Review: 3D Ritmo De Vida - 'Que Siga La Rumba'

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Visually, the '3D' experience is one where the action jumps off the screen and straight into your face. Well, the music of New York’s 3D Ritmo de Vida does much the same thing, jumping off the disc and grabbing you by the short hairs at the back of your neck.

However, when drummer Michael Tate and guitarist Chris Amelar founded their band in 1999, that’s not why they gave their band such an unusual name. Instead, they wanted their music to be 'diverse, dynamic and danceable' and after listening to Que Siga La Rumba, there’s no doubt the name surely fits.

What I’m not sure about is whether or not the term ‘salsa’ accurately describes the music, although I’m going to go with ‘salsa fusion’ for want of a better name. The album is full of exuberant, spicy, Afro-Caribbean fusions that beg for a new term.

“Son Montuno Pa’Dos” is a good example. The track, based on Cuban son montuno, is spiced up with boogaloo and goes on to incorporate jazz elements. “Las Cosas Cambiaran” has a nice reggae fusion going on while “En La Calle” is pure Latin jazz. There’s also first-rate, standard salsa and a couple of nice ballads with an R&B feel to them.

Tate and Avelar invited some exceptional musicians to join in the fun. Notable are the vocals that shine with the help of Herman Olivera , Willie Torres and Jerry Lopez (among others); Olivera and Lopez each take the lead on a separate version of “Vente Conmigo” giving both artists a chance to showcase their style.

Contemporary, innovative and joyful, Que Siga La Rumba is a tasty treat that will leave you waiting for the next course.