Being a longtime member of the critically acclaimed bands Nueva Manteca and the Cubop City Big Band, well-known percussionist Nils Fischer had the honor to perform with some stars of Latin music, among them Pio Leiva, Armando Peraza, Paquito D'Rivera, Giovanni Hidalgo, Chocolate Armenteros, Michel Camilo and Orestes Vilató.
On his first CD as a leader - '¡Gracias Joe Cuba!' - Fischer put together an international all-star cast - including 2007 Grammy winner Brian Lynch, former Issac Delgado bassist Alain Pérez, and Cuba's timbal genius Pepe Espinosa and the very best of Europe’s Latin musicians like Lucas van Merwijk, Leslie Lopez and Gerardo Rosales. The classic Joe Cuba vibraphone sound is enhanced with a tight six piece horn section and three very talented singers: Alberto Caicedo, Nando Vanin and Fabian Nodarse. The exuberant arrangements of 16 of Cuba's songs are made by Alain Pérez, Hollands top Latin arranger Marc Bischoff and Nueva Manteca's Jan Hartong. To top it off, legendary recording engineer and multiple Grammy winner Jon Fausty lent his superb touch to the post-production in another exquisite mix and mastering job.
"I enjoy Nils' recording very much, and I already have listened to the recording a lot. I like the unique and very interesting concept! Many bands nowadays just copy the old stuff but Nils and his musicians have really created something new. Nils' conga playing is great! People should hear this. Congratulations, Nils - ¡Que Chévere!"
Joe Cuba, New York City
"Nils Fischer, one of the most important percussionists in Holland, has exploded as a leader with this 1st CD which feels like his 20th CD as a leader. This has to be one of the top recordings of the year!"
Ralph Irizarry, New York City
"You are not only very musical but you also know what you are doing, and your new album proves that. The music is very organized, very authentic and very, very good. You should be proud of yourself!"
Armando Peraza, San Mateo - California
"On this heartfelt tribute, Nils takes things up a notch enhancing the classic Joe Cuba vibe sound by adding horns and making the rhythm section even more explosive with his great playing and musical direction. Mambo with a touch of jazz is still the hippest dance music around and I'm glad musicians like Nils are here to remind us of that. Bravo mi hermano!!!"
Bobby Sanabria, New York City
"Nils is at the forefront of keeping the tradition of the tumbadora alive and well in Europe. Anchored by his solid playing, ¡Gracias Joe Cuba! swings like crazy!"
John Santos, San Francisco - California
"¡Gracias Joe Cuba! is a testament to the power music has to reach every corner of the globe; with this truly international effort, Nils Fischer will garner the respect of dancers and musicians alike, and keep them asking for more!"
Rebeca Mauleón, San Francisco – California
“Nils, you are blessed with this great album dedicated to Joe Cuba. Great job, modern arrangements...should sell well! Best of luck, keep up the great work. God bless.”
Eddie Montalvo, New York City
“¡Gracias Joe Cuba! covers sixteen tunes from the sextet’s repertoire, and the band shines throughout the entire project. What Nils Fischer & Timbazo have done here is sure to capture the attention of the listener, as well as the dancer in you. I’m sure that after the first time you listen, your reaction will be the same as mine: ¡Gracias Joe Cuba, y a ti también Nils! ¡Sabroso!
George Rivera, Tampa - Florida
"I had the pleasure of playing with Nils and I think he is a great all-round player, lots of swing and energy all the time!"
Orestes Vilató, Martinez - California
“This record is special and needs to be listened by everybody. In my opinion the match between the forceful punch of the percussion tracks and the melodic intention of the brass combined with the contrapuntal writing makes a surprising listening experience. Hope you get to hear it soon...”
Jon Fausty, Tampa – Florida
