Criollo Electrik

After leading a number of big bands in Canada, where he is based, López has switched to a small combo for an exploration of his Colombian roots. Credit must be given for the album's ambition as, rather than seek purity, López has sought to amalgamate boogaloo, cumbia, champeta, jazz and other influences from across the American continent into something new, something uniquely his.
It's at its best on the more retro moments, such as the wailing guitar harmonies of ‘Cumbiero’, where it's hard to avoid Santana comparisons, or the catchy boogaloo bass lines of ‘Guayabita’ and ‘Chambacú’. Yet too much of this album is too polite, coming off as an electric guitar showcase for López, a chance for him to show off some riffs à la Eric Clapton or BB King, but over a Latin rhythm instead of blues. Despite a great band with top percussion and drums throughout, despite López being a hugely talented guitarist and bassist, Criollo Electrik fails to spark into life to truly reveal López's Colombian soul.