It seems odd, even now, to think that the guitarist Eliades Ochoa (then 51) and bass player Orlando ‘Cachaito’ Lopez (then 64) were drafted into the line-up for 1997’s Buena Vista Social Club recording to provide some youthful energy to the recording. Cachaito died earlier this month, at the age of 76.
Lopez came from a famous Cuban musical family – the nickname was to distinguish him from his uncle, Orlando ‘Cachao’ Lopez – and after the success of Buena Vista, he was given the opportunity by World Circuit records to make his only solo recording. It is a wonderful record, drawing on different styles but given a consistency by Lopez’ Cuban rhythms, and I still play it often. It may be the best solo record made by a bass player. Really.
Audio clips from the record can be found here, at World Circuit.
Tags: bass, Orlando Cachaito Lopez, World Circuit
