Maraca

Maraca's 1998 sophomore release Sonando! is almost terrifyingly good. The flautist drew in an all-star cast that boggles the mind: Pio Levya, Los Munequitos De Matanzas, Compay Segundo, Barbarito Torres, to name a few. But what stands out is the release's unity of vision, its dual commitment to crafting irresistible grooves while driving classic Cuban son and salsa in new directions. Songs like "Me Gusta Mas El Son" and the title track are unforgettable, swinging elegantly and punctuated with the silver stab of Maraca's defiantly front-and-center flute.