The Descarga Review: Cuban timba, Salsa from Venezuela and new Fania reissues...

Fri Mar 30 23:28:14 EDT 2007

The Descarga Review • March 31, 2007
New Cuban timba, a trove of Salsa from Venezuela and new Fania  
reissues, too!
Bad links? No images? click: HERE

Here are some noteworthy new and reissued titles...

TRINA MEDINA
Trina Medina En Vivo! 2-CD Set (includes bonus video tracks)
TM (original import)
Originally released: 2006
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
Description: Tremendous live 2-CD set of powerhouse singer Trina  
Medina's 1996 concert in Caracas, Venezuela. She blasts through  
material from Luis Perico Ortiz, Angel "Cuco" Peña, Samuel Del Real,  
Leni Prieto, Victor Mendoza, Sergio George and others. A killer show.  
Includes a few bonus video tracks as well. With guest Canelita  
Medina, too. Full review to follow shortly.
Highly Recommended.
SONG TITLES:
1. Medley 1: No Digo Mentiras, Para Mi, Si Tu Quisieras 2. Una Gota  
De Sal 3. Medley 2: Besos Brujos, Canto A La Guaira 4. Duermete 5.  
Candela 6. Bonus Track - Video 7. Hablando Sola 8. Medley 3: Lagrimas  
Negras, Acuyuye, Parampampam, Maquinolandera, Bravo Rumbero 9. Medley  
4: Un Camino Conocido, Rosas Rojas 10. El Mango Del Monte 11.  
Justicia Maria 12. Anda Y Camina 13. Bonus Track - Video
MUSICIANS:
• Trina Media, Canelita Medina: Voz
• Ray Louis : Guitarras
• Juventudes Culturales De La UCV: Coros
• Jose Rodriguez, Jose Araujo, Luis Marquez: Trompetas
• Manuel Barrios: Saxos
• Terry Bonilla, Johan Munoz: Trombones
• Luis Serrano: Teclados/Coros
• Alirio Perez: Piano
• Carlos Puchi: Bajo
• Gerson Aranda: Congas
• Carlos Nene Quintero: Bongo y percusion
• Francisco Rojas: Timbal
• Gerardo Lopez: Bateria
• Daniel Somaro: Coros
• Jose Cheo Valenzuela: Coros
• Dervis Romero: Percusion Venezolana
• Jesus Totono Blanco: Percusion Venezolana
Price: $24.98

• Click here to Order Trina Medina En Vivo! Now!

JESÚS "EL ZUNZÚN DE LA SALSA" & HAVANA CITY
No Me Detengo
Envidia (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: The last few years might just go down as a small,  
enlightened florescence of timba. The kings have abdicated their  
thrones - Issac, Paulito, etc. - and the Princes are taking over,  
making deeply satisfying hard dance music from Cuba, timba, the timba  
that'll last until technology melts away, timba with a bit of salsa.  
Envidia's helped, and here's another example, recording Jesus El Zun- 
Zun, and if he sounds familiar it's because he was the immediately  
identifiable lead singer of Dan Den for a long time, gracing a bunch  
of hits. He hasn't lost his sound, either, and his voice, tight and  
pinched and fooling with pitch, cuts right through the band. And it's  
a serious band, floating above the bassist Arnaldo Jimenez and Jorge  
Papiosko on percussion; you want it to play all night, the way you  
know it can. The coro includes Ciso Guanche and El Sinsonte, and the  
music is always smart, starting off in one place and ending up in  
another. The trombones rock.
Highly Recommended, modern Cuban music at its best. (Peter Watrous)

SONG TITLES:
1. Se Acabo La Magia (5:04) 2. Que Dificil (4:21) 3. No Te Detengas  
(4:16) 4. Juan (4:45) 5. Ahora Quien Soy (4:15) 6. El Sabroso (4:37)  
7. Ella Me Embrujo (5:20) 8. A 50º (5:11) 9. Melao De Caña (4:30) 10.  
El Esplendido (4:12) 11. Amor Adolescente (5:03)
MUSICIANS:
• Jesus F. Salas: Voz solista
• Arnaldo Jimenez: Bajo
• Boris Luna: Piano
• Jorge "LP" Papiosko: Conga
• Denis Ramirez: Timbal
• Carlos Amores: Guiro
• Orlando Montaner: Trombon
• Ulises Benavides: Trombon
• Pascual Matos "El Sinsonte": Coros
• Ciso Guanche: Coros
• Barbaro Lopez "Puchunguito": Coros
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order No Me Detengo Now!

MACHADO Y SUS ESTRELLAS
¡Les Eché Pa'lante!
Envidia (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: DANCE TRADITIONS; CHARANGA; CUBA
EditorsPick: There's not much in the world like a charanga orchestra  
that still has the urge to make people dance. Machado, from Cuba,  
runs an orchestra that plays with the power and swing of a hard salsa  
band, but with a bunch of strings swinging away. The Envidia all-star  
singers show up to improvise, including Cordovi, along with a younger  
singer Yosvany Martinez, and a percussion section that takes breaks  
that push and push against the constant montuno of the piano. Most of  
the tunes push toward six minutes, and it's all hard, tough and fast  
music. It's as good as any charanga recording today.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)

SONG TITLES:
1. Me Echaste Pa' Lante (5:48) 2. El Termometro (5:46) 3. Termino  
Medio (5:26) 4. Despojate Con Un Elefante (5:03) 5. No Me Molestes  
Mas (6:08) 6. Vengo Diferente (5:05) 7. Los Muchachos Del Domino  
(5:07) 8. Vengo Encendio (5:05) 9. Te Marchaste (4:07) 10. Para  
Gustos Se Han Hecho Los Colores (5:53) 11. En Un Ladrillito (4:40)
MUSICIANS:
• Jorge Machado: Bajo
• Angel Labori: Piano
• J.J. Oliveros: Flauta
• Mariano Eoti: Conga
• Jorge "LP" Papiosko: Timbal
• Jesus A. Perez "Sopilon": Violin
• Ronny Cabarrocas: Violin
• Edward Marzan: Violin
• Oswaldo Huerta: Bongo
• Carlos Amores: Guiro
• Antonio "Toni" Luis : Coros
• Hector Anderson: Coros
• Gregorio Laza "Cordovi": Voz y coros
• Jose Miguel Melendez: Voz
• Yosvanny Martinez: Voz
• Hector Anderson: Voz
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order ¡Les Eché Pa'lante! Now!

