Carlos
Luis Rivera (Vocals, Timbales/Bongos); Paco Rivera (Congas/Hand Perc.); Paul Grainger (Bs Gtr);
Alan Law (Piano)
(Review by Teresa Driscoll).
It’s a weekday night, this quirky city centre venue is full to
bursting, all seats and floor space taken... and the manager’s having to
turn people away. The audience members - mostly students - listen and
watch reverentially. No, not a scene from a 1960s folk revival concert –
it’s a Havana Club 5 gig
in Durham
Our evening of Latin and Afro Cuban music is led by front man
Carlos who entertains with his spirited percussion, strong vocals, dancing,
audience engagement, and humour “On percussion we have mi primo, Paco Rivera;
on bass, we have el señor......Paul, and on piano, el señor.... el señor...
Alan”. You had to be there.
The band kicks off with a number called Carlito’s Way (by
Carlos), followed by the steadier El Cantante and moving on with Vacilon, Vivar and Mandinga. There were excellent solos from all the band members
who have very different styles and energy, but complement each other well.
Set 2 starts with a dramatic version of jazz standard Afro
Blue. Percussion instruments from Paco’s store are handed out (along with
verbal instructions) to around half a dozen audience members, the rest of us
are clapping along and you know what? It sounds amazing, it's fun, we felt part of the music.
El Cuarto de Tula – a
Cuban ‘son’ made famous by the Buena Vista Social Club. Paco and Carlos on
percussion, Paul on bass and Alan on piano are a strong team and make a
brilliant job of this one (with more superb solos).... if there
had been any floor space there would have been lots more dancing.
We’re then treated to an energetic version of Canteloupe Island
As the last number comes to an end
and things wind up for the night, there is a palpable disappointment in the air....come back
to Durham soon Havana Club 5!
Teresa D.
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