The Descarga Review - January 03, 2007

Wed Jan 3 14:03:52 EST 2007

The Descarga Review • January 03, 2007

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Here are some noteworthy new and reissued titles...

CALAMBUCO
Como En El Barrio: Salsa Brava
Casa Buenavista/Creative Commons (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA COLOMBIA; COLOMBIA
EditorsPick: What a great way to begin a new year! Calambuco, from  
Bogatá, Colómbia, has produced an infectious, finely crafted salsa- 
packed CD for the discerning listener and, of course, the dancers. I  
was at one of my distributors talking with conguero Papo Pepín when  
the track "Candelaria" started to blast through the stereo speakers.  
We both looked up and did as mutual "Wow!". Directed by pianist  
Andrés Felipe Succar, Calambuco is a first class band whose  
repertoire encompasses not only sizzling salsa like "Africa Salsera"  
but the slow-cooking "Guajira de Un Abandonado". Check out the heat  
on the descarga-mambo "Ritmo De Succar". Or listen to Santiago  
Jiménez' tres work on "Te Falta Ritmo". Como En El Barrio just may be  
one of the highlights of 2007. Each track here is a gem. With Angela  
(yes, Angela) Tapiero on timbales. She rocks.
With liner notes by the esteemed writer Umberto Valverde.
DJ Alert! Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Te Falta Ritmo 2. Candelaria 3. Metéle 4. Maria Juliana 5. Guajira  
De Un Abandonada 6. Como En El Barrio 7. Ritmo De Succar 8. Africa  
Salsera 9. Me Sorprendo 10. Calambuco
MUSICIANS:
• Juán José Flórez: Bajo
• Andrés Felipe Succar: Piano, musical director
• Sebastián Valencia: Congas
• Julián Cháves: Bongo, campana, clarinete
• Ángela Tapiero: Timbal
• Francisco "Pachito" Echavarria: Voz, coro
• Victor Hugo Rodriguez: Voz, coro
• Eignar Rentería: Voz, coro
• Carlos Tabares: Trompeta
• Carlos Parra: Trompeta
• Carlos Tabares: Solo de trompeta en "Calambuco"
• Invitados: José Aguirre: Trompeta
• Mauricio Castillo: Bongo, coro
• Jaime Henao: Piano
• Santiago Jimenez: Tres
• Darwin Perea: Coro
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Como En El Barrio: Salsa Brava Now!

CONMOCION ORQUESTA
La Cara Del Gato
Casa Buenavista/Creative Commons (original import)
Originally released: 2006
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA COLOMBIA; COLOMBIA
EditorsPick: Another fine salsa release out of Bogatá, Colombia.  
Conmocion's a vibrant, enthusiastic trombone-based band of talented  
musicians with diverse influences ranging from the traditional son  
montuno through the most contemporary timba, boogaloo, latin jazz and  
funk. On la Cara Del Gato you can hear these influences come through  
loud and clear, from the fiery opening son-timba track simply called  
"Conmoción" to the bossa-songo-son "Ahora Sí" to their Lain-soul take  
on "I Got You (I Feel Good)" - an unwitting homage to the late funk  
genius James Brown. I also like their interpretation of Willie  
Colón's classic boogaloo salsa "Eso Se Baila Así." And the montuno- 
latin jazz track "Pica Pica" is a pungent slow-burner that grooves.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Conmocion (son-timba) (4:59) 2. La Cara Del Gato (montuno-6/8- 
swing-latin Jazz) (6:52) 3. Solo Palabras (son) (5:28) 4. Dijeron Que  
Montuno No Habia (montuno) (8:20) 5. Ahora Si (bossa-nova-songo- 
pachanga-timba-son) (4:41) 6. Eso Se Baila Asi (boogaloo) (6:33) 7.  
Sabor (guaguanco-mambo-son-timba) (5:20) 8. Pica Pica (montuno/latin- 
jazz) (5:18) 9. I Got You (I Feel Good) (latin-soul-blues-boogaloo)  
(4:25) 10. Colombia (bomba-son) (5:02) 11. Yiri Yiri Bon (son- 
chachacha-afro) (4:57) 12. Memorias (bonus track)
MUSICIANS:
• Fabio Garcia: Trombon
• Gonzalo Ardila: Trombon
• Jaime Rodriguez: Trombon
• Christian "Oso" Castillo: Bari sax
• Edward Bocanegra: Piano
• Franklin Quiñones: Bajo
• Luis Gabriel Rivera: Voz lider, alto sax, coro
• Ginna Ariza Dupont: Voz lider, coro
• Carlos "Che-Che" Durán: Congas, percusion
• Alexis Durán: Bongó, percusion
• Enrique Valdeleón: Timbal, percusion
• Jorge Villate Liévano: Production
• Invitados: Diego Alzate: Bongó
• Julian Gil: Violin
• Edison Velázquez: Flauta
• Jackson Rodríguez: Maullido
• Paula Corrales, Leidy Robayo: Voces infantiles
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order La Cara Del Gato Now!