MACHITO AND HIS AFRO-CUBANS
Relax & Mambo: 1942-1954 (includes Afro-Cuban Jazz Suite with Charlie  
Parker)
Living Era / AJS
Originally released: 2007
Category: DANCE TRADITIONS; BIG BAND MAMBO JAZZ
EditorsPick: Terrific compilation of historically important material  
by Machito and His Afro-Cubans. Feature the tracks "Tanga", "Mango  
Mangue", "Asia Minor", "Si Si, No No" (with Graciela) and many  
others. Also contains Chico O'Farrill's famous "Afro-Cuban Jazz  
Suite" with Charlie Parker on alto sax. Also with Mario Bauza, Tony  
Escollies, Rene Hernandez, Flip Phillips, Ubaldo Nieto, Jose Madera  
and many, many others. Wow! A killer.
Highly Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Relax And Mambo (3:06) 2. Sopa De Pichon (3:08) 3. Tingo Talango  
(3:13) 4. La Paella (3:09) 5. No Noise (5:50) 6. Mango Mangue (2:54)  
7. Okiedoke (3:13) 8. Tanga (6:57) 9. Mambo, Mucho Mambo (3:00) 10.  
Si Si, No No (3:10) 11. Jungle Drums (2:59) 12. Asia Minor (3:08) 13.  
Un Poquito De Tu Amor (3:13) 14. Afro-Cuban Jazz Suite: Cancion  
(2:55) 15. Mambo (5:54) 16. 6/8 (2:11) 17. Jazz (3:39) 18. Rhumba  
Abierta (2:33) 19. Mamboscope (2:22) 20. Consternacion (2:41) 21.  
Feeding The Chickens (3:14) 22. Mambo Sentimental (3:00)
MUSICIANS:
• Frank Raul "Machito" Grillo: Director and maracas; all tracks
• Mario Bauza: Trumpet
• Bobby Woodlen: Trumpet
• Johnny Nieto: Alto sax
• Pin Madera: Tenor sax
• Frank Gilberto Ayala: Piano
• Julio Andino: Bass
• Luis Miranda: Conga
• Tony Escollies: Timbales
• Bilingue: Bongo
• Paquito Davila: Trumpet
• Gene Johnson : Alto sax
• Fred Skerritt: Alto sax
• Jose Madera: Tenor sax
• Leslie Johnakins: Baritone sax
• Rene Hernandez: Piano
• Ubaldo Nieto: Timbales
• Guest Artists: Charlie Parker: Alto sax
• Flip Phillips: Tenor sax
• Chico O'Farrill: Conductor on "Afro-Cuban Jazz Suite"
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Relax & Mambo: 1942-1954 Now!

AGUA DE LUNA
Mi Tiempo
Agua (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA INTERNATIONAL; VENEZUELA
EditorsPick: Part of a mini-flood new terrific new salsa from  
Venezuela. Review to follow shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. No Te Vayas (4:49) 2. Ven (3:21) 3. Vuelve (4:38) 4. Hace Rato  
(4:21) 5. Casualidad (4:48) 6. Hombre Errante (4:31) 7. Mi Tiempo  
(3:39) 8. Bumbac (5:19)
MUSICIANS:
• Rafael Omar Briceño: Voz, piano y teclados
• Edward Arrelano: Voz, tumbadoras
• Joel "Pechito" Marquez: Timbal, redoblante, bombo
• Juan Carlos Araujo: Bongo, campana
• Ehiberth Marin: Guiro, maracas
• Rafael Rey: Trompeta
• Werlink Casanova: Trompeta
• Domingo Pagliuca: Trombon
• Benjamin Brea: Saxo soprano y baritono
• Edwin Arrelano: Baby bass, bajo electrico, contrabajo, guitarras  
acusticas y elecrica
• Musicos Invitados: Jose Ruiz : Coro en "Ven"
• Ricardo Castillo: Coros en "Vuelve", "Casualidad", y "Hombre Errante"
• Javier Alarcon Garmendia: Guitarra electdrica en "Casualidad"
• Omar Oliveros: Tambora, tumbadora, guiro, campana, zurdo, cabaza,  
cuica, pandero, shake, clave, cencerro, pitos en "Bumbac"
• Emilio Lovera: Dialogo en "Bumbac"
• Cosme Lopez Garnier: Cuatro en "Bumbac"
• Oswaldo Soto: Bateria de calipso en "Bumbac"
• Julio Alcala: Campanaas y cencerro en "Bumbac"
• Mani Tostao, Engelberth Arrelano, Hector Molina, Sergio Torres,  
Johann Parra, Carlos Cordoba: Coros en "Bumbac"
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Mi Tiempo Now!

