Born in Alturas de Canasí (a town located halfway between Havana and Matanzas) and raised in the Cuban capital, the vocalist/bassist/arranger/composer Wilfredo Israel Sardiñas Domínguez initiated his professional career in 1975, playing bass with a group led by pianist Meme Solís, who must be credited for discovering Israel's diverse vocal qualities, including his powerful timbre, passionate delivery, stylistic versatility, and amazing improvisational skills.01. Mulatas De Cha Cha Cha
Influenced by Benny Moré, Raúl Planas and other Cuban legends, Israel paid his dues with Los Reyes '73 (a popular Van Van spin-off), Iresón, Neosón and other Havanese ensembles, before embarking en the greatest chapter of his career (1979-1983), in which he functioned as lead singer of the most influential Cuban dance band of the A.C. (After Castro) Era, Los Van Van, with whom he recorded Seis semanas and other wonderful songo classics.
After defecting to the U.S.A. in 1983, Israel changed his last name and recorded at least nine albums in New York and Miami, including a CD entirely comprised of boleros and titled Intimamente sensual. A permanent resident of South Florida since 1986, Israel spent most of his final years as lead vocalist of the Tropicana All-Stars, a 20-piece orchestra organized three years ago to pay tribute to the musical legacy of Benny Moré.
02. Hoy Como Ayer
03. Manzanillo
04. Tu Me Sabes Comprender
05. Cienfuegos
06. Arullo De Palma
07. Soy Campesino
08. Dolor Y Perdon
09. Rumberos De Ayer
10. Preferi Perdete
11. Elige Tu Que Canto Yo
12. Como Fue
13. Que Bueno Baila Usted