BALLET FOLKLORICO CUTUMBA DE SANTIAGO
Elegguá - An Instructional Dance DVD Featuring Alfredo Carrión
RC
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; FOLKLORIC; CUBA
EditorsPick: José Alfredo Carrión is the former principal dancer of  
Ballet Folklórico Cutumba. Born in Santiago, José began his career as  
a professional dancer in 1980 when he was invited to join Cutumba at  
the age of 17. After 25 years of researching, revitalizing &  
presenting the folkloric manifestations of Afro-Franco-Haitian -Cuban  
origin found primarily in Cuba's Eastern (Oriente) provinces, José  
has retired from Cutumba and moved to the United States where he is  
now the Co-director of the Academy of Cuban Folklore and Dance in  
Seattle, Washington.
ELEGGUÁ is the 2nd in a series of instructional Cuban dance DVDs to  
be produced by the Academy of Cuban Folklore & Dance. This DVD  
features over 60 minutes of detailed instruction on 4 of the most  
well-known toques of Eleggua: La Lumbanche, La Topa, Ynongo &  
Chachalokuafun.
José shares with the viewers the methodology he used as a professor  
in Cuba to train generations of dancers. Those who have never danced  
before now have the opportunity to learn from a master. Those who  
already have experience can deepen their understanding of these  
dancers & develop more confidence & independence. The DVDs in this  
series will undoubtedly provide valuable learning material for all  
who love to dance. In Spanish, with English voice-over option. (DR)
Highly Recommended.
Price: $32.00

• Click here to Order Elegguá DVD Now!

MANOLITO Y SU TRABUCO
Grandes Éxitos
Guataca (original import)
Originally released: 2006
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Excellent compilation of hits by Cuba's Manolito y Su  
Trabuco. Fourteen tracks include: "Se Rompieron Los Termómetros,"  
"Marcando La Distancia," "Para Que Baile Cuba," "Caballo Grande Ande  
O No Ande," "Contra Todos Los Pronósticos," "Ven, Ven Sircoco Ven"  
and many others.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Se Rompieron Los Termómetros (5:47) 2. Marcando La Distancia  
(5:11) 3. Para Que Baile Cuba (5:40) 4. Linda Melodía (6:39) 5. El  
Diablo Colorado (4:31) 6. Caballo Grande Ande O No Ande (6:00) 7. La  
Boda De Belén (5:25) 8. Llegó La Música Cubana (6:29) 9. El Águila  
(6:24) 10. Y Ya Para Qué (5:30) 11. Contra Todos Los Pronósticos  
(4:37) 12. Ven, Ven Sircoco Ven (6:02) 13. Tú Me Dijistes Mentiras  
(4:37) 14. Amor Matemático (6:29)
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Grandes Éxitos Now!

NED SUBLETTE
Cuba And Its Music: From The First Drums To The Mambo (softcover)
Chicago Review Press
Originally released: 2004
Category: BOOKS; BOOKS: OTHER; CUBA
EditorsPick: Now available in paperback!
A groundbreaking account of the history, influence, and importance of  
Cuban music...
"Ned Sublette is widely regarded as one of Cuban music's most  
knowledgeable and passionate experts. As enthralling as it is  
comprehensive, his book breathes life and fire into the whole history  
of Cuban music." - Bonnie Raitt
This entertaining history of Cuba and its music begins with the  
collision of Spain and Africa and continues through the era of  
Miguelito Valdés, Arsenio Rodríguez, Benny Moré, and Pérez Prado. It  
offers a behind-the-scenes examination of music from a Cuban point of  
view, unearthing surprising, provocative connections and making a  
case for Cuba as fundamental to the evolution of music in the New  
World. Revealed are how the music of black slaves transformed 16th- 
century Europe, how the claves appeared, and how Cuban music  
influenced ragtime, jazz, and rhythm and blues. Music lovers will  
follow this journey from Andalucía, the Congo, the Calabar, Dahomey,  
and Yorubaland via Cuba to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Saint-Domingue, New  
Orleans, New York, and Miami. The music is placed in a historical  
context that considers the complexities of the slave trade; Cuba's  
relationship to the United States; its revolutionary political  
traditions; the music of Santería, Palo, Abakuá, Vodú, and much more.
Ned Sublette is the cofounder of the Qbadisc record label. He has  
coproduced the public radio program Afropop Worldwide for seven years  
and traveled frequently to Cuba since 1990.
Pages: 672
Book Type: Paperback
Size: 6 x 9
B&W Photos: 60 (DR)
Highly Recommended.
Price: $19.95

• Click here to Order Cuba And Its Music Now!

