The Descarga Review - February 20, 2007 [with reviews]

Tue Feb 20 10:25:53 EST 2007

The Descarga Review • February 20, 2007

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Here are some noteworthy new and reissued titles...

MAÑA
¡Por Fin... Maña! Comenzó La Fiesta
Maña
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: The Bronx-based band Maña were co-founded in 2001 by New  
York salsa stalwarts Ray Rosado and Victor Maldonado. Ray is the  
longtime composer, arranger, chorus singer and hand percussionist  
with the Bronx-based pianist and bandleader Wayne Gorbea and Victor  
has played percussion with the likes of Gene Hernández' Orquesta  
Novedades, Yomo Toro, Tito Nieves, Miles Peña and Johnny Ray. "Maña's  
mission is to continue the salsa dura tradition, doing their part to  
keep it alive, with original material as well as covers," says Ray.
After a break of two days I listened to Por Fin for a third time, and  
discovered that "Azucaré" and " Comenzó La Fiesta", both written and  
arranged by Ray, had already insinuated themselves into my system.  
Then Ray's re-working of the Arsenio Rodríguez classic "Monte  
Adentro" hit me! Ray is a cunning fox, because the album is real  
grower, and this is the knack of his arrangements. They imperceptibly  
get under your skin. Maña's sound can be reminiscent of Wayne Gorbea,  
but that is no bad thing and not surprising in view of Ray's creative  
input to Wayne's bands over the years. Deep swing (to borrow Peter  
Watrous's apt expression) pervades.
There should put an advisory sticker on the CD case saying  
"Guaranteed to be addictive after just three plays!!" I'm going to  
put it back on again...
Very highly recommended. (John Child)

(Read the complete unedited review here)

SONG TITLES:
1. Azucaré (5:49) 2. Comenzó La Fiesta (5:24) 3. ¿Y Yo? (6:43) 4.  
Donde Está La Conciencia (4:45) 5. Monte Adentro (5:45) 6. No Hay Mal  
Que Por Bien No Venga (5:51) 7. El Que No Sufre No Vive (5:39) 8. Tu  
Bombón (4:28) 9. Por Fín Llegó La Hora (4:59) 10. Tremendo Coco  
(4:09) 11. Con Maña Se Puede (3:59)
MUSICIANS:
• Ramón "Ray" Rosado: Leader, piano, producer, coro
• Victor M. Maldonado: Co-Leader, timbales, coro
• Carmelo Berríos: Bongo
• Marcos González: Bass
• Christian Kollar: Trombone
• Willie Andino: Congas
• Fernando Fernández: Vocals, coro
• Ada Chabrier: Vocals, coro
• Nodál Hernádez: Vocals
• Alex Casanova: Vocals
• Jorge Maldonado: Coro
• Cathy López: Coro
• Frank Otero: Coro
• Invited Artists: Tomer Levy : Trumpet
• Carl Corwin: Tenor Sax
• Pete Nater: Trumpet (3 tracks)
• Carlos Ordúz: Tenor Sax (2 tracks)
• Carmelo Rivera: Tenor Sax (1 track)
• Maribell: Vocal (Duo) (3 tracks)
• Luis A. Cruz: Güiro, Maracas
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order ¡Por Fin... Maña! Now!

RUMBA CALZADA
Raphael Geronimo's Rumba Calzada, Vol. 3
Pacific/Warner Canada
Originally released: 2006
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: If great things are worth waiting for then this soulful  
almost mesmerizing, project proves it. It's not often that a new  
Rumba Calzada is released. In fact this is just their third CD in  
thirteen years. Timbalero-percussionist Raphael Geronimo has created  
a sophisticated vibes and trombone-based salsa that leads to deep  
atmospheric descargas. The sound, full of soul and dimension, feels  
almost vintage. Perhaps that's not exactly right: it sounds... almost  
familiar - as if you were privy to some platonic ideal of salsa- 
descarga jams. You hear it and it sounds "right". Listen to "Cuidado  
Rene", an almost dreamlike drive into waves of Afro Cuban rhythmic  
grace. Flawless? Damn close, 'cause there's a capacious dose of sabor  
in these eight original tracks. Geronimo tries hard not to shine the  
light too bright; he knows that the beauty, the sensual, live in the  
shadows. Rumba Calzada was started in Canada by his father, the late  
Boying Geronimo; Raphael took the reins and, thankfully, he kept it  
going. Boying is looking down saying "that's my boy!" With Al  
Johnston on bass, vocalist Ramon Flores, Raphael Geronimo on all  
things percussive, Lou Mastroianni on keyboards, vibes and  
keyboardist Nick Aprivor, conguero and singer Rolo Preza, and  
trombonist Brian Harding. And guests, too. This one stays in the CD  
player. A classic.
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Mambo 234 (4:29) 2. Los Pollos (5:27) 3. Cuidado Rene (5:31) 4.  
Meneate (4:33) 5. Cinco De La Mañana (4:39) 6. Cinco Minutos (6:09)  
7. Conga Thing (2:59) 8. Nena Baila (4:47)
MUSICIANS:
• Al Johnston: Baby bass, electric bass
• Ramon Flores: Vocals
• Ralphael Geronimo: Timbales, congas, bongos, guiro, vocals
• Lou Mastroianni: Keyboards
• Nick Apivor: Vibraphone, keyboards
• Rolo Preza: Congas, vocals
• Brian Harding: Trombone
• Special Guests: Vince Mai: Trumpet
• Jose Sanchez: Vocals
• Track 9 ("Nena Baila"): Ariel Lopez: Bass
• Mike Simpson: Keyboard
• Kary Taylor: Congas
• Victor Bongat: Trombone
• Edgar Romero: Bongos, vocal
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Rumba Calzada, Vol. 3 Now!