JAVIER PLAZA Y ORQUESTA SON-RISA
El Reencuentro - Salsa Del Patio
Javier Plaza (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA INTERNATIONAL; VENEZUELA
EditorsPick: Yet another fine new salsa release from Venezuela.  
Review to follow shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Mi Otra Flor 2. Se Nos Muere El Caribe 3. Le Patina 4. Tu Cancion  
5. Pa' El Sapo 6. La Vida Bailando 7. Anhelante 8. Mi Son 9. Santiago  
De Leon
MUSICIANS:
• Jose Ramoncini, Prisco Oropeza: Trompeta
• Eliel Rivero, Jaime Paez, Jose Antonio Rada: Trombon
• Jesus "Tachina" Clemente: Saxo baritono
• Nelson Douglas (Melo), Charles Peñalver: Tumbadoras
• Julio Antillano: Bajo
• Jose Torres "Tuky": Piano
• Douglas "Chino" Mora, Bitervo Plaza: Timbal
• Carlo Julio Ramirez "El Oso": Percusion menor
• Marcial Isturiz, William "Wiwi" Buznego, Carlo Julio Ramirez "El  
Oso": Cantantes
• Cheo Canache, Fidel Gonzalez Y Tomas Fajardo: Percusion Afro- 
Venezolana
• Rafael Gonzalez, Javier Plaza, Carlos Julio Ramirez "El Oso",  
Leonel Ruiz: Coros
• Javier Plaza: Lead vocals y textos
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order El Reencuentro - Salsa Del Patio Now!

DESCARGA CRIOLLA DE PIBO MÁRQUEZ
Homenaje A Los Reyes De La Salsa
Grupo Madera / Foncrei (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA INTERNATIONAL; VENEZUELA
EditorsPick: Part of a string of hot new Venezuelan salsa to recently  
arrive at our shores. Review to follow shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Sigue Tu Camino (4:17) 2. Ustedes, Mi Rumba Y Yo (4:52) 3. Señor  
Sereno (5:06) 4. La Carcel (4:24) 5. Irimo (4:40) 6. Las Calaveras  
(4:11) 7. Juancito Trucupey (4:04) 8. Una Sola Bandera (4:20)
MUSICIANS:
• Joel "Pibo" Marquez: Percusion y arreglos
• Alfredo Padilla: Percusion
• Carlos Betancour: Percusion
• Omar E. Marquez: Percusion
• Edgard Dolor Quijada: Percusion menor
• Irving Matos: Pianos y arreglos
• Erick Blanco: Pianos y arreglos
• Marcial Isturiz: Pianos y arreglos
• Jesus Torres "Mandinga": Bajo
• Carlos Rodriguez: Bajo
• Giovanny Ramirez: Bajo
• Enrique Alvarez: Violin
• Jose "Cheo" Linares, Gonzalo Martinez, Marcial Isturiz: Coros
• Edgar Dolor Quijada, Dimas Pedroza, Marcial Isturiz, Orlando  
"Watussi" Castillo, Frederyck "El Coco" Perez, Jose "Cheo" Linares,  
Gonzalo Martinez, William "Wiwi" Buznego, Juan Jose El Conde: Voces
• William Vasquez, Miguel Ylarraza: Tres
• Ezequiel Serrano, Pablo Gil, Frank Haslam, Julio Andrade: Saxos
• Jose Ramoncini, Alexis Gonzalez, Ismael Liendo, Javier Vivas "El  
Amarillo": Trompetas
• Jose Leon, Johan Escalante: Trombones
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Homenaje A Los Reyes De La Salsa Now!

DIMAS PEDROZA Y SU ORQUESTA ALEGRIA
Dimas Pedroza Y Su Orquesta Alegria
Palacio (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA INTERNATIONAL; VENEZUELA
EditorsPick: New salsa straight from Venezuela. Review to follow  
shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Babarana Coco 2. Los Velorios 3. Embriagame 4. A Primera Vista 5.  
La Vieja Ramona 6. Del Mismo Barrio 7. Cielito Lindo 8. Las Flores
MUSICIANS:
• Henry Camba: Trompeta
• Lolet Molina: Trompeta
• Joseito Albahaca: Trompeta
• Pucho Escalante: Trombon
• Hector Velasquez: Trombon
• Mauricio Silva: Trombon y coros
• Fidel Antillano: Piano
• Jesus "Mandinga" Torres: Bajo y coros
• Jorge Ruiz: Conga
• Elio Torres: Bongo
• Jose Ayala: Timbal
• Luis Serrano: Maracas y claves
• Alcides Chirinos: Coros
• Carlos "El Potro" : Coros
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Dimas Pedroza Y Su Orquesta Alegria Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Viva La Salsa - A Tribute To Latin Music, Live From The Tito Puente  
Amphitheatre In San Juan, PR: 2-CDs & Bonus DVD
Universal
Originally released: 2004
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Back in stock!
This mega salsa concert held at Puerto Rico's Tito Puente  
Amphitheater in December, 2003 featured an all-star cast including  
the singers Adalberto Santiago, Tito Allen, Luigi Texedor, Papo  
Sánchez and Sammy Gonzalez, Wichy Camacho, Primi Cruz and Darvel Garcia.
Long, rich, salsa grooves are played with intensity and driven to the  
brink of fever by such players as Piro Rodriguez on trumpet, Paoli  
Mejias on congas, Endel Dueño on timbales, Edwin Rosario on bass,  
Prodigio Claudio on cuatro, Javier Oquendo on bongo, and many others.
There's a *lot* of material here, requiring the use of two CDs. Also  
includes a bonus DVD disc that has five smokin' tracks from the show:  
"Boranda," "Indestructible," "El Rey Del Timbal," "Son Son Charari"  
and "Seguire Sin Soñar." Special mention must be made of Endel Dueño,  
who, on the DVD, performs several extended landmark timbale solos  
that are totally amazing. This guy is a killer, folks. His  
performances on "Indestructible" and "El Rey Del Timbal" must be seen  
to be believed. What we have here are some of the best timbale solos  
ever filmed. Puente would be proud. Great show, but just for the DVD  
alone, this one is...
Highly Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Boranda - Luigi Texidor 2. Naci Moreno - Luigi Texidor 3. Linda  
Teresa - Luigi Texidor 4. Devorame Otra Vez - Wichie Camacho 5.  
Trucutu - Samy Gonzalez 6. Parece Mentira - Samy Gonzalez 7. Seguire  
Sin Sonar - Adalberto Santiago 8. Manono - Adalberto Santiago 9.  
Medley: Dinamita, Ay Caray, Quitate La Mascara - Adalberto Santiago  
10. El Rey Del Timbal - Endel Dueno 11. Sin Tu Carino - Papo Sanchez  
12. Son Son Charari - Papo Sanchez 13. Arrebatadora - Primi Cruz 14.  
Puerto Rico - Darvel Garcia 15. Guancona - Tito Allen 16.  
Indestructible - Tito Allen 17. Bonus DVD Includes: Boranda Bonus DVD  
Includes: Bonus DVD Includes: 18. Indestructible 19. El Rey Del  
Timbal 20. Son Son Charari 21. Seguire Sin Sonar
MUSICIANS:
• Adalberto Santiago, Tito Allen, Luigi Texidor, Papo Sanchez, Sammy  
Gonzalez: Voces
• Elias Lopez, Piro Rodriguez, Luis Aquino: Trompetas
• Rafy Torres, Jorge Diaz: Trombones
• Luisra Torres, Memo Pelayo: Saxofones
• Paoli Mejia: Conga
• Javier Oquendo: Bongo
• Endel Dueño: Timbal
• Tony Escapa Jr.: Batería
• Prodigio Claudio: Cuatro
• Alein Rodríguez: Piano
• Junior Alvarado: Bajo (overdubs)
• Edwin Rosario: Bajo
• Primi Cruz, Darvel Garcia, Wichie Camacho: Coros
Price: $27.98

