Grupo Fiesta's eponymous debut album is imbued with the pungent flush of rumba. This New York City-borne band is lead by guitarist/composer Cecilia Villar who, unlike many other Latin (mostly pop) divas proliferating these days, is a strong and deep-rooted instrumentalist-her guitar playing is reminiscent of a young Carlos Santana. Villar has assembled an equally adept line-up.

The opening "Caliente" flies from the start. Its infectious Afro-Cuban groove, pushed by backbeat drums and Villar's piano-like montuno played with guitar arpeggios, doesn't waste time drawing attention. By the time Villar unleashes her electric guitar solo, you know you're listening to a certified talent. Unlike many Afro-Cuban rumba ensembles, Villar's six-string steel or even 12-string acoustic guitars (instead of piano) create the harmonic and melodic structure. Here, she takes her cue, as well as departs from, the nylon-stringed rumba group, the Gipsy Kings.

From the get-go, this street-smart ensemble has much in its favor. Nevertheless, the album tends to become somewhat redundant. Perhaps, as the band continues to hone its collective chops and songwriting skills, its sophomore effort will reveal even more development and novelty.