CHAN JUNIOR
Mi Homenaje A Los Grandes
Chanson Records (original import)
Originally released: 2003
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; SPAIN
EditorsPick: Fasten your seat-belts... Chan Junior is in the house.  
Here's a very well-produced uptempo jazzy salsa project by the  
spirited Cuban singer Chan Junior. Never heard of him you say? Chan  
formerly sang with the local Cuban bands Orquesta Cubana, Sonora  
Caribeña, and Orquesta Ochuni. In 1993 he formed Chan Junior y Su  
Orquesta and took it on the road, mostly throughout Europe. On this  
project he gives props to the likes of Miguel López Quiroga ("La  
Zarzamora"), Luis Araque (Ya Se Que Tienes Novio"), Arsenio Rodriguez  
("La Vida Es Un Sueño"), Tito Puente (with a smokin' "Oye Como Va"),  
Pedro Hernández ("Asi Es La Humanidad") Juan Formell (El Cha Cha Cha  
Es La Cosa") and others. Mi Homenaje A Los Grandes is a solid, in-the- 
pocket, trombone and tres-based salsa project with a powerful  
vocalist that could easily front a timba band. Listen to him on the  
José Fernández Diaz popourri. This guy can rock the house. Killer  
coro section, too. This one, folks, was a nice surprise.
Recorded in Madrid, Spain.
Highly Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. La Zarzamora (4:53) 2. Ya Se Que Tienes Novio (4:28) 3. Asi Es La  
Humanidad (5:00) 4. El Cha Cha Cha Es La Cosa (3:47) 5. Margarita  
(4:30) 6. Yo Bailo De Todo (4:14) 7. La Vida Es Un Sueño (4:51) 8.  
Oye Como Va (3:21) 9. Si Sabes Bailar Mi Son (3:33) 10. Tequila  
(2:50) 11. Tu Moviemiento Al Caminar (4:18) 12. Sazonando (3:22) 13.  
Popurri, (elige Tu Que Canto Yo/Guantanamera (4:02)
MUSICIANS:
• Alain Perez: Bajo, telcado, tres, y coros
• Jose (Pepe) Rivero: Piano
• Yuri Nogueira: Conga, bongo, campanas y guiro
• Georvis Rico: Timbales Y coros
• Jose "Majito" Aguilera: Timbal
• William Paredes: Trombon
• Joulien Riol: Trombon
• Juan Munguia: Trompetas
• Javier Anguera: Saxo baritono
• Candido Mijares: Saxo tenor, alto y soprano
• Juan Cerro : Guitarra española
• Daria Delgado: Coros
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Mi Homenaje A Los Grandes Now!

HAVANA POWER BAND
Timba Y Corazón
Envidia (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Here's an gem of a timba release. The high voltage  
Havana Power Band is comprised of ex-Havana City members who, in  
turn, were former members of Dan Den. The lineage speaks for itself:  
Havana Power has evolved into one of the Cubas's best modern bands.  
They are the pure definition of Timba, as typified by tracks like the  
no-holds-barred "Pobre Diabla", "Me Vuelves Loco" or the opening  
track "No Le Eches La Culpa" with its Charanga Habana meets Van Van  
feel. Like some other top Cuban dance bands - Bamboleo for example,  
Havana Power Band peppers in a few non-timba numbers to show the  
extent of their chops. "Leguina Blues" is a hard-driving jazz- 
descarga and "Time After Time" is a slow-boiling charanga. Don't be  
fooled... this leads right into "Yo Soy Tu Hombre" - bassist Raul  
Cabrera's personal statement in pure fiery timba vernacular.
Features vocalists Evelio Jaz, Jorge Rodriguez "El Gafas" and rapper  
Michelito "El Vaticano".
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. No Le Eches La Culpa (5:27) 2. Timba Y Corazon (5:38) 3. Olvidame  
(5:27) 4. Me Vuelves Loco (5:11) 5. Pobre Diabla (6:08) 6. Fuego  
Cautivo (3:39) 7. Time After Time (4:15) 8. Yo Soy Tu Hombre (5:18)  
9. Mi Changui (5:03) 10. Leguina Blues (4:31)
MUSICIANS:
• Raul Cabrera: Bajo
• Augusto Lage: Conga
• Michel Aula: Timbal
• Oswaldo Oliva: Piano
• Oswaldo Huerta: Bongó
• Carlos Amores: Guiro
• Jesus Angel Chappottin "El Nino": Trompeta
• Ulises Benavides: Trombon
• Luis Carlos: Trombon
• Cecilio O. Valido: Saxo baritono
• Barbaro Lopez: Coros
• Jose Lussion Jr.: Coros
• Michel Perez: Coros
• Evelio Jaz: Voz y coros
• Jorge Rodriguez "El Gafas": Voz
• Michelito "El Vaticano" : Rapper
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Timba Y Corazón Now!

