The Descarga Review: Estrellas De Envidia, Anga DVD, Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars, reviews and more!

Tue Jun 12 14:22:41 EDT 2007

The Descarga Review • June 12, 2007
Estrellas De Envidia, Anga DVD, Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars,  
reviews and more!

Remastered FANIA special pricing until June 18th - Single CDs only  
$12.98!
Click Here for the complete listing!
Bad links? No images? click: HERE

Here are some noteworthy new and reissued titles...

ESTRELLAS DE ENVIDIA
Homenaje A Fania
Envidia (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Las Estrellas de Envidia, Cubanos, pay a steamy tribute  
to the Fania All Stars like you would not believe. The fresh, near- 
timba, intensity of this salsa session is almost out of control - and  
it makes this particular homage to Fania the best I have heard, hands  
down. Features a huge cast of Envidia personnel... here are just the  
singers: Lázaro Moré, Nelson Manuel, Tiro Duarte, Armando Cantero  
"Mandy", Jesús "El Zun Zún" De La Salsa, Michel Perez, Jorge  
Rodriguez "El Gafas", Michel Calvo, José Miguel Meléndez, Javier  
Rodríguez "Chocolate". Incuded are pristine interpretations of  
"Quítate La Máscara", "El Ratón", "Puerto Rico/Adoración", "Juan  
Pachanga" and other familiar hits - but done with such drive and  
gusto it's almost like hearing them for the first time. And it's  
because of this that we're, once again, made conscious of — and  
ultimately awed — by the strength and craft-work of the original  
composers: Tite Curet, Cheo Feliciano, Rubén Blades, Johnny Pacheco,  
Tito Rodriguez, Eddie Palmieri, etcetera. This one is certainly on my  
short list for Best-Of 2007 consideration. A must-have: big DJ-Alert.
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Homenaje A Los Salseros (5:35) 2. Anacaona (4:55) 3. Azuquita Mami  
(3:56) 4. Quítate La Máscara (5:23) 5. Juan Pachanga (4:33) 6. El  
Ratón (7:53) 7. Quítate Tú (5:43) 8. Mi Gente (5:14) 9. Coro Millare  
(4:53) 10. Rompe Saragüey (4:53) 11. Puerto Rico/Adoración (4:33)
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Homenaje A Fania Now!

JAZZ ON THE LATIN SIDE ALLSTARS
Tambolero
Saungú Records
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: Just in! Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars, the heavy- 
hitters, are back with a high powered release featuring Justo  
Almario, Alex Acuña, Poncho Sanchez, Francisco Aguabella, Danilo  
Lozano, Robert Incelli, Freddie Crespo and many others...
Highly Recommended.
Review to follow shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Granizo (6:29) 2. Amanecer Intro (:32) 3. Amanecer (5:49) 4. Ah  
Leu Cha (6:21) 5. Yes Or No (7:49) 6. Baila Mi Gente (6:27) 7.  
Buscando Al Curandero (6:45) 8. Danilo En La Flauta (5:09) 9. Mama  
Vieja (5:40) 10. Señor Olmos (7:13) 11. El Eco Del Tambo (5:15)
MUSICIANS:
• Justo Almario: Tenor sax, clarinet, flute
• Marvin "Smitty" Smith: Drums
• Alex Acuña: Drums
• Poncho Sanchez: Congas
• Joey De Leon: Congas, batá, percussion
• Jimmy Branly: Timbales
• Francisco Aguabella: Congas, batá
• Rene Camacho: Bass
• Joe Rotondi: Piano
• Alfredo Ortiz: Vocals, bongo, percussion
• Chris Barron: Piano
• Danilo Lozano: Flute
• Freddie Crespo: Lead vocals
• Scott Martin: Baritone sax
• Robert Incelli: Alto sax
• Eric Jorgensen, Andy Martin, Francisco Torres: Trombones
• Nijon Watson, Sal Cracchiolo, Ramon Flores, Gilbert Castellanos,  
Luis Eric Gonzalez: Trumpets
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Tambolero Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Son Cuba Y Puerto Rico
Emigeba
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: The third installment of a series by the producer Geno  
Acosta, mixing musicians from Cuba with musicians from Puerto Rico.  
This is the heaviest lot yet, with the Cuban contingent including  
Roberto and Pedro Calvo and Jenisel Valdez from Van Van, Tony Cala  
from NG La Banda, Issac Delgado and Aramis Galindo. They're joined by  
Jerry Medina and Andy Montañez; I imagine it's hard to get Puerto  
Rican singers to kick in, due to the trouble given to Montañez by  
anti Cuban forces here. The musicians are amazing, too, including  
Tony Pérez, Chucho, Jose Lugo, Giovanni Hidalgo, Changuito and more.  
And on and on; there are duets, including Issac and Tony Cala, and  
some lukewarm instrumentals. At its best this stuff's history.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)

