"If you like Buena Vista Social Club, you'll flip over Grupo Yanqui. These guys take the tradition and go loco..." -Sr. Cactito Grupo Yanqui plays original Latin jazz and crusty salsa favorites. Their self-titled debut CD juxtaposes high-energy, percussive grooves with lyrical melodies and evocative textures. Co-leaders, pianist Bennett Paster and bassist Greg Ryan, contribute original compositions and arrangements of classic Cuban music. Drummer Rob Garcia completes the core trio. Half of the tracks feature the important Cuban artists Yosvany Terry on saxophone and Dafnis Prieto on percussion. The others feature saxophonist Chris Cheek and Irsaeli percussionist Gilad. This CD is entertaining and artistic, but the focus is always on groove. The original compositions draw from Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and American traditions. The band contrasts their creative originals with classic Cuban Mambos, Bolero's and Cha-Chas. Grupo Yanqui is fun and funky; a true "salsa" of modern and traditional music. Bas