KIMBAWE
Salsa Pura - Para Aprender
Casa Buenavista/Creative Commons (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA COLOMBIA; COLOMBIA
EditorsPick: The tone is set with "Ladrón" - the potent, slow-driving  
trombone salsa reminiscent of some of the '70s urban salsa bands from  
New York. The song is brought to a close nicely embellished by Diego  
Andres Villamizar flutework. I like this stuff - almost unassuming in  
its production, yet rich in flavor and soul. This would describe this  
entire low-key yet highly enjoyable salsa-jazz-mambo production. Made  
up of a team of young players (including two women: tenor sax player  
Dumbira Lippez Decastro and bassist Ivonne Johanna Arévalo), Kimbawe  
is produced by Jorge Villate Liévano of Casa BuenaVista Records in  
Bogotá, Colombia. Guests include label-mate artists Darwin Perea from  
Conmoción Orquesta and Calambuco's Francisco "Pachito" Echavarría,  
two other band's you should also watch out for.
Highly Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Ladrón 2. Para Aprender 3. Debiste Caer 4. Mi Morena 5. Me Gusa  
Así 6. Mambo Catalina 7. Aún Te Llevo En Mí 8. Mamo Nocturno 9. Lo  
Conseguiré 10. Blues Mambo 11. Dueño De Tu Vida
MUSICIANS:
• Ricardo Garcia Ramirez: Voz lider, trombon II
• Johana Patricia Beltran: Trombon 1
• Jaime Lozano: Timbal
• Oscar Arroyo Gaviria : Bongo
• Nestor Giovanni Agamez: Congas
• Diego Andres Villamizar: Flauta traversa
• Ivonne Johanna Arevalo: Bajo
• Dumbira Lippez De Castro: Saxo tenor
• Leonardo Puentes Rodriguez: Piano
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Salsa Pura - Para Aprender Now!

LOS MUÑEQUITOS DE MATANZAS
Tambor De Fuego
BIS (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: FOLKLORIC; RUMBA and/or SANTERIA/LUCUMI; CUBA
EditorsPick: Tambor de Fuego, by maestro Alberto Lescay, is alive  
with the energy that infuses all his work. As if he were physically  
touching the power that our legendary rumberos call out of their  
drums, this work reflects the monumental "living spirit" of art of  
these creators. The intense sound of these rumbas and songs is an  
internal tribute to Cané and to Alberto and to all those who have  
made us feel the fire of Los Muñequitos de Matanzas.
Los Muñequitos de Matanzas son uno de los clásicos del folklor  
cubano, la historia de la Rumba podría contarse a través de ellos, no  
sólo porque sean de los grupos más antiguos, no sólo porque desde el  
primer disco hayan gozado de enorme popularidad, sino además, porque  
se han atemperado a su tiempo sin perder sus tradiciones, porque han  
sembrado y patentado formas muy particulares de decir la música y  
bailar la rumba. Con Muñequitos hay un antes y un después en la Rumba  
Cubana. Ellos hacen una Rumba elegante, de fundamento, son la  
academia del verdadero sabor, que impuso un sello palpable en cada  
escena rumbera.
En ellos nunca se agota la pasión, encanecen sus mayores junto a los  
rostros mas jóvenes, su riqueza se multiplica porque su autenticidad  
se afianza. No empalagan porque no fingen, convencen porque viven y  
vibran cada vez que la música suena. Maestros del cajón y la  
tumbadora, son el cuero de un tambor que nunca calla, las voces que  
nos llegan desde el corazón de la tierra.
- Cary Diez [from the liners] (DR)

SONG TITLES:
1. La Rumba Es (guaguancó) (5:09) 2. No Lo Niego (yambú) (5:23) 3.  
Rumba Pa' Los Rumberos (guaguancó) (4:22) 4. Yo Vine Pa'  
Ve' (guaguancó) (4:27) 5. Canto Espiritual (folklor) (4:26) 6.  
Homenaje A Cané (guaguancó) (4:12) 7. Canto A Matanzas (guaguancó)  
(3:56) 8. No Me Confundas (guaguancó) (4:19) 9. Bríkamo (5:52) 10.  
Pití Pití (guaguancó) (4:32) 11. La Que Se Fue (guaguancó) (4:45) 12.  
Imploración (9:03)
MUSICIANS:
• Jesús Alfoso Miró: Percusión
• Agustin Díaz Cano: Percusión
• Freddy Jesús Alfonso Burgos: Percusión
• Eddy Espinosa Alfonso: Percusión
• Facundo Pelladito Hernandez: Catá
• Bárbaro Giraldo Ramos Aldazábal: Güiro
• Rafael Navarro Pujada: Voz lider
• Israel Berriel González: Cantante
• Ana Pérez Herrera: Cantante
• Alberto Romero Díaz: Cantante
• Ronald González Cobas: Cantante
• Noel Espinosa Alfonso: Apoyo y utilería
• Disdado Ramos Cruz: Director general
• Leogilda Vivian Ramos Aldazábal: Bailarin
• Esther Yamilet Ramos Aldazábal: Bailarin
• Diosdado Enier Ramos Aldazábal: Bailarin
• Luis Deyvis Oduardo Ramos: Bailarin
• Jaime Oña Ramos: Bailarin
• Yunicleyvis Ramos: Bailarin
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Tambor De Fuego Now!