Description: Collaborative effort with the best musicians and  
vocalists from both Cuba and Puerto Rico. Produced by Geño Acosta who  
gave us the acclaimed De Aqui Pa'lla (1994) and De Allá Pa'cá: Cuba  
Le Canta A Puerto Rico (1996), Son Cuba y Puerto Rico features a  
*ton* of musical royalty from both islands: Tony Perez, José Lugo,  
Chucho Valdés, John Benitez, Jorge Reyes, Giovanni Hidalgo, Cachete  
Maldonado, Tito De Gracia, José L. Quintana (Changuito), Pancho Amat,  
Elpidio Chapotín, Julito Padrón, and José Luis Cortéz y NG La Banda.
The singers? Check this out: Roberto Hernández, Jenisel Valdéz, Tony  
Calá, Jerry Medina, Andy Montañez, Osvaldo Román, Pedro Calvo, Issac  
Delgado, Aramis Galindo, and Coco Freeman. Whoa! (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Son Cuba Y Puerto Rico - Jenisel Valdés, Coco Freeman Y Tony Calá  
2. Barriste Con El - Issac Delgado Y Tony Calá 3. Huracán - José L.  
Cortez Y NG La Banda 4. Manicero - Jerry Medina Y Tony Calá 5.  
Soñando Con Puerto Rico - Andy Montañez 6. Sanchez Blue - David  
Sanchez Y NG La Banda 7. Bilongo - Osvaldo Román 8. Cachita - Roberto  
Hernández (Guayacan) 9. Quiero Llenarte - Aramis Galindo 10. Canto A  
Mi Madre - Pedro Calvo 11. Regalo A Elegguá - Giovanni Hidalgo Y Jose  
L. Quintana
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Son Cuba Y Puerto Rico Now!

RAY GONZALEZ
Ray Gonzalez Y Su Banda
Salsa International
Reissued: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; PUERTO RICO
EditorsPick: Vintage salsa, with guaguanco, mambo, son, bolero and  
more. Led by trumpeter Ray Gonzalez. With Nieves Quintero on cuatro.  
Review to follow shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Boco Boco - Mambo 2. Guillate - Guaguanco 3. La Habana Vieja - Son  
4. La Mujer Que Lo Quiero - Guaguanco 5. Blanca Paloma - Son 6. El  
Rey Chango - Merengue 7. Navidad Pronto Llegará - Guaguanco 8. A Mi  
Borinquen - Guaguanco 9. Toma Mi Corazon - Bolero 10. Corazon Rebelde  
- Bolero
MUSICIANS:
• Ray Gonzalez: Trompeta
• Johnny Barredo: Trompeta
• Carlos Aponte: Bongo, timbales
• Daniel "Coco" Roman: Conga
• Mariano Nieves: Guitarra
• Jerry Arroyo: Bajo
• Tommy "Cachi" Pérez: Vocalista
• William Rivera: Vocalista
• Eddie Martinez: Piano
• Nieves Quintero: Cuatro
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Ray Gonzalez Y Su Banda Now!

JOSÉ MERIÑO Y SU ORQUESTA
José Meriño Y Su Orquesta
Salsa International
Reissued: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; PUERTO RICO
EditorsPick: Reissue of vintage salsa from Puerto Rico. Guajuanco,  
guajira son, plena bomba, merengue and more. Review to follow  
shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. La Bicicleta - Guaguancó (4:39) 2. Son Guiajiron - Guajira Son  
(5:56) 3. Mi Botecito - Pachanga (4:55) 4. Hoy - Bolero Son (6:26) 5.  
El Bobine - Merengue (3:08) 6. La Hipocrita - Plena Bomba (4:25) 7.  
Quien - Bolero (3:11) 8. Merengue A Hartford - Merengue (4:13)
MUSICIANS:
• José Meriño: Leader
• Teddy Torres: Vocal
• J. Pappalardo: Piano
• Henry Smith: Trompeta
• Julio Honoret: Timbal
• Tony Gonzalez: Conga
• Jose Torres: Bongo
• Enrique Arroyo: Bajo
• Carlitos Y Joe: Coro
• Junior Ortiz: Timbal
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order José Meriño Y Su Orquesta Now!

KIM DE LOS SANTOS
Rompiendo El Hielo
Fuga Productions (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: A straight up, rocking old-school salsa record from the  
Puerto Rican singer D'Los Santos. He sings with an urgent voice,  
aggressive and tough, and the record will sound great in the clubs  
and stations that like the old school emotionalism. With Adalberto  
Santiago, coro. Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)

SONG TITLES:
1. No Tocare Tu Puerta 2. El Amor De Mi Vida - Feat. Leka El Poeta 3.  
Atrapado 4. Enseñame 5. Me Conformo 6. Embrujado 7. Matame 8.  
Mentiras 9. Ancias De Ti 10. No Vale La Pena Llorar - Feat. Candy Man
MUSICIANS:
• Oscar Ivan Lozano: Piano
• Bryan Torres: Teclado
• Francisco Ocoro: Bajo
• Kim De Los Santos: Voz lider
• Adalberto Santiago: Coros
• Jesus Orlando Vanguero: Coros
• Candy Man: Reggaeton
• Douglas Guevara: Percussion
• Jose Aguirre : Trompeta
• Carlos Latoche: Trombon
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Rompiendo El Hielo Now!