• Click here to Order Viva La Salsa 2-CDs & Bonus DVD Now!

JENNIFER LOPEZ
Como Ama Una Mujer
Epic
Originally released: 2007
Category: POP/OTHER; POP LATIN
EditorsPick: Jennifer Lopez' first all Spanish CD release. Produced  
by Marc Anthony, who is also one of the coroistas here. Review to  
follow shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Qué Hiciste 2. Me Haces Falta 3. Como Ama Una Mujer 4. Te Voy A  
Querer 5. Porque Te Marchas 6. Por Arriesgarnos 7. Tú 8. Amarte Es  
Todo 9. Apresúrate 10. Sola 11. Adiós
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Como Ama Una Mujer Now!

PANCHO AMAT
Llegó El Tresero
Egrem (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
EditorsPick: The heavyweight champion of the tres arrives with his  
acoustic son group, Cabildo del Son. Like on his earlier albums, the  
tresero flashes a bunch of styles, throwing in jazz harmonies and  
runs (check out the harmonies on the first track, a traditional son  
that has moments of McCoy Tyner), and quotes and other stuff, that  
the virtuosity blows away the illusion of normalcy that the group  
promotes. It's a working group, so it sounds together, organized,  
with routines. There's plenty of son majesty here: the opening few  
bars of Errante y Bohemio, with the group's singer William Rodgriguez  
soaring over the acoustic instruments of the group. Several guest  
step up to sing, including Miriam Ramos and David Alvarez. And check  
out the unbelievable swing on Amat's introduction to Sorpresa de  
Harina Con Boniato.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)

SONG TITLES:
1. Desenfreno (4:18) 2. Errante Y Bohemio - Campanitas De Cristal  
(5:02) 3. Un Bongosero En New Orleans (3:53) 4. Ausencia (3:16) 5.  
Sorpresa De Harina Con Boniato (5:20) 6. Son Para Mi Abuelo (4:53) 7.  
Cortico Y Sabroso (5:13) 8. Llegó El Tresero (6:38) 9. El Jamaiquino  
(5:49) 10. Juramento (3:08) 11. Ella Y El Ciclón (4:48) 12. Mi Negra  
Quiere Cumbanchar (4:52)
MUSICIANS:
• Francisco "Pancho" Amat Rodriguez: Director, arreglista, tresista y  
voz segunda
• William Borrego Rodriguez: Cantante solista y percusion menor
• Jose Francisco Amat Rodriguez: Contrabajo
• Francisco Padron Jimenez: Trompeta y coros
• Dayron Ortega Guzman: Guitarra y coros
• Bernardo "Jorgito" Bolaños Aleman: Percusion
• Alberto "Pititi" Rodriguez Castañeda: Voz prima en los coros y  
percusion menor
• Artistas Invitados: Miriam Ramos: Primera y segunda voz en "Ausencia"
• David Alvarez: Voz solista en "Juramento"
• Daniel Amat : Piano en "Cortico y sabroso"
• Javier Zalba: Clarinete en "Juramento"
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Llegó El Tresero Now!