LOS VAN VAN
Live From Camagüey - Cuban Tour 2007
Guataca (original import)
Originally released: 2006
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Highly charged live performance by Los Van Van in  
Camgüey. They do an over 24 minute poupurri of hits, as well as "Soy  
Todo," "Ay Dios Ampárame," "Chapeando" and more. Features their  
current lineup of vocalists: Mario "Mayito" Rivera, Yenisel Valdés  
"Jenny", Abdel Rasalps "Lele", and Roberto Hernandez "Guayacán".
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Poupurri N.2 Que Tiene Van Van / Deja La Ira / Soy Normal,  
Natural / Solo Para Mi / Qué Sorpresa / Qué Cosas Tiene La Vida /  
Permiso Que Llegó / Chirrin, Chirrán / Eso Que Anda (24:41) 2. Soy  
Todo - Ay Dios Ampárame (13:08) 3. Agua (6:59) 4. Agua - Bis (1:32)  
5. Van Van Por Siempre Medley (4:48) 6. Chapeando (12:26)
MUSICIANS:
• Juan Formell: Director musical y bajo
• Samuel Formell: Drums, timbales y campanas
• Mario "Mayito" Rivera: Voz solista y coro
• Yenisel Valdés "Jenny": Voz solista y coro
• Abdel Rasalps "Lele": Voz solista y coro
• Roberto Hernandez "Guayacán": Voz solista y coro
• Hugo Morejón: Mambos, trombon y organo
• Pedro Fajardo: Violin
• Irving Fontela: Violin, viola y dirección sección cuerdas
• Pavel Molina: Bajo
• Julio Norona: Güiro
• Manuel Labarrera: Congas
• Roberto Hernandez "Guayacan": Congas
• Roberto Carlos Rodriguez "Cucurucho": Piano
• Jorge Leliebre: Flauta y coros
• Boris Luna: Teclado
• Alvaro Collado: Trombon
• Edmundo Pina: Trombon y pads
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Live From Camagüey Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Herencia Músical Cubana - The Entire History Of Cuban Rhythms: 3-DVD Set
Titanio Records
Originally released: 2006
Category: DVD; DOCUMENTARY; CUBA
EditorsPick: How often are we asked for a complete documentary  
overview of the history of Afro-Cuban music? A lot. Well, it was only  
a matter of time - a great idea that makes you wonder why it wasn't  
made sooner. This huge 3-DVD documentary about the history of Cuban  
music is the perfect primer for music enthusiasts, students and  
musicians. This vast work covers the breadth and impact of almost  
every Cuban musical style imaginable. From early Afro-religious and  
folkloric genres to the Habanera, Contradanza, El Punto Guajira,  
Danzón, Son, Guaracha, Rumba, Bolero, Latin Jazz and Cubop, Mambo,  
Cha Cha Chá, La Pachanga, Mozambique, Songó, Changüí, Nueva Trova,  
Salsa, Timba and everything in between. The film-makers, Mario  
Fajardo and Lito Solanas, barely miss a beat. In typical documentary  
fashion, the span is chronologically paced, with cross references  
established throughout. Utilizing footage vintage from film and  
television, clips of performances and interviews are integrated, with  
some notable appearances made by Los Müñequitos de Matanzas, Celeste  
Mendoza, Ñico Saquito, Machito, Arturo Sandoval, Pérez Prado, Beny  
Moré, Enrique Jorrín, Pello El Afrokan, Los Van Van, Sivlio  
Rodriguez, Carlos Oliva, Willy Chirino, Hansel y Raul, Gloria  
Estefan, Celia Cruz, Adalberto Alvarez, Manolin, Charanga Habanera,  
Isaac Delgado, Paulito y su Elite, NG La Banda, Los Orishas and many  
others. There's a ton of information here, folks.
132 minutes. In both Spanish and English.
Herencia Músical Cubana is both essential and enjoyable, and is a  
must-have for your collection.
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Let your mind dive into the ocean of Cuba's romantic  
rhythms, as you explore the rich history of this country's musical  
past. This documentary contains the complete history of most of the  
rhythms that Cuba has explored to the world, from the original Areito  
to modern Salsa. Revealed in three discs with more than 110 original  
clips (some up to 100 years old!). From television programs, movies,  
film, audio files, night clubs, cabarets, carnivals, personal  
interviews, anecdotes and more... Cuban Musical Heritage presents for  
the first time ever: how the rhythms were born; who created them;  
performances from the best interpreters; the best compositions; how  
to dance them; and their impact on other cultures. A one-of-a-kind  
work of art you should not miss that will not only amuse your mind  
but also promises to entertain the whole family!
[from the liners]
Price: $29.95

• Click here to Order Herencia Músical 3-DVD Set Now!