ORQUESTA AMISTAD
Tecato
Salsa International
Reissued: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
EditorsPick: Reissue of 1970s salsa release of Orquesta Amistad led  
by singer, organist, and timbalero Justin "Pupilo" Jimenez. With  
cuatrocero  Nieves Quintero. Review to follow shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Tecato - Guaguanco 2. La Paz Nunca Sera - Guaguanco 3. Amistad -  
Guaguanco 4. La Jibara Mal Crinda - Guajira 5. Esa Vida - Guaguanco  
6. Soy Como Soy - Guaguanco 7. El Estado Liberal - Lamento 8. Montuno  
A Nueva York - Montuno 9. Porque Me Abandono - Bolero
MUSICIANS:
• Justin Jimenez: Leader, arranger, composer, organ, timbals, vocals
• Benny Parson: Trombone
• Johnny Seda: Conga
• Alfred Del Valle: Trombone
• Louie Rivera: Timbales
• Victor Balbion: Bass
• Pedro Moreno: Piano, organ
• Jose Torres: Lead vocals
• Mike Soliz: Bongo, bell
• Joe Espanol: Vocals
• Nieves Quintero: Cuatro
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Tecato Now!

JOSE CONDE Y OLA FRESCA
Revolucion
Pipiki / Mr. Bongo
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA
EditorsPick: Conde's a singer of Cuban descent living in the United  
States, and he's put together a nice band with a deep hipster vibe.  
He's like say, a Cuban American version of Jack Johnson (not the  
boxer, the pop singer), a bit slurry and cool; Brazil shows up in the  
vibe, also. It's very, very, very pleasant. I can see it as chill out  
music with one you want to love. Kinda reminds me of Alex Cuba/ 
Puente, and I like him, too. Slick coros, with women singing. I like  
that, too. And he's got the great New Orleans drummer Ziggy Modeliste  
on board for two tracks, plus Conde gets Generoso Jimenez and Jimmy  
Bosch to play trombone on the same track, which is history anyway one  
looks at it. The band comes with horns, and sometimes a B3 Hammond  
organ, and I like what Conde's going for, a hipster with a light touch.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)

SONG TITLES:
1. Llego La Ola (0:35) 2. Ritmo Y Sabor With Special Guest Coros  
Pedrito Martinez (4:18) 3. Cafe Con Sangre With Special Guest  
Trombonist Jimmy Bosch (4:03) 4. Oshiri Pan Pan With Special Guest  
Drummer Zigaboo Modeliste (5:21) 5. Descarga Inez With Special Guest  
Trombonist Generoso Jimenez And Jimmy Bosch (5:36) 6. Pititi Y Titi  
(French) (4:00) 7. Ride La Ola With Special Guest Drummer Zigaboo  
Modeliste (5:57) 8. El Titere (4:36) 9. Probando Nuevos Sabores Vocal  
Duet With Special Guest Elin (4:04) 10. Despelote With Special Guest  
On Venezuelan Cuatro Aquiles Baez (4:08) 11. El Chacal (5:56) 12.  
Bonus Tracks: Mi Musica (4:42) 13. Summertime With Special Guest On  
Cuban Tres Benjamin Lapidus (6:28) 14. Pititi Y Titi (Spanish) (4:00)
MUSICIANS:
• Juancho Herrera: Electric guitar (2,3,4,6,7,9), coros (1,3,4,6,7,10)
• Pablo Vergara : Piano (2,3,4,5,6,9,10) B-3 organ (3,4,7,9)
• Jorge Bringas: Bass (2 to 11)
• Roman Diaz: Congas (4,5,6,7) bata (1), bongo (2,3,10,11)
• Carlos "GoGo" Gomez: Congas (1,2,8 to 13), bata (1), bongo (5),  
tambora (6)
• Marvin Diaz: Timbales (2,3,6 to 10, 12)
• Steve Gluzband: Trumpet (2 to 6,8,9,10)
• Albert Leusink: Trumpet (2,3,4,6,8,9,10)
• Onel Mulet : Tenor saxophone (2,3,4,6,8,9,10), flute (5), bata (1)
• Rafi Malkiel: Trombone (2 to 11)
• Steve Wells: Baritone saxophone (4)
• Jose Conde : Lead vocal, some guiro and maracas, electric guitar (11)
• Special Guests: Ziggy Modeliste: Drums (4,7)
• Generoso Jimenez: Trombone (5)
• Jimmy Bosch: Trombone (3,5)
• Aquiles Baez: Venezuelan cuatro guitar (10)
• Benjamin Lapidus : Cuban tres guitar (5,8,10)
• Elin: Female vocal (9)
• Claudette Sierra: Coro (1,2,4,10)
• Mariella Gonzalez: Coro (2,7)
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Revolucion Now!

