Ruben helped pioneer two of the most popular dances of the 20th century, the mambo and the cha-cha-cha, Ry Cooder, both musician and founder of the acclaimed Buena Vista Social Club described Ruben Gonzalezas "the greatest piano soloist I have ever heard", defining his style as a "Cuban cross between Thelonious Monk and Felix the Cat". This is the second installment to the new Cuban Essentials CD. La Escondida. 2005.