Eliades Ochoa

by Heather Phares
Cuban vocalist and guitarist Eliades Ochoa worked with many groups during his career, including the Septetos Cubanos, Casa de la Troya, and Cuarteto Patria, with which he recorded two albums, 1993's A Una Coqueta and 1998's Cubafrica. Ochoa's work on Ry Cooder's Buena Vista Social Club raised his mainstream prominence; on his second solo album, 1999's Sublime Illusion, Ochoa collaborated with Cooder and Cuarteto Patria once again. Other releases include Son de Santiago and Cuarteto Patria. Fall 2000 saw the release of Eliades Ochoa y el Cuarteto Patria and Cuidadito Compay Gallo was issued a year later. The earthy and gruff Estoy Como Nunca followed a year later.