The Descarga Review - April 4, 2007: Frankie Morales!

Wed Apr 4 16:35:23 EDT 2007

The Descarga Review • April 04, 2007
New Frankie Morales and some new reviews!
Bad links? No images? click: HERE

Here are some noteworthy new and reissued titles...

FRANKIE MORALES & ORQUESTA
A Toda Velocidad
Muziq Records
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Ok, admittedly, this city took a lttle break after the  
release of the highly flammable 8 y Más fronted by Frankie Vázquez.  
Now that the smoke has cleared we're back with rolled up sleeves and  
a repertoire of made-for-the-dancer tracks. If you liked 8 y Más,  
your gonna love Toda Velocidad from Frankie Morales and his Mambo of  
the Times Orchestra - a crate-full of absolute killer New York style  
salsa dura. Morales can place his clear vocal register pretty high up  
there - he reminds me a bit of a young Adalberto Santiago. He sang  
for Son Boricua, Jimmy Bosch, Pablo "Chino" Nuñez, Tito Puente, Las  
Estrellas Cobo (formerly Estrellas Caiman) and The Bad Street Boys.  
Not too shabby.
On this project, he's got arrangement by Willie Ruiz, Charlie Garcia,  
Máximo Rodriguez, Ray Santos, Louie Cruz, José Madera and others. His  
band is made up of local heroes: Eddie Montalvo - who's own history  
defines salsa in this town (Fania All Stars, Rubén Blades & Willie  
Colón, Lavoe, Pacheco, etc.) on congas, Ray Vega on trumpet, bassist  
Danny Rosado, pianist Joaquin Diaz, - but, wait! Did I mention his  
special guests? Alfredo De La Fé, Pablo "Chino" Nuñez, Dave  
Valentine, Richie Bastar, Junior Rivera on tres and others. And a red- 
hot coro section made up of Willie Ruiz, Gilbert Velazquez, Eddie  
Rosado, Jenny Colón and Ernie Acevedo.
A big DJ Alert and...
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Que Locura 2. Gandinga 3. Pero Poco Yo Sabia 4. Yambere 5. Oye Lo  
Que Te Conviene 6. Usted Señora 7. Di Que Me Quieres 8. Sigue Feliz  
9. I Believe In You And Me 10. Ay No 11. Gitana
MUSICIANS:
• Eddie Montalvo: Congas
• Vinnie Montalvo: Bongo and bell
• Sergio "Chino" Ramos: Timbales
• Joaquin Diaz: Piano
• Danny Rosado: Bass
• Orlando Peña: Trombone
• Al Acosta: Tenor sax
• Carmen Laboy: Baritone sax
• Guido Gonzales: Trumpet
• Ray Vega: Trumpet
• Frankie Morales: Voz
• Invited Guests: Dave Valentin: Yamaha flute
• Alfredo De La Fe: 5 string violin
• Richie Bastar: Bongo and bell
• Pablo "Chino" Nuñez: Timbales
• Kevin Rodriguez: Piano
• Victor Santos: Piano
• Maximo Rodriguez: Bass
• Jr. Rivera: Tres
• Willie Ruiz, Gilbert Velasquez, Eddie Rosado, Jenny Colon, Ernie  
Acevedo: Coros
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order A Toda Velocidad 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, Descarga Criolla is probably the biggest  
orchestra and certainly packs the biggest sound. Percussionist and  
composer Joel "Pibo" Marquez, leader of the band, decided to open  
with Oscar D'Leon's "Sigue Tu Camino" a clear statement of opulence  
and pure swing. It rocks. There are many singers on Homenaje a Los  
Reyes De La Salsa, some of which are José "Cheo" Linares, Dimas  
Pedroza, Marcial Isturiz and Orlando Castillo "Watussi" - a salsa  
king himself who is paid tribute here on "Ustedes, Mi Rumba y Yo."  
The homenaje continues with a superb "Señor Sereno", Ismael Miranda's  
mega hit. This one is quite amazing with Enrique Alvarez' electric  
violin riffing over the can't-stop-us coro. Pure salsa bliss, folks.  
The band pays tribute to EL Gran Combo with "Irimo", the the Latin  
Brothers with "Las Calaveras" (sung by Watussi) and to Celia Cruz  
with the Luis Kalaff composition "Juancito Trucupey". You better have  
some water nearby, you're gonna need it. "Irimo" alone will cause you  
to loose 10 pounds - a smoker.
Descarga Criolla is in the house, and has proved, without a doubt,  
that Homenaje a Los Reyes De La Salsa is a salsa lovers must-have.  
Get it while they last!
Very Highly Recommended. (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!