MANNY OQUENDO Y LIBRE
Manny Oquendo Y Su Conjunto Libre
Edenways (original import)
Originally released: 2000
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
EditorsPick: Back in stock. Limited quantities.
The is a "best-of" compilation of great tracks from the venerable and  
near legendary New York dance band, and it's a great one. It combines  
the best of the early Libre material, some of which is not available  
elsewhere.
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Goza La Vida 2. Bailala Pronto 3. Que Humanidad 4. No Me Hechen La  
Culpa 5. Lo Que Se Da No Se Quita 6. Por Que Tu Sufres 7. Suavecito  
8. Yo No Vuelvo Contigo 9. Bamboleate 10. Libre Y Su Son 11. Vengo  
Sabrosa
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Manny Oquendo Y Su Conjunto Libre Now!

JUANCYTO MARTINEZ
Pa' Colombia - Featuring Diego Galé
Juancyto / Movida (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA COLOMBIA; COLOMBIA
EditorsPick: In the style of, say, King Bongó, here's a pumped-up  
danceclub Colombian salsa release. While all the tracks are original  
compositions by Mr. Martinez, maestro Diego Gale was called in as  
project consultant. Gale not only offered ideas of how to create a  
marketable salsa dura CD, his entire highly-caffeinated rhythm  
section - including bassist Giovani Montoya, pianist Pablo Grajales,  
Diego on percussion et al - participated in the whole project. Listen  
to the high voltage "Montuneando," "Colombia" and "No Me Cambie El  
Paso." There's a peculiar final track, "Llegó La Salsa", combines rap  
in French with salsa.
Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Montuneando (4:00) 2. Colombia (4:26) 3. Esto No Puede Ser (4:17)  
4. Atrapao (4:10) 5. Hechizo De Amor (5:00) 6. Sácala A Bailar (4:08)  
7. Colgando De Un Hilo (4:37) 8. No Me Cambia El Paso (4:19) 9. Llegó  
La Salsa (4:50)
MUSICIANS:
• Giovani Montoya: Bajo
• Pablo Grajales: Piano
• Dante Vargas: Trompeta
• Orlando Libreros: Trompeta
• Morist Jimenez: Trombon y coros
• Diego Galé: Congas, timbal, bongo, campana y guiro
• Oscar Abueta: Maracas
• Diego Moran: Coros
• Jorge Grajales: Coros
• Juan David Grajales: Coros
• Georges Valencia: Coros
• Cristian Fernandez: Coros
• Carlos Llamosa: Coros
• Charlie Torres: Coros
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Pa' Colombia - Featuring Diego Galé Now!

ROSITA LA PERLA (ROSA SEVILLANO SÁNCHEZ)
Original De La Habana
Envidia (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Strong salsa by Cuban singer Rosita La Perla (Rosa  
Sevillano Sanchez) who interprets classics like Piñeiro's "Sobre Un  
Tumba Una Rumba", "Bemba Colorá", Rosendo Ruiz' "Saoco" and Lino  
Frias' "Mata Siguaraya." With pianist Lazaro Calvo, timbalero Jose  
Miguel Melendez, bongocero Oswaldo Huerta trumpeters Jesus A.  
Chappottin "El Niño", Julio "Yuliesky" Sanchez and others.
Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Sobre Una Tumba Una Rumba 2. Pideme Lo Que Tu Quieras 3. Bemba  
Colorá 4. Mi Rumba Echando Candela 5. Blancas Azucenas 6. Pa' Ti Na'  
Ma' 7. Saoco 8. No Te Voy A Querer Para Que Sufras 9. Mata Siguaraya  
10. Te Agradezco El Consejo 11. Yo Te Di Un Beso Sin Importancia
MUSICIANS:
• Rosa Sevillano Sanchez: Voz
• Lazaro Calvo: Piano
• Luis A. Dominguez: Bajo
• Jorge "LP" Papiosko: Conga
• Jose Miguel Melendez: Timbal
• Oswaldo Huerta: Bongo
• Carlos Amores: Guiro
• Miguelito Cuni Jr.: Maracas
• Jesus A. Chappottin "El Niño": Trompetas
• Julio "Yuliesky" Sanchez: Trompetas
• Maykel Corrales: Trombon
• Cecilio O. Valido: Saxo
• Hector Anderson: Coros
• Barbaro Lopez: Coros
• Ciso Guanche: Coros
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Original De La Habana Now!

