Classically trained Venezuelan composer, arranger and producer Aldemaro Romero was the top selling artist throughout the 50′ and 60′ in South America. His ability as arranger/conductor caught the attention of many US stars and led him to collaborate with popular orchestras and singers, such as Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Stan Kenton, Ray Mekin, Machito, Noro, Tito Puente and others.
Romero is the man responsible for “Onda Nueva†(New Wave), a fusion of jazz and Venezuelan folk music that he created in the late 60′, concentrating on quite complicated tempos and vocal sheets. A prime example of this sound is represented here on this collection entitled “La Onda Maxima†– roughly translating as “The Bestâ€.
A wondrous collision of instrumentation and “ba-ba-dum†“do ba doo†vocal workouts a la the Free Design and similar easy faves such as The Enoch Light Singers can be heard on most tracks, with “Marisela†being a prime example. Elsewhere glissando strings give the impression of carefree flights to faraway places in the sun where all your cares are lost in a smile and a heartsong. Onda Nueva has strong roots in Bossa Nova, and that joyful sound is more than evident on these 12 tunes.
The album is nicely varied to provide an innocuous backdrop for relaxing, reading or socialising. Turn it up a few notches and it transforms it’s hidden charms into a swinging party sound with the emphasis on charm and sophistication, but never too chintzy or cloying. One for fans of Brazillian music, lush soundtracks and male/female counterpoint vocal thrills.