MIGUEL ANGA DIAZ
Anga Mania! DVD
MIM
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; AFRO-LATIN PERCUSSION
EditorsPick: Finally available in DVD format!
Featuring Grammy-award winning Cuban percussionist Miguel "Anga" Diaz  
of the Afro-Cuban All-Stars, Cachito Lopez, Orishas, Irakere, Gonzalo  
Rubalcaba, Ruben Gonzales, Roy Hargrove, Steve Coleman, Danilo Perez,  
John Patitucci... Now you can learn his techniques from this unique  
dvd-masterclass! Miguel "Anga" Diaz (1961-2006) will be remembered as  
one of the greatest congueros of all time. Known for his remarkable  
soloing and groundbreaking multiple conga/percussion inventions,  
Cuban-born Diaz, represents the link between the past, present, and  
the future of conga playing. Highly Recommended.

NTSC Format, Region 0
In Spanish with English subtitles
PDF transcriptions by Victor Rendon
52 Minutes, Digitally mastered
(DR)
Description: Cuban Master Percussionist Miguel 'Anga' Diaz is a  
musician of incredible knowledge and ability. Known for his  
remarkable soloing and multiple conga/percussion inventions. Anga has  
recorded and toured with Irakere, Steve Coleman, Roy Hargrove, The  
Afro-Cuban All-Stars, Ruben Gonzales, Danilo Perez, David Sanchez and  
many others.
In this video, Anga shows us an insightful look at the future of  
conga playing. Through a methodology based in tradition, he  
demonstrates many of his systems and forms he uses to develop  
dexterous patterns, riffs and solos. Each example demonstrated in a  
solo context then in a duet performance. In the Marcha, Guaguanco,  
and Soloing sections Anga reveals his incomparable patterns and  
variations on five congas. Duet performances with virtuoso Cuban  
pianist Gabriel Hernandez help illustrate Anga's ideas while he  
breaks-down his soloing phrases, playing each slowly and explaining  
the origin of each riff. In Spanish with English subtitles.
Price: $24.98

• Click here to Order Anga Mania! DVD Now!

The following five CDs are part of a new series of superb, high  
quality titles under the new Cacao label of Venezuela. Each Cacao  
release is a pristine production involving the finest musicians and  
sporting detailed book-like liner notes in a custom, spiral bound, CD  
package. With gorgeous, high resolution printing, this might be the  
best CD presentation we have come across - very slick indeed. (in  
stock shortly. Pre-orders taken now!)

ALFREDO NARANJO
Alfredo Naranjo Y El Guajeo
Cacao Musica (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ; VENEZUELA
EditorsPick: One of the better bands in Venezuela, El Guajeo works  
around Naranjo's vibes, supported by a fairly big jazz-esq band.  
Occasionally Naranajo's joined by bata drummers, the same ones that  
helped lift Changuito's album into the air. It's descarga music, with  
long solos; Jimmy Bosch sits in on trombone on a few tracks, and  
there's a coro on most pieces. Naranjo's interested in all sorts of  
different harmony; there are moments of simple, traditional harmony,  
and at times the music gets modern. And on Guajeo y su Rumbata, a mix  
of the modern and the bata, the music just takes off, astoundingly  
beautiful; the coro will leave you breathless, and asking for more.  
Perfectly recorded, and exciting, and completely honest, the album  
can be taken as a good example of the power of local music, music  
meant for dancing, made by intelligent musicians who sense a  
responsibility to their audience.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)
Description: (in stock shortly. Pre-orders taken now!)
SONG TITLES:
1. Introducción (0:50) 2. Mi Socio (5:54) 3. Guajeo Y Su Rumbatá  
(3:20) 4. Mueve (3:46) 5. Los Caballos (4:16) 6. Ella (5:41) 7. Linda  
(2:59) 8. Cómprame Mi Disco (5:10) 9. Master Tito (4:44) 10. Caramelo  
(4:52) 11. Baila (5:55) 12. Guajeando (3:07) 13. Dile Que Venga  
(5:30) 14. Payaso (5:52)
MUSICIANS:
• Alfredo Naranjo: Vibráfono y xilófono; percusion, coros
• Luz Mabel Medina: Piano
• David Peña: Bajo
• Miguel Urbina, Jhony Rudas, Kenny Quintana: Tambores batá
• Gerardo Chacón: Bajo y trompeta
• Luis Pacheco: Piano
• Miguel Urbina: Tumbadoras
• Frank Marquez: Timbal
• Cheo Navarro: Bongó
• Eric Chacón: Flauta
• Pablo Gil: Sax tenor
• Jimmy Bosch: Trombón
• Francisco Vielma: Percusion
• Carlos Hurtado, Javier Vivas: Coros
• Carlos Rodriguez: Bajo
• Edgar 'Dolor' Quijada: Voz
• Ali Bello: Violin
• Jose Torres: Piano
Price: $24.98

• Click here to Order Alfredo Naranjo Y El Guajeo Now!