SERVANDO Y FLORENTINO
Servando & Florentino Edición Especial - Includes bonus DVD
Venemusic/Universal
Originally released: 2007
Category: POP/OTHER; POP LATIN; VENEZUELA
EditorsPick: I like this Latin pop duo. Be warned, the only  
difference between this CD and last year's "Servando & Florentino" is  
the addition of the bonus salsa version of "Una Cancion Que Te  
Enamore" and the four track DVD. Here's is my review of the original  
release...
Nicely crafted ballad-driven Latin pop by the talented young  
Venezuelan duo. Slick, these guys can be featured, one might imagine,  
as the renegade musician boyfriends in "Mary Kate and Ashley in Latin  
America". High jinx ensue.
Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. CD: Una Cancion Que Te Enamore 2. Como Quisiera 3. Si Yo Fuera Tu  
4. Todavia Hay Esperanza 5. Cuando Tu Te Vas 6. Te Buscare 7. Me  
Quema 8. Historia Del Venezolano Feat. 4to PODER 9. No Crew, No  
Siento, No Veo 10. Me Duele Quererte 11. Una Cancion Que Te Enamore  
(Version Salsa) 12. DVD: Una Cancion Que Te Enamore 13. Si Yo Fuera  
Tu 14. "Making Of" Del Video 15. Galeria De Fotos
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Servando & Florentino Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Rumberos - La Rumba Es Lo Más Sublime Para El Alma Divertir - DVD
Sara Records (original import)
Originally released: 2006
Category: DVD; FOLKLORIC; CUBA
EditorsPick: Here's an informative and fun to watch documentary about  
the history and sociology of the Cuban rumba. With many performances  
and interviews with musicians and others who "live" the rumba. How  
the rumba developed in Havana and Matanzas as a spontaneous artistic  
form of expression is discussed in detail with the likes of  
percussionist Alfredo Hernández, musicologist Bladimir Zamora, drum- 
maker Juan Bencomo, singer Mayito Rivera, anthropologist Lazara  
Menendez, rumberos Pedro Fariñas and Eloy Machado and many others.  
Lots of street rumbas are filmed here. The differences between the  
three main types of rumba - El Yambú, El Guaguancó, and La Columbia -  
are covered here as well. With special bonus footage of extended  
rumbas: Rumba En Centro Habana, Rumba En El Callejon de Hammel, Rumba  
En La Peña de "El Ambia."
In Spanish, offered with English subtitles. Approx. 100 minutes.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $29.98

• Click here to Order Rumberos - DVD Now!

CHOCOLATE ARMENTEROS
The Cuban Swing: Tribute To The Legend Chocolate Armenteros, Live In  
Puerto Rico DVD
Mundo Libre
Originally released: 2006
Category: DVD; LATIN JAZZ; CUBA
EditorsPick: 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. Live at the Hotel  
Intercontinental, San Juan. The first segment is a short biographic  
overview of the life and career of Alfredo "Chocolate" Armenteros -  
one of the greatest trumpeters Cuba has given the world. What follows  
is one of the best quality Latin jazz performance DVDs we have come  
across. Crisp picture and excellent sound are found on this nicely  
produced four camera shoot. Fine performances by Charlie Sepulveda  
and the Turnaround band, flanked by Chocolate, "Perico" Ortiz and  
Feyjoo. Don't miss their gorgeous interpretation of "Cachita" or when  
the four front-line trumpeters create a sublime "Guajira En Sol  
Menor." Produced by Leo Tizol. Approx. 1 hour and 47 minutes.
Highly Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Mr. Jazz 2. Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing 3. Puerto Rico 4. Cuando  
Vuelva A Tu Lado 5. Latin Gravy 6. El Dia Que Me Quieras 7. El  
Manicero 8. Como Fue 9. Cachita 10. Hot Chocolate 11. Psychedelic  
Blues 12. The Brick Wall 13. Guajira En Sol Menor
MUSICIANS:
• Charlie Sepulveda: Trumpet and musical director
• Natanael Molina: Piano
• Gabriel Rodriguez: Bass
• Francisco Rosado: Drums
• Norberto "Tico" Ortiz: Sax
• Gadwin Vargas: Congas & Percussion
• Luis "Perico" Ortiz: Trumpet
• Elliot Feyjoo: Trumpet
• Chocolate Armenteros: Trumpet
Price: $21.98

• Click here to Order The Cuban Swing DVD Now!

CAMERATA ROMEU
Tampa Habana Oslo - En Vivo
BIS (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SPECIAL INTEREST; NEW CLASSICAL CUBAN; CUBA
EditorsPick: New interpretations of classical material from the  
composers Astor Piazzolla, Daniel Binelli and Gerardo Di Giusto  
representing the three Americas. Also features Suite Caribe by James  
Lewis.
Highly Recommended. Review to follow shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Suite Caribe - Perdido (6:23) 2. Solo (5:05) 3. Esperanzado (5:49)  
4. Melodia En La Menor (5:25) 5. Fuga No. 9 (3:21) 6. Imágenes De  
Buenos Aires (6:57) 7. Tango De Los Cuadros (3:30) 8. Música  
Argentina Para Cuerdas - Andante (5:43) 9. Baguala (7:31) 10.  
Carnavalito (4:08) 11. Bonus Track: Melodia En La Menor (VCD) (5:54)
Price: $18.98

• Click here to Order Tampa Habana Oslo - En Vivo Now!

