The energetic music was made by the 13 musicians in the following huge
line-up: Giraldo Piloto on drums, 3 singers, piano and keyboard,
bass, timbales/percussion, congas, 2 trumpets, 1 trombone, 1 saxophone.
The group Klimax of drummer and composer Giraldo Piloto Barreto
plays the new popular music of Cuba: Timba. This music has developed
from son and salsa into an exciting combination with new rhythms and hiphop,
rap and funk.
While old Cuban Son combos are conquering Europe people tend to forget
the modern Cuban Dance music Timba. One of key figures behind this new
dancemusic is composer and drummer Giraldo Piloto Baretto. His band Klimax
impresses with a musical show comprising three great singers, a hornsection
playing amazing arrangements and the incredible rhythmsection directed
by Piloto.
Giraldo Piloto Barreto is a former student of the 'Escuela Nacional de Arte', and a nephew of the South American star Guillermo Barreto. Piloto began his professional career as a percussionist with the Orquesta del Cabaret Tropicana. In 1988 he was known mainly as a member and composer/arranger of the well known N.G. La Banda, one of the first timba-bands. Later he became musical director of the group of Isaac Delgado. There he recorded the CD 'Con ganas' which was distinguished with the big price of EGREM (the national cuban record company) in 1994. In 1995 he formed his own band. Klimax established itself quickly on the latin music market. A first highlight of the orchestra in Europe was its appearance on the Montreux jazz festival. And on the music fair MIDEM '98 in Cannes the 13 musicians were the stars of the "Cuban night".
The show in Hannover was hot, right from the start. In a great mood the three singers asked the large audience immediately to join and sing with them. The three fit singers heated the atmosphere with energetic dancing á la Michael Jackson. Instead of normal microphones with cables they should have had wireless headsets!
Klimax shows itself from various musical sides. With the new single "Cuba" they show their funky side: the old hit of the Gibson Brothers has been up-polished with much salsa and a strong horn section, reminding of Earth, Wind & Fire. They presented this well known and rapid song on the German television as well, and it gives them a good opportunity to get attention on the radio stations. And again completely different and "innovative" sounds, for example, another piece in which they combine batá drums with rap singing.
The energetic music was made by the 13 musicians in the following huge
line-up: Giraldo Piloto on drums, 3 singers, piano and keyboard,
bass, timbales/percussion, congas, 2 trumpets, 1 trombone, 1 saxophone.
The band looked elegant: the three handsome front singers were dressed in black. Giraldo Piloto looked even more stylish with a designer suit and cool dreads. In these costumes and in the real hot atmosphere they created themselves, the Cubans, though accustomed to caribbean temperatures, were sweating heavily.
Conclusion: the Cubans inspire again and again with their enormous orchestras, strong modern sound and energetic shows! They set the trends for the whole salsa and latin category.
CDs:
Fotos and Text: Ulrich Wode.
Translation into English: Saskia, postbus@sastom.demon.nl,
The
Timba Homepage
Giraldo Piloto y Klimax: Germany Tour 1998
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