AFRO BOP ALLIANCE
Camino Nuevo
Jazz Maniacs
Originally released: 2006
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: A traditional Latin jazz recording with better than  
average soloists, all coming out of the Washington D.C. area There  
are some high powered guests, including Poncho Sánchez on one track  
and Dave Samuels on two tracks. The seven piece band takes on a  
handful of fine jazz and pop standards including "Soon," "Seven Steps  
to Heaven," 'Armando's' Rumba," "Tom Thumb," "In Love in Vain," and  
Thelonious Monk's "Bye-Ya." It's good stuff, perfect for radio play.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)

SONG TITLES:
1. Soon (6:36) 2. Lo Time (7:08) 3. Seven Steps To Heaven (6:31) 4.  
Armando's Rumba (5:23) 5. Tom Thumba (6:06) 6. Peruchin (5:27) 7. In  
Love In Vain (4:45) 8. Afro Green (8:13) 9. Back To Bayview (6:21)  
10. Bye-ya (6:34)
MUSICIANS:
• Joe McCarthy: Drums, timbale, bells, guiro, cajon, chekere, palmas
• Luis Hernandez: Tenor saxophone
• Tim Stanley: Trumpet
• Dan Drew: Trombone
• Harry Appelman: Piano
• Max Murray: Bass, palmas
• Felix Contreras: Congas, bongo, chekere (track 5)
• Special Guests: Poncho Sanchez: Congas on track 6
• Dave Samuels: Vibes and marimbas on tracks 4 & 8
• Paula McCarthy: Violin on tracks 4 & 7
• Suzanne Orban: Cello on tracks 4 & 7
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Camino Nuevo Now!

LUIS ENRIQUE
Dentro Y Fuera
Respek Records
Originally released: 2007
Category: POP/OTHER; POP LATIN
EditorsPick: The salsa star comes back with a rocking Caribbean  
record that has that sort of ambiguous musical background that gets  
it played all over the Spanish-speaking world. It's modern, too,  
sounding electro folk at times, with a bit of the singer/songwriter  
and it's totally addictive. Addictive for its sound, for his voice,  
for the songwriting which is way above the norm, for the pleasures of  
the rhythm. Gema and Pavel are on the recording and Pavel has a big  
hand in the production. But above everything is Enrique's voice,  
pleading, intelligent and pungent and it shows why he's been such a  
huge presence in salsa. At times the music ventures into deep mambo,  
at times it's pop with bongos. There are acoustic guitars, and  
electric guitars, and electric keyboards, and his voice, up-front and  
center.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)

SONG TITLES:
1. La Historia 2. A Contraviento 3. En La Penumbra 4. Ojala 5. Ella  
6. Mañana Es Muy Tarde 7. Ay Amor 8. La Puerta Y La Ventana 9. La  
Primera Vez 10. Dentro Y Fuera 11. Yo Te Ame 12. Timb-Own
MUSICIANS:
• Luis Enrique: Guitarras electricas, guitarras acustias, bajo,  
teclados, programacion de loops, percusion, congas, acordion progamando
• Rafael Solano: Percusion menor, dumbek, pandeiro, timbao, tambora  
de cumbia, ojeme, tambourines
• Alexis "Pututi" Arce: Timbal
• Jim Hacker: Trompeta, trombon
• Ed Calle: Saxofones
• Gema Y Pavel: Coros
• Pavel Urkiza: Guitarras acusticas, españolas, programacion de  
teclados y loops
• Fernando Favier: Cajones, darbuka, percusion menor
• Gabriel Saientz: Organo, rhodes
• Dan Warner: Guitarras electricas
• Yelsy Heredia: Contrabajo
• Mike Orta: Piano
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Dentro Y Fuera Now!

ALBITA RODRIGUEZ
Albita Live At The Colony Theatre 2-CD Set
Angel's Dawn Records
Originally released: 2006
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: A 2-CD set - a live recording of Albita's performance at  
the Colony Theater in Miami Beach 2006. Review to follow shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Traigo Un Son 2. Parranda, Laud Y Son 3. Son Sin Concepto 4. Que  
Bueno Cuando No Hay Nada 5. Como Si Fueras Mar 6. Tocamela 7. El  
Colibri 8. La Vie En Rose 9. Umbanchero 10. Ave Maria 11. Si No Fuera  
Por Ti 12. Reflexiones 13. Azuca Pa Tu Amargura 14. Que Me Quiten Lo  
Bailao 15. Que Culpa Tengo Yo....
MUSICIANS:
• Albita: Voz
• Fernando Pina: Drums and timbal
• Eduardo Rodriugez: Congas
• Armando Flores: Bongos
• Jorge Bringas: Bass guitar
• Dario Damian Gonzalez: Tres guitar
• Alaina Martin: Piano and keyboard
• Yorgis Goiricelaya: Piano and keyboard
• William Polledo: Trumpet
• Antonio Perigo: Trumpet
• Rodolfo Gomez (Fofi): Sax and flute
• Braily Ramos: Trombone
• Yanelis Torres: Coros
• Daniel Stable: Coros
• Vivian Pupo: Coros
• Special Guest: Amaury Gutierez
Price: $21.98