Recent important titles:

CARLOS FEDERICO
To A Mambo King! The Carlos Federico Memorial Album
JCV
Category: DANCE TRADITIONS; DESCARGAS/MAMBO
EditorsPick: Incredible extended jam session from 1985. Super hot  
mambo-descarga jams with some of the longest timbale solos on record.  
This one rocks. Full review to follow shortly.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $16.98
• Click here to Order To A Mambo King! Now!

CHOCOLATE ARMENTEROS
The Cuban Swing: Tribute To The Legend Chocolate Armenteros, Live In  
Puerto Rico DVD
Mundo Libre
Category: DVD; LATIN JAZZ; CUBA
EditorsPick: Just in: Live performance DVD tribute to the legendary  
trumpeter Chocolate Armenteros. With Charlie Sepulveda and The  
Turnaround band as well as Luis "Perico" Ortiz and Elliot Feyjoo.  
Review to follow shortly.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $21.98
• Click here to Order The Cuban Swing DVD Now!

ANGEL FRANCISCO "EL JEFE"
Original Salsa
Melaza Records
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
Description: New salsa release by songwriter and vocalist Angel  
Francisco "El Jefe". With Angie Machado, George Padilla, Tito De  
Gracia, Edwin Clemente, Wichi Camacho, Luis Marin and many others.  
All original material by Mr. Francisco. Review to follow shortly.
Price: $15.98
• Click here to Order Original Salsa Now!

ORQUESTA LA PALABRA
Lo Mejor De La Palabra
Codiscos / original import
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Great twelve track compilation of material from this  
respected west coast salsa band.
Recommended. (BP)
Price: $15.98
• Click here to Order Lo Mejor De La Palabra Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Ahí-Namá En Cuba DVD
Ahi-Nama Records
Category: DVD; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Terrific compilation of salsa Cubana from the vaults of  
Ahí Na Má records. Includes performances by Maraca, Bamboleo, Yumuri,  
Laito, Issac Delgado, Arte Mixto, Eddy-K, Bukuleye, Rolo Martinez,  
Enrique Alvarez with Alfredo De La Fe and others.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $21.98
• Click here to Order Ahí-Namá En Cuba DVD Now!

MARVIN SANTIAGO
32 Serie Grandes Exitos: 2 CD Set
Universal Colombia / original import
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Excellent 2-CD compilation of the best material from  
Marvin Santiago.
Recommended. (BP)
Price: $19.98
• Click here to Order 32 Serie Grandes Exitos: 2 CD Set Now!

BILLY MARTIN
Riddim: Claves Of African Origin - Book & CD Set
MIM
Category: INSTRUCTIONAL; AFRO-LATIN PERCUSSION
EditorsPick: Billy Martin, aka illy B, is a remarkable drummer,  
visual artist and label owner, who has successfully carved out his  
own musical path. As the organic beat-maker for Medeski, Martin &  
Wood, Martin has successfully blended world-music cultures into his  
own style.
Influenced by musicians who move people, Martin's playing does just  
that. His roots-based approach digs deep into the African-fed  
cultures of Brazil and the Caribbean and serves them up with New York  
culture and attitude. Fueled by these traditions, Martin plays on  
these rhythms with the heart of an improvisor with influences ranging  
from avant-guard to hip-hop. As you might expect, the result is  
infectious.
Under all of Martin's riddims, or rhythms, are traditions that owe as  
much to bebop innovator Max Roach as reggae pioneer Sly Dunbar. And,  
as you will hear, Martin has not taken any short-cuts in mastering  
these rhythms. The result of his commitment to discovering the  
richness of rhythmic cultures, while developing his own personal  
sound on the instrument, is a very captivating sound on the drums.
This book documents many of the pathways that Billy has taken to find  
his unique voice. The claves in this book are keys to playing  
authentic based rhythms and improvising on them
Learning different clave rhythms is similar to jazz musicians  
learning chord changes, voicings, and scale patterns which enable  
them to improvise on songs. Drummers are no different. The claves  
contained in this book open up rhythmic subdivisions, substitutions  
and a much wider vocabulary to draw upon than playing static beats.
Call them systems, bell patterns, or claves, be assured that there is  
much freedom to be gained from owning these rhythms. The coordination  
required to play these rhythms will challenge and benefit every  
aspect of your playing. (notes from the back cover) (DR)
Price: $24.95
• Click here to Order Riddim: Claves Of African Origin Now!

Significant links...

Read the Descarga.com's Editor's Picks Best of 2006

Check out the new wave of remastered classic FANIA reissues:
new_fania

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2006

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FANIA in transition... The recent acquisition of the Fania related  
labels (Fania, Alegre, Cotique, Vaya, Tico, Inca, Barbaro etc.) will  
mean that this large, historically significant, catalog of titles may  
be in scarce supply until they are reissued. They are going fast. We  
strongly urge those of you who are considering any of the following  
titles to place your order while supplies last. Click below for a  
list of currently available old stock...
old_fania

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