"Cumbanchero" is a slang word south of the border, referring to one who is an expert in the fine art of having fun. That would be an apt description of Mark Weinstein and, by extension, anyone who has the pleasure of listening to his wonderful new CD. Weinstein is today one of the leading flautists playing Afro-Cuban music, but he began his career five decades ago (with Chick Corea, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri and others) playing trombone, and helping establish that instrument's important role in salsa music. Here, he explores the lesser-known music of a Cuban genre: charanga. Charanga marries the European chamber ensemble to Afro-Cuban rhythms, so it's not surprising to see four violin, two viola, and two cello players listed in the credits along with the two percussion players. But flute is traditionally the lead instrument in charanga and, whether he's playing concert, alto, or bass flutes, Weinstein does not disappoint. With all those strings, arrangements are paramount, and that task falls to Aru�n Ortiz, who also contributes three fine tunes and is outstanding on the piano.