Romantic dancing to rhythms of Hispanic origin in New Orleans dance spots is nearly as old as the city itself. Cuban and Central American influences have long been felt on New Orleans music, and much has been made of the “Latin tinge” in jazz.

Since he moved to New Orleans from his native Honduras, Fredy Omar has become a popular fixture on the small New Orleans Latin dance band scene, and has been doing his best to fill the need for this kind of music in town. His second record, Desde Nueva Orleans, shows Omar’s musical evolution and is a better all-around effort than his first recording. The new CD has 12 songs of varied Afro-Caribbean and Honduran form and uses his regular band with plenty of welcome guests.

“Tu Eres” is a cumbia, a form of African origin created by ex-slaves on the Atlantic coast of Colombia, using Hispanic melodies and Native American harmonies. Here he uses a slightly slower tempo than the frenetic pop cumbias. “Muchacha Bonita” a merenge, uses a male chorus to sing “muchaca….bonita” behind Fredy’s lead. “Margarita” is a seductive charanga, with flute and violin solos by Joe Canoura and Matt Rhody, respectively. The plaintive cha cha cha “Un Poquito Mas” has salsa piano maestro Eddie Palmieri-styled stops and piano breaks.

“Mambo #504” is a fun homage to Omar’s adopted city, helped by vocals by local songbird John Boutté. The title has a double significance, since both Honduras and New Orleans happen to share the 504 telephone code. The title is also a nod to the most successful mambo song ever—“Mambo No. 5” by the late, great Perez Prado. And the song has been recently sampled/“covered” by Lou Bega.

“Sensible Despedida” is a Honduran traditional waltz, interpreted as the Cuban form of comparsa, which is based on a percussive and repetitive piano song with soloing turns taken by piano, flute, and trumpet.

This accomplished record uses Fredy’s regular band: Fredy Omar sings and writes his own material. Ralph Gipson on piano and vocals. Jose Coloma on bass. Joe Canoura on flute and tenor sax. Humberto Menes on tumbadoras and vocals. Cristobal Cruzado on timbales, drums, and vocals. Hector Gallardo plays bongo, quinto, percussion, and sings. Harry Rios lends a hand on trombone and brings several of his own compositions. Catch Fredy Omar con su Banda at Red Room or at one of the clubs at Frenchman Street.