CHANGUITO
Telegrafía Sin Hilo
Cacao Musica (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ; CUBA
EditorsPick: Wow, what a great record by one of the world's greatest  
percussionists, the man who, as one of the essays in the booklet puts  
it, Cubanized the drum kit. Put together in Venezuela by El Negro and  
the crew of Cacao Musica, with musical guidance by Luis Marquez, a  
Cuban trumpeter who was part of the Venezuelan super group Guaco, the  
recording moves from salsa, with beautiful singing by Rodrigo Mendoza  
among others, to more the more folkloric. On tracks like Herencia, a  
tight coro floats over percussion; Fender Rhodes piano drifts in and  
out, mixing the modern jazz of the late 1960s with folklore. Then the  
piece blows up, surrounding the voice of the singer Vielka Prieto,  
who could probably support her own album. There isn't a dead spot on  
the album, in part because of Changuito's playing, but also because  
the recording is so well made, such a great example of hard driving,  
swing laden dance music. And if that were it, the story would be  
fine: the more experimental elements, like AfroCuban Dream, with a  
writhing soprano saxophone, are graceful and elegant, and serve as a  
fine break from dance mania. Clearly one of the best recordings of  
the year, so far.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)
Description: (in stock shortly. Pre-orders taken now!)
SONG TITLES:
1. Sueño Flamenco (Ochosi/Obanloke) (4:16) 2. Changuito Se Botó  
(5:56) 3. Almendra (4:46) 4. Todavía Queda Limón (4:27) 5. Herencia  
(6:23) 6. Rumbero (6:23) 7. Afrocuban Dream (Olokun) (6:16) 8.  
Negro's Son (6:16) 9. De Camaguey Y La Habana (5:12) 10. Telegrafía  
Sin Hilo (Elegguá) (4:30)
MUSICIANS:
• José Luis Quintana (Changuito): Timbal
• Miguel Urbina: Iya
• Jhony Rudas: Itoteles
• Kenny Quintana: Okónkolo
• Luis 'Papo' Márquez: Trompeta
• Rodner Padilla: Bajo y piano
• Roberto Moreno: Tumbadora y campana
• Yamar 'Caballo' Méndez: Bongó y percusión menor
• Patricia 'El Chino' Diaz: Guiro
• Luis 'Papo' Márquez: Trompetas y fender rhodes
• Jorge Dobal: Trombon
• Santiago Carmona: Saxo tenor
• William Vasquez: Tres cubano
• Marcos Romero: Bajo
• Irvin Matos: Piano
• Ronald Gonzalez: Coros y vocals
• Luis 'Papo' Marquez: Coros y vocals
• Luis 'Rasca' Beltrán: Saxo tenor
• Cesar Orozco: Piano
• Joel Uriola: Piano
Price: $24.98

• Click here to Order Telegrafía Sin Hilo Now!

HORACIO "EL NEGRO" HERNANDEZ
Italuba II
Cacao Musica (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: The second volume of Hernandez's recording career with  
his band Italuba. (The first is here.)The name comes from the fact  
that the musicians (El Negro excepted) in the quartet are from Cuba,  
but live in Italy. It's a band that looks back to the glory days of  
jazz in Cuba, sounding a bit like the Rubalcaba groups of the 1990s,  
in which El Negro played before jumping the Cuban ship. Fusion is in  
effect, with an electric bass, and a pop sound - the only horn is a  
trumpet, giving the music a bright sheen. It's often brilliant music,  
with El Negro playing a symphonic role behind the other musicians;  
it's more than a bit virtuosic. The pianist, Ivan Napoles, has that  
modern post-McCoy/Corea/Hancock sound, and the music is almost  
nostalgic for a golden era in Cuba.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)
Description: (in stock shortly. Pre-orders taken now!)
SONG TITLES:
1. Last Minute (3:44) 2. Te Prima (4:33) 3. Afternoon At The  
Boulevard (7:41) 4. Mr. (5:44) 5. Divertimento (3:29) 6. Pati Metal  
(5:32) 7. A Notice (4:55) 8. Meridien (Dedicated To Paquito D'Rivera)  
(4:23) 9. Sentimiento En Re-Sol (4:33) 10. Deseo (6:31) 11. Distancia  
(4:20)
MUSICIANS:
• Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez: Bateria
• Amik Guerra Lig Long: Trompeta y fliscorno
• Ivan Bridon Napoles: Piano
• Daniel Martinez Izquierdo: Bajo electrico
Price: $24.98

• Click here to Order Italuba II Now!

