Juan Carlos Alfonso y su Dan Den

Dan Den is an almost endlessly talented Cuban band, led by Juan Carlos Alfonso, former arranger for Orquesta Revé. They assimilate US R&B influences rather like NG La Banda (though they stop short of jazz), blending them with traditional elements like the "voz de vieja" vocal style. When Alfonso comes up with catchy melodies too, it's the icing on the cake. Their first and best records are nearly impossible to find in the U.S. - you should pick up a copy of the compilation Viejo Lázaro if you see it. (DBW)