• Click here to Order Albita Live 2-CD Set Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
RMM Tropical Tribute To The Beatles, Live From Radio City Music Hall  
- DVD & CD Set
Universal/RMM
Reissued: 2003
Category: DVD; SALSA/SON
EditorsPick: Now offered as a DVD & CD set! Live 1996 concert from  
New York's Radio City Music Hall. 1 Hour and 10 minutes. Check out  
some of the artists below!(BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. DVD Contains: Eleanor Rigby / Magical Mystery Tour - Isidro  
Infante Y La Orquesta RMM  2. With A Little Help From My Friends / La  
Avenida De La Amistad - Miles Peña W/ Jesœs Enriquez 3. Hard Days  
Night - Frankie Morales 4. Day Tripper - David Novello 5. Can't Buy  
Me Love (No Puedes Comprarme) - Guianko 6. Fool On The Hill - Ray  
Sepulveda 7. Let It Be - Tito Puente & Tito Nieves 8. And I Love Her  
- Jose Alberto "El Canario" 9. I Want To Hold Your Hand - Ravel 10.  
Lady Madonna - Oscar D'Leon 11. Hey Jude - Tony Vega 12. Yesterday -  
Cheo Feliciano 13. Obladi Oblada - Celia Cruz 14. CD Contains: Hey  
Jude - Tony Vega (5:28) 15. Let It Be - Tito Nieves (5:17) 16. Can't  
Buy Me Love (No Puedes Comprarme) - Guianko (4:37) 17. A Hard Day's  
Night - Johnny Rivera (4:59) 18. Obladi Oblada - Celia Cruz (4:42)  
19. The Fool On The Hill - Ray Sepulveda (4:28) 20. I Want To Hold  
Your Hand (Tu Mano Cogere) - Manny Manuel (4:25) 21. Day Tripper -  
Domingo Quinones (4:15) 22. Lady Madonna - Oscar D'Leon (4:46) 23.  
With A Little Help From My Friends (La Ayuda De La Amistad) - Jesus  
Enriquez & Miles Pena (5:05) 24. Yesterday - Cheo Feliciano (4:51)  
25. And I Love Her (Mi Gran Amor) - Jose Alberto "El Canario" (3:15)
MUSICIANS:
• Steve Roistein: Piano y teclados, coro
• Ed Calle : Saxo
• Tony Concepcion: Trompeta
• Dana Teboe: Trombon
• Rene Luis Toledo: Guitar
• Chema Moncillo: Bajo
• Sammy "Timbalon" Pagan: Percussion
• Oscar Gomez: Percussion, coro
• Cheito Quiñones: Coro
• Rosa Giron: Coro
• Jose Morato: Coro
• Wilfrido Drullarpiano: Bass
• Nilo Gonzalez: Bass
Price: $24.98

• Click here to Order Tribute To The Beatles DVD & CD Set Now!

IVY QUEEN
Sentimiento
Univision
Originally released: 2007
Category: POP/OTHER; REGGAETON
EditorsPick: New release from reggaeton star Ivy Queen. Review to  
follow shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Intro - Que Quieres Tu De Mi (2:16) 2. Que Lloren (3:13) 3.  
Sentimientos (2:51) 4. Pobre Corazon (3:58) 5. En Que Fallomos (3:05)  
6. Reza Por Mi (3:15) 7. Cuando Comprendas (3:39) 8. Yo Te Rescate  
(3:09) 9. Indecisiones (3:04) 10. Llego El Domingo (3:49) 11. Cuando  
No Me Tengas (2:57) 12. Si Eres Tu - Salsa (4:16) 13. Mañana Al  
Despertar (2:49) 14. Corazon Anestesiado (2:56) 15. Robarte Un Beso  
(3:18)
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Sentimiento Now!

Eternamente Los Panchos: La Historia DVD
Sony Norte
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; BOLERO
EditorsPick: DVD release of the guitar and vocal group, Los Panchos.  
Review to follow shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Contigo 2. Flor De Azalea 3. Sin Ti 4. No Me Quieras Tanto 5. Una  
Copa Mas 6. Vagabundo 7. Lo Dudo 8. Rayito De Luna 9. Caminemos 10.  
Quien Sera? 11. Recuerdos De Ti 12. Sin Tu Me Dices Ven (Lodo)
Price: $19.98

• Click here to Order Eternamente Los Panchos DVD Now!

EDDY MARCO
Soy Feliz
Atlas / Reyes
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: New salsa release from singer Eddy Marco. With a coro  
section filled with Miles Peña, Adolfo Barros, and Miguel Martin.  
Review to follow shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Equilibrio (4:40) 2. La Barca (4:59) 3. Reconciliacion (4:22) 4.  
Equilibrio (4:11) 5. Me Enamore De Ti (4:12) 6. Fallastes Corazon  
(4:14) 7. Contigo Soy Feliz (4:18) 8. Reconciliacion (4:22)
MUSICIANS:
• Alfredo Aguilar: Piano, Programacion de piano, teclados, drums y  
percusion menor
• Osvaldo Pichaco: Bajo
• Richard Bravo: Piano, congas, bongo, y percusion menor
• Jorge Sibaja: Trompeta
• Billy Spencer: Trompeta
• Jorge Dobal: Trombones
• Miles Peña: Coros
• Adolfo Barros: Coros
• Osvaldo Pichaco: Guitarras
• Musicos Invitados: Miguel Martin: Coros en "Equilibrio"
• Maria Enriqueta Fleitas: Coros en "Equilibrio"
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Soy Feliz Now!

ENRIQUE CHIA
Mi Cielo Tropical: A Gozar Con Enrique Chia
Begui Records
Originally released: 2007
Category: DANCE TRADITIONS; CHA CHA CHA, CHARANGA, DANZON
EditorsPick: Instrumental project of mostly romantic Cuban dance  
numbers. With guests Israel "Cachao" López and Candito Camero. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Añorado Encuentro 2. Para Mi Cuba Yo Traigo Un Son, Parece Que A A  
Llover, Amalia Batista 3. Ay Mama Ines 4. Nosotros 5. El Cuarto De  
Tula 6. Bruca Manigua 7. Ritmando Cha Cha Cha 8. Como Fue 9. Preferi  
Perderte 10. Santa Isabel De Las Lajas Cienfuegos 11. La Pachanga 12.  
Mi Cielo Tropical 13. Que Viva Chango 14. El Sucu Sucu 15. Si Me  
Pudieras Querer
MUSICIANS:
• Israel Lopez (Cachao): Contrabajo
• Ramses Colon: Contrabajo
• "Candido" Camero: Tumbadora
• Edwin Bonilla: Tumbadora
• Generoso Jimenez: Trombon
• Teddy Mulet: Trombon y trompeta
• Rene Lorente: Flauta
• Ed Calle: Saxofon
• Orlando Forte: Solo de violin
• Edwin Bonilla: Percusion
• Rafael Payan: Guitarra y tres
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Mi Cielo Tropical Now!

