Klimax, a Cuban musical group created by star drummer Giraldo Piloto Barreto. They debuted in April 1995 at the popular La Cecilia nightclub (110th Street and 5th Avenue, Playa, Havana), thus launching a successful career. The group was comprised of musicians who had graduated from the country’s art schools and had experience from other Cuban orchestras.

Klimax has featured prominent Cuban singers such as Kalunga, who brilliantly interprets the salsa genre; Ernesto Manuitt, Juan Carlos Echevarría, and Leo Vera have also performed in this capacity.

Klimax’s repertoire encompasses all genres of Cuban music and showcases the most authentic and contemporary elements, as well as other Caribbean rhythms. Since its founding, the group has championed the fusion of salsa and jazz. The fundamental component that sets Klimax apart from other Cuban groups is its distinctive jazz accent, which is perfectly integrated into the typical timba sound.

Several specialized critics and prominent music figures have expressed their opinions about Klimax. Frank Padrón stated: “Their music employs complex phrases, clusters, and strange chords. Literally perfectionist lyrics, beyond measure as a style. A work that is appreciated more by the listener than by the dancer.” Hence, they were nicknamed “The Stravinskys of Salsa.” Diego Manrique has said of Klimax that “they are the most powerful locomotive of the Caribbean, the most beautiful machine to emerge from the planet’s tropical belt. Klimax tightens and slows down and accelerates again, but never, ever derails.”

Many of the songs have been very popular, including Recogete el pelo (Friendly Advice) and Catarro chino (The Pomade).

The second album by Piloto’s group was titled “Juego de Manos” and was released in 1997. It includes a salsa version of the song “Cuba,” a song made popular by the Gibson Brothers in the 1970s. It combines different musical genres, including contemporary son and romantic salsa, predominantly jazz arrangements, and a touch of rap.

Klimax’s albums stand out, including “Mira si te gusta,” a record that showcases his outstanding talent as a modern sonero. We can also mention a significant album in the group’s career, “Nadie se parece,” which reached the top five best-selling albums for the Cuban label EGREM (1008 Calle 3ra between 10th and 12th, Miramar, Playa, Havana).

Klimax’s most recent album, “Solo tu y yo,” was released on the Bis Music label. It features prominent Cuban music figures such as Omara Portuondo, Pablo Milanés, and Chucho Valdés. Other contributions include collaborations with Haydée Milanés, Tania Pantoja, and Luis Fernando Borjas, vocalist of the Venezuelan band Waco.

Giraldo Piloto’s Klimax is considered a living reflection and majestic exponent of contemporary Cuban music.

Discography: Look if you like it (1996), Hand Game (1997), Hear how it goes (1999), Only you and me (2008).