AGUA DE LUNA
Mi Tiempo
Agua (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA INTERNATIONAL; VENEZUELA
EditorsPick: The Venezuelans are not kidding. They want the crown of  
salsa and they will do what it takes to get it. On Mi Tiempo, the  
well-produced new release by Caracas based Agua De Luna, lead singer  
and musical director Edwin Arellando shines as he directs his top- 
notch band through all original compositions, mostly by fellow singer  
and pianist Rafael Omar Briceño. Some of the arrangements have an  
almost timba sensibility: listen to Arrellano's own "Vuelve", a  
terrific number that would feel right at home on a Charanga Habanera  
CD. But it's the tough salsa numbers like the powerfully churning  
"Hace Rato" that really turn heads. It's a salsa-mambo number that  
begs to be played loud, loud, loud. Great for the clubs.
Highly Recommended. (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!

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: More great rootsy salsa from Venezuela. This three  
trombone and three trumpet orchestra really knows how to jam. From  
the opening track "Babarana Coco", you can tell that this uptempo old- 
school band would be great to see live in a small club at three in  
the morning. They'd have the dance floor packed. Pedroza, lead singer  
for Federico y Su Combo, conjures superb grooves that just barely  
imply jazziness - he remains true to the tenets of salsa in a very  
swinging, unpretentious way. Very tasty stuff indeed.
Highly Recommended. (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!

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: Here's a fine old-school salsa release from Venezuela.  
Actually, it' singer Javier Plaza's third release as a leader. The  
others were recorded in Germany where the band is based. El  
Reencuentro - Salsa Del Barrio is a strong trombone, trumpet and sax  
based project that owes much to the New York and Puerto Rican salsa  
of the '70s - when the gritty horn based grooves floated above the  
crackling bongo and conga rhythms. Good coros too. I especially like  
the hard-driving tracks typified by "La Patina" - a killer dance  
track con fuerza and mucho swing.
Recommended. (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!

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!

SAMMY FIGUEROA & HIS LATIN JAZZ EXPLOSION
The Magician - El Mago
Savant
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: Just in! New latin jazz release by acclaimed  
percussionist Sammy Figueroa. Review to follow shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Together (3:31) 2. The Three Marias (6:44) 3. The Magician (5:44)  
4. Firm Roots (8:07) 5. Crossroads (5:22) 6. Seven Steps To Heaven  
(6:06) 7. Festas Do Norte (Celebrations From The North) (5:25) 8.  
Healing Man (6:30) 9. Gregory Is Here (7:04)
MUSICIANS:
• Sammy Figueroa: Percussion
• John Michalak: Sax
• Troy Roberts: Sax
• Alex Norris : Trumpet
• John Lovell: Trumpet
• Michael Orta: Piano
• Silvano Monasterios: Piano
• Nicky Orta: Bass
• Gabriel Vivas: Bass
• Ludwig Afonso: Drums
• Gotz Kujack: Drums
• Nomar Negroni: Drums
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order The Magician - El Mago Now!

DAVID CEDEÑO Y SU ORQUESTA
La Mujer De Mi Vida
Libertad
Originally released: 1989
Reissued: 1998
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Back in stock! (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. No Te Olvidare (Anything For You) (4:30) 2. Reloj (5:32) 3. Amar O  
Morir (6:06) 4. Odiame (4:54) 5. La Mujer De Mi Vida (6:49) 6. Que No  
Se Rompa La Noche (4:22) 7. Tu Me Enloquese (4:16) 8. Mujer Ingrata  
(5:00)
MUSICIANS:
• David Cedeño: Director, trompeta y flugel
• Raul Cedeño: Guitarra de 12 cuerdas
• Glen Kaye: Trompeta
• Tom Brown: Baritone sax
• Augie Rivera: Trombon
• Roger Verdi: Trombon
• Mariano Feliciano: Piano
• Alberto Rodriquez: Bajo
• Felipe Mercado Jr.: Vocal and coro
• Ivan Burgos Alvarado: Vocal
• Evan "Sugar" Rosado: Bongo
• Hector "Niche" Mercado: Congas
• Victor Ocasio: Timbales
• Ralphy Cedeño, R.: Sondista
• Ben Serrano: Sondista
• Raphy De Jesus: Coro
• Jose Alberto (El Canario): Coro
• Felipe Mercado: Coro
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order La Mujer De Mi Vida Now!

