a Bailar

These are tracks taken from several records by different Cuban bands in which Chucho Valdés took part. The pieces range from bolero and salsa to cumbia and jazz. There is even a touch of unofficial mini Irakere with "Blues 1080." The recordings were done by UK label Tumi.

There's very little doubt that the Gipsy Kings are good at what they do–they've become the brand name in Sevillana, the pop-oriented flamenco style. Since 1989, when the single "Bamboleo" and their Gipsy Kings album broke through and went gold in the United States, they've found a willing audience in America for their style, which, while flashy, doesn't demand a great deal of the listener, unlike more hardcore versions of flamenco. This double set collects 38 of their biggest tracks, including a version of the Eagles' "Hotel California," into one package guaranteed to satisfy fans of their precise, jubilant playing. And there's no denying they have the power to move people with their singing and fretwork, making this a must for those who want to experience all the familiar material in one sitting. Like the band themselves, the record is an unqualified success as a greatest hits package.