Chapeando (2005)

After the enormous success of Llego Van Van the group has gone through a rough period where it part ways with the composer and pianist Cesar “Pupi” Pedroso and the singers Pedrito Clavo both were influential members who left to pursue solo careers.

Fortunately, the group landed great young talent instead. Roberto Carlos ( “Cucurucho” ) replaced Pupi and the lead pianist and Abdel Rasalps(El Lele) and Yenni Valdes the first female singer in the group.

Samuel Formel is now officially moved to be the musical director of the band but his father Juan Formel is still the living spirit of the band.


There are many great tunes but my favorites are “Corazon” and “Anda quiereme” both sung by El Lele and are classical salsa hits. Roberton is great with “Ven, ven, ven” and “Chapeando” - more aggressive hard core Timba and Mayito Rivera is a perfect match to the heavy african influenced “Agua”.

This album has earned Los Van Van their second grammy and easily enter my list of favorite Timba albums of all times.