SANTOS VIEJOS
Pop Aut
Cacao Musica (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: POP/OTHER; POP LATIN; VENEZUELA
EditorsPick: Part of the incredible series put out by Cacao Musica in  
Venezuela, Santos Viejos are a pretty good example of how fertile it  
can be to be literate in South and Central America (see one of the  
essays in the fantastic booklet that comes with the recording). The  
band, from Venezuela, mixes rock and Venezuelan music and Cuban son;  
it's related to an art movement and it's smart and musical. Plus, the  
packaging, with lyrics, essays and more, has a bunch of swing. What  
does the music sound like? At times like son, and at times the lead  
singer sounds like the singer in the Mexican group Café Tacuba; there  
are plenty elements of '80s rock and electric guitars. It's ironic,  
like most rock from the '80s. Songs deal with, who would have  
guessed? GirlsŠ
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)
Description: (in stock shortly. Pre-orders taken now!)
SONG TITLES:
1. Vampira Y Culebra (2:51) 2. Sala De Espera (3:49) 3. Marimá (3:38)  
4. Canciones Desechables (4:00) 5. Desnudo De Mujer (3:57) 6. Sal,  
Tequila Y Limón (4:13) 7. Chamba, Churupo, Papa (4:42) 8. Melao  
(3:35) 9. Ten Cuidado (3:17) 10. Tristeza (2:57) 11. Por Amor Al Arte  
(3:05) 12. Felicidad (2:50)
MUSICIANS:
• Alexis Peña: Voz, coros, guitarra electica y acustica
• David Baldodano: Bajo, viola, guitarra acustica, voz y coros
• Raul Peña: Voz, coros, guitarra electrica y acustica, programacion  
de bateria electronica, teclados y groovebox en temas 7 y 12
• Ruben Marquez: Guitarra electrica, guitarra, acustica, viola, coros
• Musicos Invitados: Andrés Briceño: Bateria
• Francisco Rojas: Percusion latina
• Jair Costa: Percusion brasilera en tema 4
• Eddy Cisneros: Teclados y fender rhodes en temas 2,5, y 11
• Christopher Marsan: Voz principal en tema 8
Price: $24.98

• Click here to Order Pop Aut Now!

VIDAL COLMENARES
...Otro Llano
Cacao Musica (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: FOLKLORIC; FOLKLORIC: VARIOUS; VENEZUELA
EditorsPick: A strange and beautiful project from Venezuela.  
Colmenares, a singer of the music llanera, folkloric music, has a  
great voice. He's backed her by a band that includes a clarinet and  
cello and bassoon; the arrangements are graceful, full of melodies,  
and light, not exactly what one thinks of when one thinks of the  
bassoon. But it works, the bassoon, gurgling through the melodic  
line. There's a piano occasionally, and the whole mixture works, with  
Venezuelan instruments and rhythms coexisting just fine with the rest  
of the group and the concept. Totally different.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)
Description: (in stock shortly. Pre-orders taken now!)
SONG TITLES:
1. El Rosario De Maria (2:25) 2. La Picura Y El Picure (3:00) 3.  
Florentino (2:49) 4. Pajarillo Cimarrón (3:06) 5. Nube De Agua (2:27)  
6. Dibujando El Llano (2:54) 7. Yo Soy Vidal Colmenares (1:56) 8.  
Aguinaldo Llanero (3:25) 9. Carrio De Altamira Y Altagracia (1:49)  
10. El Canoero Del Caipe (3:18) 11. Golpe De Gavilán (2:47) 12.  
Romance En La Lejania (3:05) 13. Pasodoble Llanero (3:27) 14.  
Remembranzas (3:28) 15. Ajila, Ajila, Novillo (2:05)
MUSICIANS:
• Luis Blanco: Letra y musica
• Vidal Colemanres: Cuatro y letra
• Luis Camacho: Arreglo
• Gorgias Sanchez: Clarinete
• Geronis Bravo: Basoon
• Orlando Cardozo: Cuatro
• Alexaner Livanalli: Percusion y coros
• Francisco Pacheco: Coros
• Ismael Querales: Coros
• Carlos Rodriguez: Contrabajo
• Ismael Querales: Coros y voz
• Jonny Colemares: Cuatro
• Eduardo Betancourt: Arp y maracas
• Xiomara Mistage: Voz
• Zenaida Rodriguez: Voz
Price: $24.98

• Click here to Order ...Otro Llano Now!

ELVIS CRESPO
Regreso El Jefe
Universal/Machete/Flash/Nu
Originally released: 2007
Category: MERENGUE/BACHATA; MERENGUE
EditorsPick: Just to let you know, Elvis Crespo, star of the '90s,  
tells you he's come back a bunch of times on the recording. And with  
Regreso el Jefe he sounds good, less boyish, pop merengue at it's  
best. The Puerto Rican singer has a tough, nasal sound and the songs  
are good. Old school merengue.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)

SONG TITLES:
1. Aky 2. Lo Foto Se Me Borro - Feat. Zone D'Tambora 3. Con El Tiempo  
Y Un Ganchito 4. Bambaribiri - Feat. Nejo 5. Llore Y Llore 6. Tala  
Tala 7. Mi Fracaso 8. Los Caminos 9. De La Vida - Feat. Los Hermanos  
Rosario 10. Ito Ito Bonito 11. Te Veo Triste - Feat. Gisselle 12. Asi  
Es La Vida 13. Echate Pa'Ca - Feat. Grupo Mania "The Originals" 14.  
La Foto Se Me Borro - Feat. Zonde D'Tambora (Bachata Mix)
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Regreso El Jefe Now!