VICTORIA SANABRIA
La Fiesta No Para
Echao Compay
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; PUERTO RICO
EditorsPick: Here's a solid salsa release (with a plena for good  
measure) from Puerto Rico - the fun debut release from singer Victor  
Sanabria. Recently she sang with Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz as well as  
the Puerto Rican Masters band. This project has Willie Sotelo on  
piano, Edwin Clemente on timbales, Georgie Padilla on congas and  
bongó and guests Charlie Aponte and Claudio Prodigio. Not too shabby.  
I especially like Sanabrias's fiery original track "Plumas, Huesos y  
Cuero."
Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. La Fiesta No Para 2. Costa Sur 3. Sube, Subeme 4. Que Acaben Esa  
Guerra 5. Cuando Cae La Tarde 6. Canto Larará 7. Plumas, Huesos Y  
Cuero 8. Cierra El Portón (Invitado Especial: Douglas Candelario) 9.  
Rocabado 10. Con Esta Imporvisación (Este Tema Fue Completamente  
Improvisado Al Momento De Su Grabacion Invitado Espeical: Prodigio  
Claudio
MUSICIANS:
• Edwin Clemente: Timbal
• Georgie Padilla: Congas, bongó, campana
• Joselito Hernández: Guiro y coros
• Junior Alvarado : Baby bass y bajo semi-acustioco
• Luis A. (Tito) Olivera Piñero: Guiro (tema 10), Cuá (Tema 3),  
pandero punteador y seguidor
• Manny Trinidad: Cuatro
• Moisés Nogueras: Trombón y bombardino
• Tony Rivas: Coros
• Titi Ortiz: Coros
• Willie Sotelo: Piano y teclado
• Yaritza Zayas: Coros
• Victoria Sanabria: Vocals
• Guests: Prodigio Claudio: Cuatro
• Charlie Aponte: Vocals
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order La Fiesta No Para Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Coleccion Grandes Exitos Bailables: 8 CD Set
BIS (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Incredible 8-CD (94 tracks) set of modern Cuban dance  
music. Each disc is dedicated to the hits of one specific band. The  
artists represented here are: Aldalberto Alvarez, Charanga Habanera,  
Haila, NG La Banda, Elio Reve y Su Charangón, Juan Formell y Los Van  
Van, Paulo FG, and Yumurí. A real bargain for 8 CDs!
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Aldalberto Alvarez: Cuatro Sones De Adalberto 10:11,  
Somos Latinos 5:23, Y Que Tu Quieres Que Te Den 5:26, La Novia De Un  
Amigo Mio 4:14, Fin De Semana Es La Cita 5:34, Vivir Lo Nuestro 6:02,  
A Bailar El Toca Toca 5:24, Si No Fuera Por Las Mujeres 5:01, Buena  
Pero No Es Pa' Tanto 5:03, Para Bailar Casino 3:53, Deja La Mala  
Noche 5:12, Mi Linda Habanera 6:37
Charanga Habanera:
Fiebre De Amor 5:58, El Temba 5:58, Quitate El Disfraz 5:21, Nube  
Pasajera 5:32, Para El Llanto 6:14, Tremenda Atmosfera 6:31, Yuya La  
Charanguera 4:50, Amor De Subasta 3:47, No Estamos Locos 4:55, Un  
Disparo En La Mirada 5:05, Hagamos Un Chen 5:35, Lola, Lola 6:32
Haila:
Andar Andando 3:51, No Me Parezco A Nadie 5:44, Tratado De Timba Y  
Salsa 4:57, Bemba Colora 4:18, Quimbara 3:20, Que Te Pedi 5:04,  
Solita 3:34, Como Voy A Decirte 4:47, Quien Fue 4:06, Esto Si Sabe A  
Cuba 4:15
NG La Banda:
La Expresiva 4:41, Santa Palabra 7:48, Los Sitios Entero 3:51,  
Murakamis Mambo 6:18, La Bruja 6:54, El Tragico 6:11, Echale Limon  
7:35, El Baile Chino 5:59, Camaron 3:55, Baila Conmigo 4:07, La Chica  
De La Playa 3:56, El Papi 4:01
Elio Reve y Su Charangón:
Mi Salsa Tiene Sandunga 5:20, Rumberos Latinoamericanos 5:25, Papa  
Eleggua 5:05, Pu Pu, Chan Chan... 5:55, Salgado 4:54, El Palo De Anon  
5:33, Que Cuento Es Ese 4:45, En La Calle No Hay Casualidad 6:18, Que  
Bien Me Siento 6:15, 1999 4:50, Dale Agua Al Domino 4:15, Se Sigue  
Comentando... 5:01
Juan Formell y Los Van Van:
Chirrin Chirran 3:11, El Baile Del Buey Cansao 3:15, La Habana No  
Aguanta Mas 5:29, Por Encima Del Nivel (Sandunguera) 6:45, Se Acabo  
El Querer 5:42, El Negro No Tiena Na' 5:52, Aqui El Que Baila Gana  
5:46, Disco Azucar 5:22, Que Le Den Candela 7:15, Soy Normal, Natural  
5:46, Soy Todo 8:28, Esto Te Pone La Cabeza Mala 4:05
Paulo FG:
Sofocacion 5:53, Ana Elena 5:09, Cuida'o En El Cachumbambe 5:33, Se  
Lo Busco 5:18, En Materia De Amor 5:05, Ina 7:38, Ella Y La Noche  
5:01, Que Vas A Decir 6:15, Te Siento 5:08, Que Dices Ahora 5:43,  
Ilusion De Papel 4:57, Tu No La Piensas 5:37
Yumurí:
Yo Quiero Tranquilidad 5:58, Yo Soy Callejero 5:58, Que Me Pidan  
Regalao 4:51, Anoche Llore 4:54, Acaramelao 4:11, Le Tiro A La Buena  
4:39, A Guarachar 5:51, La Cuenta 5:28, La Bomba 5:52, Yo No Quiero  
Lio 6:18, El Gato No Coge Al Raton Corriendo 3:50, Coge La Botella 4:41
Price: $49.98

