Pulpo – Cachita (2022)
Pulpo is taking us on a trip down memory lane with his latest instrumental single ‘Cachita’. Continuing his blend of jazz and Latin piano, he adds a splash of classic tones for a nostalgic and easy listening experience. Hailed as one of the premier salsa pianists of his generation, his moving fusion of sound on this track is a pleasure to listen to for long-time fans and new listeners.
Having honed his skills on the piano since he started playing at the age of 14, Gilbert Pulpo Colon Jr. spent two years under the tutelage of Charlie Palmieri. After receiving his big break in 1975, he recorded with Hector Lavoe for 16 years and toured the world. It was only in 2008 that he released his debut album which has seen success across the world.
‘Cachita’ has you bopping to the piano notes from the first second. The drums add a salsa vibe to the music that brings a touch of heat to the sound. You can’t help but move and shimmy to the beats of the drums that bounce you into the piano line. The instrumentation comes together wonderfully for a vibrant and colourful movement. While you move to the beats, the piano tells its own story that you want to dance around to. There is a vibrant energy to the piano that puts a smile on your face and lifts your mood. You can’t possibly listen to his song and not feel the stress and pressure of the world melt from your shoulders.
Through all of this, the Latin flair of salsa in the movement of the track is fantastic. There are some subtle swings to the arrangement that keep you engaged and dancing around to the single. Halfway through the single, some of the vibrant energy drops for a richer movement that still carries a bit of heat. Pulpo’s prowess on the piano is amazing to hear and you can easily hear why he is hailed as one of the best at what he does. In the latter parts of the single, the drums and piano seem to diverge and do their own thing while still keeping the moving rhythm of the track. It is an outstanding arrangement that really has you hooked to the sound.
Pulpo has you dancing around to his salsa piano tones while displaying his masterful skills and arrangements in the highly engaging ‘Cachita’. This instrumental track does not let up for a second sending waves of heat and dancing vibes through your muscles. The piano spins you around on salsa tones as the beats get your feet moving to their rhythm.