DADDY YANKEE
El Cartel: The Big Boss
El Cartel/Universal
Originally released: 2007
Category: POP/OTHER; REGGAETON
EditorsPick: The shout outs on the first track suggest where  
reggaeton has reached, from California to Cuba and all over the Latin  
world. "El mundo entero," raps Daddy Yankee. Since reggateon's not  
really doing much nowadays, it's curious to hear if there'd be any  
changes on the album, and the answer is, no. It's still great dance  
music, and the main instrument is still the cheesy keyboard, and  
there's still not much in the way of songwriting. It's groove music,  
the best there is in the style.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)

SONG TITLES:
1. Jefe (3:58) 2. En Sus Marcas Listos Fugra (3:27) 3. Cambio (3:11)  
4. Fuera De Control (3:03) 5. Impacto (3:05) 6. Ella Me Llevanto  
(3:29) 7. A Lo Clasico (3:54) 8. Bring It On F/Akon (3:43) 9. Who's  
Your Daddy? (3:28) 10. El Celular (2:48) 11. Ven Damelo (3:45) 12.  
Papi Lover W/Nicole (3:40) 13. Que Paso! (4:11) 14. Mansaje De Estado  
(4:06) 15. Tension F/Hector "El Father" (3:21) 16. Soy Lo Que Soy  
(4:11) 17. Coraza Divina (3:55) 18. Plane To PRF/Will.I.AM (4:07) 19.  
Me Quedaria (4:20) 20. Todos Quieren A Raymond (4:42) 21. Impacto  
Remix F/Fergie (3:26)
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order El Cartel: The Big Boss Now!

HÉCTOR "EL BAMBINO"
Presenta Los Anormales 2-DVD Set
Universal/Gold Star
Originally released: 2005
Category: DVD; REGGAETON
Description: 120 minutes.
SONG TITLES:
1. DVD #1: Amor Prohibido - Trebol Clan (4:09) 2. Dale Castigo -  
Hector El Bambino (4:07) 3. No Le Temas - Trebol Clan (3:33) 4. Noche  
De Terror - Hector Y Tito (3:29) 5. Gata Fiera - Trebol Clan (3:28)  
6. Vamos A Matarnos - Hector El Bambino (2:39) 7. Agarrate - Trebol  
Clan (2:56) 8. Malvada - Algarete Iomar (2:22) 9. La Cuatrera - Iomar  
(2:13) 10. Lo Mejor Del 2004 11. Tu Quieres Duro - Hector El Bambino  
(3:36) 12. Yo Sigo Aqui - Hector El Bambino / Naldo (2:44) 13.  
Infomercial #1 14. Infomercial #2 15. DVD #2: Live Shows (Europe, USA  
& South America) 16. Footage of the most important reggaeton artists
Price: $18.98

• Click here to Order Presenta Los Anormales 2-DVD Set Now!

DENIS & SU SWING
Son De Cristal
Colibri (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: When Denis' first record came out a few years ago, I  
listened to it, and listened to it and listened to it again. He's a  
funny guy - his tag was "Nunca pescao, siempre tiburon," and he can  
sing, his high tenor cutting through the band like a knife through a  
sheet. So I've been waiting for his next album, and here it is, old- 
school timba at it's best (and worst; there's plenty of cheesy  
synthesizer here), recorded in funky Cuba studioland , giving the  
recording more than its share of dirt. As usual, the songs start out  
slow and get into deep timbaworld, with Denis' voice taking control -  
he sang for years with Giraldo Piloto's Klimax, and he knows how to  
do it. Son de Cristal's actually the prize of a contest Denis won, a  
contest that uh, as a prerequisite, said that you couldn't have  
recorded an album before. Oh well. Son De Cristal isn't as uniform as  
his first recording, the one that didn't happen, but it still has  
plenty of great moments, and suggests that his second, uh, third  
recording will be even better.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)

SONG TITLES:
1. Que Me Critiquen (5:24) 2. Ella Se Enamoro (6:21) 3. De Camino A  
La Vereda (5:01) 4. Me Lo Habia Prometido (4:38) 5. El Bombon (5:52)  
6. Te Menti (4:45) 7. El Tiempo No Pasa Por Mi (5:14) 8. Atrevete  
(4:15) 9. La Engañadora (5:32) 10. Te Hice Una Cancion (6:32) 11.  
Preguntame Como Estoy (4:27) 12. Salsa Al 200% (5:55)
MUSICIANS:
• Jose A. Gonzales: Piano
• Yoandro E. Ibañez: Baby bass y guitarra bass
• Elosbel Galarraga: Teclados
• Raidy E. Beltran: Congas
• Rafael Martinez: Drums, timbal y bongos
• Luis Richard: Trompeta
• Didier Guiñan: Trompeta
• Hendry Drake: Trombone
• Neosvaldo Jimenez: Guiro y maracas
• Yuneisis Sastre: Coros
• Rene Barzaga: Coros
• Miguel Pena: Coros
• Invitados: Pancho Amat: Tres
• Ernesto Varona: Saxo
• Enrique Lazaga: Guiro
• Enriquito Lazaga : Violin
• Yurisbel Hernandez: Trompeta
• Yarel Hernandez: Guitarras
• Policarpo Tamayo : Flauta
• Manuel Cabrales: Saxo
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Son De Cristal Now!