CAMERATA ROMEU
Tampa Habana Oslo - En Vivo
BIS (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SPECIAL INTEREST; NEW CLASSICAL CUBAN; CUBA
EditorsPick: Here's a collection of modern pieces played by the all- 
woman chamber ensemble from Cuba, recorded live around the world.  
There are some new pieces, by the composer James Lewis, along with  
compositions by the Argentinean bandleader and composer Astor  
Piazzolla and others. Per usual, the music's beautifully executed,  
intelligent and deeply felt.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)

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!

ANDY DURAN
Tributo A Celia: Canelita Y Andy Duran En Concierto
Obeso Pacanins (original import)
Originally released: 2005
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; VENEZUELA
EditorsPick: Back in stock! (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Saco - Canelita (9:57) 2. Mango Mangué (4:50) 3. Rareza Del Siglo  
(6:11) 4. Equivoca El Camino (3:23) 5. Ritmo, Tambor Y Flores (6:36)  
6. Tributo A Celia: Tu Voz, Burundanga, Juanctio Trucupey (7:51) 7.  
Ya Voy Hacia Ti (3:56) 8. Pao Pao (8:00) 9. Besos Brujos (5:56) 10.  
Bacosó (4:51)
MUSICIANS:
• Robinson Ramos: Trompeta
• Carlos Gómez: Saxofón alto
• David González Jr.: Trombón
• Alberto Crespo: Piano
• José"Mortadelo" Soto: Bajo
• Luisito González: Tres
• Daniel Cádiz: Timbales y tambores
• Rafael González: Congas
• Eiter "Kiko" González: Bongó, campana y guiro
• Juan José Hernández (Indio): Coro, percusión
• Oscar Adrián Lista: Coro, percusión
• Andy Durán: Dirección, arreglos y adaptaciones orquestales
Price: $18.98

• Click here to Order Tributo A Celia Now!

SAMURINDÓ
Cuando Ovejas
Chonta Records
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: A quartet, Samurindo's evidence of the continuing  
intermingling of musical ideas and communities in New York. The group  
works with Colombian rhythms, and features a great rhythm section -  
Trifon Dimitrov on electric bass and Daniel Correa U. on drums.  
Sebastian Cruz, who's part of Lucia Pulido's group is on guitar and  
Jan Pablo Uribe's on saxophone. It's spiky, modern music, gritty and  
dirty and thick and adventurous. It's texture is raw, unadorned;  
there's hardly any reverb on the recording and it has a New York  
energy to it, as if the recording machine stepped into a jam session.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)

SONG TITLES:
1. Cuando Ovejas No Era Sucre (6:19) 2. La Corriente (4:40) 3. Fanny  
(6:13) 4. Viene Llegando (4:45) 5. Un Porrito (6:00) 6. El Incumplido  
(5:15) 7. Plan B (8:17) 8. Openandclose (1:02) 9. Cumbia Enguayabá  
(6:40)
MUSICIANS:
• Juan Pablo Uribe: Sax
• Sebastián Cruz: Guitar
• Daniel Correau: Drumset
• Trifon Dimitrov: Bass
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Cuando Ovejas Now!

Just in: New Fania/Emusica Remastered Salsa Classics...

EditorsPick: See all of the new remastered Fania classics Here! We  
are happy to offer the new digitally remastered reissues from the  
classic salsa label, Fania. Brought to you by Emusica, which, over  
time, will be reissuing the entire catalog with improved sound and  
superb liner notes too - some of which are written by Descarga.com's  
own virtually resident scholar, John Child.
Many of these new reissues have been remastered by Jon Fausty or Bob  
Katz, so even if you already own the older CD version you might want  
to consider upgrading to the new improved edition. They're even less  
expensive than the originals were! Good news all around.
Highly Recommended. (BP)

RAY BARRETTO
Aqui Se Puede
Fania / Emusica - Remastered Edition
Originally released: 1987
Reissued: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA

SONG TITLES:
1. La Resbalosa (6:06) 2. Amor De Lujo (6:01) 3. Aqui Se Puede (6:20)  
4. Si Me Voy Para Mi Islita (5:16) 5. Pa'Todo El Año (5:48) 6. No Te  
Quedes Sin Bailar (5:31) 7. No Me Paren La Salsa (4:34)
MUSICIANS:
• Ray Barretto: Conga
• Jimmy Delgado: Timbales
• Eddie Torres: Bongo
• Carlito Soto: Maracas
• Ricky Gonzalez: Piano
• Johnny Torres: Bass
• Wilson Torres: Trumpet
• Angel Fernandez: Trumpet
• Hector Zarzuela: Trumpet
• Jimmy Bosch: Trombone
• Ray Saba: Vocals
• Carlos Ferrer: Vocals
• Felo Barrios: Coro
• Ronnie Baro: Coro
Price: $13.98

• Click here to Order Aqui Se Puede Now!

