Paulito FG Y Su Elite
By
EILEEN TORRES
Each Sunday in Havana a television show airs titled "Mi Salsa". On one such Sunday, charanga* was the order of the day. Several charangas performed and later teamed up for a huge jam session. During that session, the singers were highlighted. They took turns improvising appropriate lyrics for the occasion. Most of the singers were seasoned with many years of experience under their belts. One person did not fit the pattern. He was extremely young looking and wore two earrings. When the singer who appeared to be a kid opened his mouth to sing, it was evident why he was included in this group of veterans. Not only did he possess a good voice, but he could offer soneos (lyrical improvisations)with the best of them. The kid was Paulito.
Pablo Fernandez Gallo, better known as Paulito, is coming to town with his fabulous group, Elite, on Thursday, February 1,2001. Paulito FG Y Su Elite will appear at Cecelia's Night Club located at 2619 Columbia Pike in Arlington, Virginia. For most folks, his visit to Cecelia's will be a rare opportunity to catch this huge talent. Paulito, from Havana, Cuba is embarking on a US tour that includes several stops in New York, New Jersey, Miami, several cities in California and San Juan.
Paulito began as lead singer with Adalberto Alvarez y Su Son and then went on to Dan Den. He recorded as Paulito & Opus 13. In 1991 he assumed leadership of the group and changed the name of the band to Elite. Paulito became a success in Japan, Spain, The Canary Islands, Finland, and France. Back in Cuba, his fame soars as he hits the top of the charts for nine weeks. In 1995, he is named Cuba's most popular artist.
Paulito plays traditional Salsa using electric instruments and drums. He employs tinges of funk and rap to derive a modern feel. His musicians are from Cuba's most prestigious music academies. He also composes most of his music.
Judy Cantor in the Miami New Times says of him:
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"... Paulito exudes street cool. He's in his thirties but looks younger, and he has a raspy speaking voice that comes from performing up to seven nights a week and practicing with his band most days. "Cuban singers have throats of iron," he laughs huskily. "We work all the time. The musicians play, and play, and play." A seductive stage presence and therefore a huge hit with female fans, Paulito is Cuba's most popular singer, according to a public survey taken at the '97 Egrem awards, akin to the Billboards...." - |
*Charanga is a traditional Cuban style of Salsa that uses flutes and violins. The singing is also done in unison rather than harmony. Charanga also refers to a band that plays that style of music.
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