws from Cuba's next-generation players, and was recorded for the island's premier record label, Ahi Nama.
Yumuri still maintains a strong fan base in Cuba and around the world, and it's no surprise, after hearing his clear-as-a-bell voice and diesel-powered band.
Tiene Bilongo is one solid salsa record. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez