Following three Latin pop albums that established
Kalimba as one of Mexico's most intriguing newcomers, the singer/actor's recording career took a turn with the big-band effort
Amar y Querer: Homenaje a las Grandes Canciones. Comprised of standards like "Luces de Nueva York," "Amor Eterno," and "El Ultimo Beso,"
Amar y Querer is a live album that showcases
Kalimba as not only a vocalist but also as an entertainer. A big-band effort is about the last thing one expected from
Kalimba at this point in his career; it was his experience on the reality television show El Show de los Sueños, where he sang a version of "A Mi Manera" (i.e., a Spanish-language adaptation of the
Frank Sinatra favorite "My Way"), that reportedly inspired him to pursue this musical direction. Sure enough, "A Mi Manera" is part of the finale. Devotees of
Kalimba the celebrity are sure to be entertained by his showmanship on
Amar y Querer, the DVD edition in particular. ~ Jason Birchmeier