Issac Delgado isn’t letting anybody in on what to expect tomorrow night when he performs in Miami for the first time since leaving Cuba late last year.
About the only thing the multi-talented Cuban bandleader/sonero/songwriter is promising is ‘tremendo rumbon Cubano’ (‘one hell of a Cuban fest’) while adding that the audience will be treated to plenty of surprises.
While those in his inner circle have remained mum there is speculation that Delgado will share the stage with local artists with heavy ties to his musical generation, including son specialist and longtime Hoy Como Ayer regular Luis Bofill and Aymee Nuviola.
An appearance by Israel ‘Cachao’ Lopez and several others that call South Florida home – perhaps Manolin – might also be in store. But for someone looking to make a loud statement - in front of what at times has proven to be a poor market for live music and indifferent about Cuban musicians setting up shop here – Delgado and his team would be wise to add a defining moment that will stand out on its own.
Granted it might cost a little extra cash, but rather than stick to the norm and depend on the local contingent to drive the show Delgado would be well-served to have Puerto Rican salsa singer – and mainstream star – Victor Manuelle join him at some point to perform “La Mujer Que Mas Te Duele” (‘The Woman That Hurts Most’) in order to deliver a knockout punch.
Delgado’s innovative style, which he has found plenty of success with for close to two decades, blends Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz riffs and has a gangster-like attitude behind it.
But it’s still a virgin sound to plenty of the paying customers who will be in attendance although there will probably be a large number of supporters from his days in Cuba.
Still what better way than to leave the crowd wanting more than to deliver a moment they soon won’t forget. -- Fernando Ruano