PETE "EL CONDE" RODRIGUEZ
El Rey
Fania / Emusica - Remastered Edition
Originally released: 1990
Reissued: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
Description: See also listings under Johnny Pacheco.
SONG TITLES:
1. Que Te Pedi (4:53) 2. Yo Quiero Ser (4:37) 3. Hipocrita (4:56) 4.  
Reliquias (6:48) 5. Yo Soy El Rey (4:48) 6. La Rumba Es Mia (4:49) 7.  
Rie (5:16) 8. Gandules (6:37)
MUSICIANS:
• Isidro Infante: Piano
• Papo Lucca: Piano en "Que Te Pedi"
• Johnny Pacheco: Guiro
• Hector "Bomberito" Zarzuela: Trompeta
• Danny Jimenez: Trompeta
• Andy Gonzalez: Bajo
• Johnny Torres: Bajo
• Eddie Montalvo: Conga
• Tony Saydal: Bongo
• Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez: Maracas, solo de bongo en "Las Rumba es  
Mia"
• Jose Garcia: Tres
• Adalberto Santiago: Coro
• Yayo El Indio: Coro
Price: $13.98

• Click here to Order El Rey Now!

ROBERTO ROENA Y SU APOLLO SOUND
Apollo Sound 6
Fania / Emusica - Remastered Edition
Originally released: 1974
Reissued: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
EditorsPick: "Wow! THE Apollo Sound album. To quote Donnie Brasco,  
FUHGEDABOUTIT! This album has it all-great arrangements, inspired  
playing and superb songs. You'll be hooked from the opening notes of  
El que Se Fue and by the time Herencia Rumbera comes to a crackling,  
brass-torched end, you'll be ready to buy all of the Apollo Sound  
albums. Roena's singers, while not mind-blowing, do a fine job  
throughout. But what makes this album so great are the arrangements  
(many of which were by the great Jorge Millet), the surprises, like  
the electric guitar in Que Se Sepa or the hip, New Orleans-style  
intro to Herencia Rumbera (a tune also powered by Endel Dueño's  
fiery, often imitated but never duplicated timbales solo), not to  
mention the snap, crackle and pop opening and interludes in Traición.  
This is album I recommend to all of the neophytes to this music,  
because it captures the energy, verve and joy that make this music so  
addictive." (Abel Delgado, 98/99 Catalog)
"This is also Roena's favorite CD and includes the hits 'Tracion,'  
'El Que Se Fue,' 'Parece Mentira,' and Endel Dueño jamming on  
'Herencia Rumbera.'" (Nelson Rodriguez, 98/99 Catalog)
"While New York based bands in the 70ss were preserving Cuba's music  
with an aggresive urban approach, Puerto Rican based bands were doing  
the same while also experimenting with a smaller-scaled big band  
sound. Bongocero Roberto Roena's roots go back to his days with  
Cortijo Y Su Combo. He expanded on this dance band concept by adding  
rock and jazz elements. This disc is a great example of this  
progressive fresh approach. Check out 'Herencia Rumbera'; a young  
Endel Dueno on timbales is Puerto Rico's answer to Cuba's  
Changuito." (Bobby Sanabria, 98/99 Catalog) (DR)
SONG TITLES:
1. El Que Se Fue (6:18) 2. Tracion (6:20) 3. Cucarachita Cucarachon  
(5:33) 4. Parece Mentira (5:14) 5. En Mis Rosales (4:20) 6. Que Se  
Sepa (4:19) 7. Ese Soy Yo (4:30) 8. Es Que Estas Enamorada (3:17) 9.  
Herencia Rumbera (5:58)
MUSICIANS:
• Mario Alvarez: Trumpet
• Dario Moralez: Trumpet
• Miguel Rodriguez: Tenor sax, flute
• Julio Merced Jr.: Trombone
• Mario Roman: Piano
• Jappy Castro: Bass
• Papo Clemente: Conga
• Endel Dueno: Timbales
• Sammy Gonzalez: Vocals
• Tito Cruz: Vocals
• Frankie Calderon: Vocals
• Roberto Roena: Bongo, leader
• Adalberto Santiago: Coro
• Paquito Guzman: Coro
• Mario Alvarez: Coro
• Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez: Maracas
• Elliot Randall: Guitar on "Que Se Sepa" & "Ese Soy Yo"
• Harry Viggiano: Tres on "Cucarachita Cucarachon", "Es Que Estas  
Enamorada" & "Herencia Rumbera"
Price: $13.98

• Click here to Order Apollo Sound 6 Now!

MON RIVERA
Que Gente Averigua
Fania / Emusica - Remastered Edition
Originally released: 1961
Reissued: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
EditorsPick: A nice early sixties mambo (with some Pachangas thrown  
in for good measure). The highlights are "Monina," "Lluvia con Nieve"  
and "En Casa De Pepe." With Charlie and Eddie Palmieri, Barry Rogers,  
Kako and others. Highly Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Monina - Guaguanco 2. Que Gente Averigua - Plechanga 3. Pachanga  
Con Guaguanco - Pachanga 4. Plebochanga - Plebochanga 5. La Cuca -  
Mambo 6. Como Esta Pita - Mambo 7. La Plechanga De Trabalengua -  
Plechanga 8. Lluvia Con Nieve - Mambo 9. Una Plena - Plena 10. En  
Casa De Pepe - Mambo
MUSICIANS:
• Charlie Palmieri: Piano
• Eddie Palmieri: Piano
• Barry Rogers: Trombon
• Mark Weinstein: Trombon
• Manolin Pazo: Trombon
• Kako: Timbales
• Leo Fleming: Bajo
Price: $13.98

• Click here to Order Que Gente Averigua Now!

Significant links...

• Recent the most current Editor's Picks Reviews
• Read the Descarga's Best of 2006
• The new wave of remastered classic FANIA reissues
• The complete 2006 Descarga Update Archives: 2006
• The Descarga Homepage
• Browse our growing inventory of DVDs

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

• Dance salsa now with the best instructional 2-DVD set...
Eddie Torres Teaches Salsa Nightclub Style

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