• Click here to Order Coleccion Grandes Exitos Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
El Gremio - Regueton
BIS (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: POP/OTHER; REGGAETON; CUBA
EditorsPick: Cuban reggaetón by the latest crop of young hip bands.  
Featured artists are: New Boys, Tecnocaribe, Acento Latino, Pandilla  
X, Karell, Duglen and El Gremio - a group effort.
Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Conga Latina - El Gremio (4:38) 2. La Pista - New Boys (3:22) 3.  
Todo Fue Mentira - Tecnocaribe (3:02) 4. Te La Pasas Provocandome -  
Duglen (3:29) 5. Encantadora - Pandilla X (3:06) 6. Dejala Que Llore  
- Acento Latino (3:45) 7. Me Aprieta Bailando - Karell (3:35) 8. Tu  
Pelo - New Boys (2:41) 9. Dime Mujer - Tecnocaribe (3:02) 10. Ella  
Dice Que Me Quiere - Karell (3:45) 11. La Noche Esta Buena - Pandilla  
X (3:05) 12. Soy Yo - Acento Latino (3:16) 13. Regalame Una Noche Mas  
(3:20) 14. Conga Latina (Remix) - El Gremio (4:38)
MUSICIANS:
• New Boys: Renier Romero, Alian Imbert, Juan Carlos Jorro, Lester  
Esnaides, Yasmany Pérez
• Tecnocaribe: Addiel Rojas, Maurice L. Montagne, Geovanny Abreus,  
Yadier González, Yosvany Maria
• Acento Latino: Eliar Martinez, William Martinez, William Lara,  
Yainel Feito, Isvany Ciscal
• Pandilla X: Reynier Diaz, Jilver Zamora, Robersi Abel Diaz
• Karell: Karel De Armas
• Duglen: Duglén Fernández
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order El Gremio - Regueton Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Descarga Pa' Gozar: Grandes Del Latin Jazz Cubano, 2-CD Set
BIS (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ; CUBA
EditorsPick: Superlative 2-CD collection of prime Afro-Cuban jazz  
selections. Features performances by Chucho Váldes, Ernán López- 
Nussa, Gabriel Hernández, Jorge Reyes y Orquesta Todos Estrellas,  
Lázaro Valdés, José Luis Cortés y NG La Banda, Afrocuba, Inter- 
Activo, and others.
Highly Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Homenaje A Mongo Santamaria - Chucho Valdés (9:35) 2. La Muela -  
Ernán López Nussa (5:14) 3. La Rumba Que No Escuchó Mi Abuelo -  
Rolando Luna Y La Camarata Romeu (4:17) 4. Son A Emiliano - Gabriel  
Hernández (5:23) 5. Manteca - Jorge Reyes Y Orquesta Todos Estrellas  
(5:05) 6. La Flauta Mágica - Lázaro Váldes (7:22) 7. Consuélate Como  
Yo - José Miguel Crego "El Greco" & Top Secret (3:45) 8. La Comparsa  
- Pucho López (5:06) 9. Pitacatacán - César Lópz Y Habana Ensemble  
(5:41) 10. Chachachá Cortés - José Luis Cortés Y NG La Banda (9:00)  
11. Arcoiris - Afrocuba (6:45) 12. Escriba Y Lea Con Las Tubular  
Bells - Inter-Activo (4:28) 13. To Remember Black Bird - Chucho  
Valdés Y Gabriel Hernández (4:40) 14. Capullito De Alelí - Ernán Lópz- 
Nussa (4:40) 15. Scherezada - Alexis Bosch (4:36) 16. Tin Tin Deo -  
Jorge Reyes Y Orquesta Todos Estrellas (7:45) 17. Greco's Shopping -  
José Miguel Crego "El Greco" & Top Secret (4:12) 18. The Lion's  
Hunter - Pucho López (5:05) 19. Lamento Desértico - Afrocuba (7:18)  
20. El Manisero - Gabriel Hernández (1:47) 21. Cuarto - José Luis  
Cortés Y NG La Banda (8:35) 22. Palabrara - Inter-Activo (5:31) 23.  
Geishas En La Habana - César Lópz Y Habana Ensemble (5:07) 24. Pa'  
Gozar - Miguel Ángel De Armas (10:14)
Price: $21.98

• Click here to Order Descarga Pa' Gozar Now!