Highlights from the previous Descarga Review...

DANIEL ALFONSO HERRERA
El Lenguaje Del Tambor: Batá Rhythms & Techniques From Matanzas, Cuba  
2-DVD Set
Kabiosile
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; FOLKLORIC; CUBA
EditorsPick: This comprehensive 2 disc DVD package offers 5 hours of  
drumming demonstrations, tutorials, and interviews in Spanish and  
English subtitles.
The film features Master of Afro Cuban Percussion Daniel Alfonso  
Herrera, the most sought after percussion instructor in Matanzas,  
Cuba. His clean, disciplined technique and clear, detailed  
explanations of the intricacies of Matanzas-style bata drumming are  
available for both the novice and experienced drummer.
Disc 1 is 2 hours long and includes the complete Oro Seco as played  
at the Cabildo de Santa Teresa in Matanzas. Short introductions  
provide insights into the Orishas (deities) and overall techniques  
for each rhythm. The Oro was professionally filmed to ensure that  
each of the drummers' hands is clearly visible.
The disc concludes with and interview and drumming demonstration  
about the language of the bata drums and a bonus interview with  
legendary percussionist Esteban "Chacha" Vega Bacallao, one of  
Daniel's early teachers.
Disc 2 is 3 hours long and features tutorials on the specific  
techniques of Okonkolo, Itotele and Iya and the complete Oro Seco  
broken down drum by drum. Here the filming focuses on Daniel's hands  
from the front and from the sides to illustrate the proper formation  
of the hands and the various techniques used in each rhythm.
Menus on each disc allow the student to navigate by rhythm (Disc 1)  
and by rhythm and drum (Disc 2).
Also available are the written transcriptions, Batá Rhythms From  
Matanzas, Cuba: Transcriptions Of The Oro Seco, by percussionist Bill  
Summers and two of Daniel's long time students, which offer the most  
detailed and complete documentation of the fundamentals of Matanzas- 
style drumming ever produced.
See also the complete 2 DVD & book package set.
Highly Recommended. (DR)
Price: $49.95

• Click here to Order El Lenguaje Del Tambor 2-DVD Set Now!

BILL SUMMERS & NERALDO DURAN
Batá Rhythms From Matanzas, Cuba: Transcriptions Of The Oro Seco
Kabiosile
Originally released: 2007
Category: INSTRUCTIONAL; AFRO-LATIN PERCUSSION; CUBA
EditorsPick: Transcriptions of the Oro Seco
This 116-page book of transcriptions offers the most detailed and  
complete documentation of the fundamentals of Matanzas-style drumming  
ever produced. It was designed to accompany El Lenguaje del Tambor:  
Bata Rhythms from Matanzas, Cuba, a 2-disc set of instructional DVDs  
that presents the Oro Seco as played at the Cabildo Santa Teresa in  
Matanzas, Cuba. The 19 rhythms in this book were transcribed by  
classically-trained musician Neraldo Duran and internationally- 
acclaimed percussionist Bill Summers, who has studied with both  
Esteban "Chacha" Vega Bacallao (who consecrated him to the sacred  
drums) and Daniel Alfonso, master drummer and the instructor on the  
DVDs.
Michael Spiro, world-renowned Afro Cuban percussionist and teacher  
and long-time student of Chacha's and Daniel's, reviewed the  
transcriptions and offered suggestions at every stage of their  
development. Two of Daniel's other long-time students, Kevin Repp and  
Vanessa Lindberg, painstakingly reviewed the transcriptions with  
Daniel and made final corrections.
Each transcription presents, to the greatest extent possible, the  
rhythm as it is played by Daniel on the DVDs. Explanatory notes  
identifying the changes in individual rhythms match and amplify the  
subtitles presented on the discs. See also the complete 2 DVD & book  
package set.
Highly Recommended. (DR)
Price: $39.95

• Click here to Order Batá Rhythms From Matanzas Now!

DANIEL ALFONSO HERRERA
BILL SUMMERS & NERALDO DURAN
Special Book & DVD Package Set: El Lenguage DelTambor / Batá Rhythms  
 From Matanzas, Cuba: Transcriptions Of The Oro Seco
Kabiosile
Originally released: 2007
Category:
EditorsPick: Special package set that includes an extensive (308  
minutes) 2-DVD set as well as the 116 page accompanying  
transcriptions by Bill Summers and Neraldo Duran.
See above for the complete details of these two items which are also  
sold separately
Price: $75.00

• Click here to Order Special Book & DVD Package Set Now!

ROBERTO ANGLERO
Roberto Anglero Y Su Combo
Disco Hit
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Reissue of vintage Anglero salsa. Review to follow  
shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. La Misma Vaina 2. Damelo Todito En Vida 3. Donde Estan Los  
Rumberos 4. El Pantalon 5. Abicu 6. Rosa Blanca 7. Chan Con Chan 8.  
Salao 9. Consuelito 10. Llegaste Tarde
Price: $14.98

• Click here to Order Roberto Anglero Y Su Combo 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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