DAVID CEDEÑO Y SU ORQUESTA
Put A Little Salsa In Your Life
Universal
Originally released: 2002
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Back in stock!
With Pablo Chino Nuñez, Herman Olivero! Tito Nieves and José Alberto  
"El Canario" on coro. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Lady In Red (4:15) 2. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow (4:14) 3.  
Sealed With A Kiss (5:00) 4. Somewhere (4:16) 5. So Much In Love  
(4:10) 6. All In The Game (3:52) 7. Live Without You (4:39) 8.  
Sleepwalk (4:19) 9. Anything For You (4:30)
MUSICIANS:
• David Cedeño, Ralphie Cedeño, Raul Cedeño, Armando Fajardo, Enrique  
Fernandez, Juan Gonzalez, Jr., Rob Henke, Luis Hernandez, Rene Leyva,  
Felipe Mercado, Pablo Chino Nuñez, Herman Olivero, Awilda Pabon,  
Augie Rivera, Alberto Rodriguez, Joseph Rodriguez: Musicians
• Tito Nieves: Background vocals
• Jose Alberto "El Canario": Background vocals
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Put A Little Salsa In Your Life 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 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!

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 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 At The Colony Theatre Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
RMM Tropical Tribute To The Beatles, Live From Radio City Music Hall  
- DVD & CD Set
Universal/RMM
Reissued: 2007
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. (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/ Jesus 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 Tropical Tribute To The Beatles Now!

LOS PANCHOS
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: La Historia 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!

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!

DON OMAR
Don Omar Presenta El Pentagono
Universal/Machete
Originally released: 2007
Category: POP/OTHER; REGGAETON
SONG TITLES:
1. Easy - Zion, Tego Calderón, Voltio, Eddie Dee & Cosculluela 2.  
Calm My Nerves - Don Omar 3. Veo - Zion 4. OK - Tego Calderón 5. Vida  
Loca - Arcángel 6. Mala Es - Jowell & Randy 7. Suave Al Oido - Franco  
"El Gorila" 8. Just Like Sexo - Dálmata 9. La Mujer De Mis Sueños -  
Los Yetsons 10. Pide Mas - Joan & O'Neill 11. Dame De Eso - Andy Boy  
12. Ellos Quieren - Cosculluela 13. Yo No Se Porque - John Erick 14.  
Nosotros Dos - Wibal & Alex 15. Corre Peligro - OG Black 16. El  
Brindis - Mario VI 17. No Será Lo Mismo 18. La Bella Crisis - Alberto  
Stylee 19. Contigo - High Rollers Family
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Don Omar Presenta El Pentagono Now!

DON OMAR
The Last Don Live - 2 CD & 2 DVD Set
Universal/Machete VI
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; REGGAETON
SONG TITLES:
1. DVD:Opening "The Immigrant" (2:06) 2. Dale Don Dale (3:30) 3. Tú  
Te Estas Calentando (2:23) 4. Desde Que Llegó (3:04) 5. Ven Sueltate  
(3:01) 6. Medley De Exitos (4:49) 7. A Mi Manera/My Way (4:41) 8.  
Medley De Salsa (8:35) 9. Suelta Como Gabete (3:43) 10. Gata Suelta  
(3:08) 11. Morena (3:37) 12. Amor De Colegio (3:01) 13. Mirame (3:10)  
14. De Niña Te Hice Mujer (4:47) 15. Quien La Vio Llorar...plus 8  
More DVD Cuts!!! (3:53) 16. CD: Opening "The Immigrant" (2:07) 17.  
Dale Con Dale (3:30) 18. Tú Te Estas Calentando (2:23) 19. Desde Que  
Llegó (3:04) 20. Ven Sueltate (3:02) 21. Medley De Exitos (4:48) 22.  
A Mi Manera/My Way (5:43) 23. Medley De Salsa (8:41) 24. Suelta Como  
Gabete (3:32) 25. Gata Suelta...plus 15 More CD Tunes!!! (3:08)
Price: $24.98

• Click here to Order The Last Don Live - 2 CD & 2 DVD Set 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!

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!

TITO NIEVES
Pura Salsa: A Ritmo De Tito Nieve - Live
Universal/RMM
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Nice compilation of live performances by the popular  
salsa singer. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Sonámbulo 2. El Amor Mas Bonito 3. I'll Always Love You 4. De Mi  
Enamorate 5. Aquel Amor De Fuego 6. Tender Love 7. Algo Diferente 8.  
Papel De Villano 9. Perdido En La Obscuridad
Price: $13.98

• Click here to Order Pura Salsa: A Ritmo De Tito Nieve - Live 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!

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