ENRIQUE BARRIOS
Amigos
Sum Records (original import)
Originally released: 2004
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; SPAIN
EditorsPick: New salsa release by Colombian singer Enrique Barrios.  
With guests Luisito Carrion, Darvel Garcia and others. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Quién Eres Tu (5:07) 2. Ella (4:38) 3. Dime Que Me Quieres (4:59)  
4. Carlos Maria (4:51) 5. Amigos (4:44) 6. La Vida (4:58) 7. Fantoche  
(4:46) 8. Si Me Dices Que Si (4:21) 9. En La Penumbra De La Noche  
(4:16) 10. El Tributo (4:48) 11. Lo Que No Somos (3:06) 12. Juan  
Parado (5:10) 13. Quien Eeres Tu (remix) (4:14)
MUSICIANS:
• Luisito Quintero: Percusion
• Efrain "Junito" Davila: Piano
• Wilmer Rodriguez: Bajo electrico y baby bajo
• Jose Sibaja: Trompeta
• Domingo "Pelolindo" Pagliuca: Trombon
• Felipe Castro: Saxo en temas 8 y 11
• Alexander Ramos: Saxo tenor y alto en los demas temas
• Jose Manuel "Alconche": Guitarra española en "Quien eres tu"
• Alfonso Carpio "Del Cabete": Cajon flamenco en "Quien eres tu"
• Jose Luis "Cheli" Ortiz: Guitarra electrica en "Juan Parado" y  
guitarras en "Quien eres tu" (version pop)
• Ikay Ledesma : Guitara custica y electroacustica en "Si me dices  
que si" y "Lo que no somos"
• Juan Carlos Coronado: Teclados en "Lo que no somos" y acordeon en  
"La vida"
• Irvis Mendez: Programacion de bateria, teclados y bajo eclectrico  
en "Quien eres tu" (version pop)
• Darvel Garcia, Emiro Delgado, Alberto Acuña, Rafael Rodriguez, Tony  
Romero, Alvaro Gamboa, Diana Perez Y Enrique Barrios: Coros
• Luisito Carrion, Darvel Garcia Y Enrique Barrios: Voces en "Fantoche"
• Inma Serrano Y Enrique Barrios: Voces en "Amigos"
• Enrique Barrios: Lead voz
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Amigos Now!

FRANCISCO AGUABELLA
Sworn To The Drum: A Tribute To Francisco Aquabella - DVD
Flower Films
Originally released: 1995
Reissued: 2007
Category: DVD; DOCUMENTARY
EditorsPick: Now on DVD! "Francisco Aguabella is a master of the bata  
tradition as well as the secular conguero tradition. This film  
documents his move to the United States in 1957 and his  
accomplishments since then. " (Victor Rendón, 98/99 Catalog) (DR)
Description: The film is a portrait of Afro-Cuban drummer, Francisco  
Aguabella, a master both of the bata tradition of drumming in the  
sacred celebrations of the African-derived syncratic sects of  
Santería, Abaqua and Yeza and of the secular conguero tradition.  
Aguabella was born and reared in Cuba, lived in New York for a number  
of years and has been a California resident since 1971. The film  
explores Aguabella's role both as a sacred drummer and a figure of  
historical influence in Latin jazz, pop and fusion in the United  
States. Today, he continues to perform Latin jazz, as well as  
function as a tambolero in his religious community. Also appearing in  
this film are: Armando Peraza, Carlos "Patato" Valdez, Israel  
"Cachao" López, Dizzy Gillespie, Daniel Ponce, Bobbi Cespedes, Carlos  
Santana, John Santos, Katherine Dunham, and Robert Farris Thompson.  
Runs 35 minutes and is in color.
Highly Recommended.
Price: $29.98

• Click here to Order Sworn To The Drum - DVD Now!

EDDIE TORRES
Eddie Torres Teaches Salsa Nightclub Style - 2 DVD Set
E&E ON 2
Originally released: 2005
Category: INSTRUCTIONAL; DANCE INSTRUCTION
EditorsPick: Back in stock! In celebration of its ten years as the  
premier salsa dance instructional, Eddie Torres Teaches Salsa  
Nightclub Style has just been released as a 2-DVD set. As one of  
salsa's first professionally produced dance instructionals, this  
package created quite a stir when originally released on video in  
1995. Now, a decade later, this much sought after learning tool is  
made even better with its availability in convenient, crisp, DVD form.
This 2 DVD set will equip you with all of the necessary elements to  
help turn you in to the dancer you always wanted to be. Eddie and his  
crew of top-notch dancers reveal all the secrets of his award winning  
dancing technique. Mr. Torres is an articulate, enthusiastic, and  
nuanced teacher who exudes style. On these DVDs the couples  
demonstrate their moves together, and afterward the ladies and mens  
parts are detailed separately. There is, thankfully, a picture-within- 
a-picture close-up of the dancer's feet that appears in the lower  
right corner of the screen. Eddie Torres' technique is well thought  
out, and scripted here - with the help of producer Tony Shor - with a  
directness that makes it seem simple. The featured dancers are Janice  
Bruno, Argelio Diaz, Glenda Heffer, Angel Ortiz, Mati Portes, Delille  
Thomas, Eddie Torres, and Deplessey-Monic Walker.
This production features instructional music by Oscar Hernández (with  
Eddie Montalvo on congas), and the second DVD concludes with a  
sizzling performance as Eddie and his troupe dance to the explosive  
sounds of Tito Puente ("Fiesta A La King" and "Mambo Gozon") in a  
simulated dance club setting.
Eddie Torres Teaches Salsa Nightclub Style is still the instructional  
set against which all others are measured. Whether you are a  
beginner, intermediate or advanced dancer and just want to brush up  
on your style, this one, folks, is a must-have. [NTSC All zones]
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $42.95

• Click here to Order Eddie Torres - 2 DVD Set Now!

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