The Descarga Review: Cheo Navarro, Michael Stuart, classic Harlow (first time on CD!), Son Cafe DVD and more!

Fri Jun 22 10:50:45 EDT 2007

The Descarga Review • June 22, 2007

Cheo Navarro, Michael Stuart, classic Larry Harlow (first time on  
CD!), Mambo Show with Charlie Palmieri, Andy Montañez, Son Café DVD  
and more!
Bad links? No images? click: HERE

Here are some noteworthy new and reissued titles...

CHEO NAVARRO Y SU ORQUESTA
Tributo Al Ayer / Tribute To Yesterday
Castro Records / original import
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; VENEZUELA
EditorsPick: Okay, listen up. Direct from Venezuela comes this  
sparkling non-stop old school salsa number led by percussionist José  
Cheo Navarro. With durable drive and unwavering focus, this dance  
record is everything a first-class no-nonsense salsa CD should be.  
Packed with tremendous swing, leader Navarro has perfectly  
established the feel and relentless power of the best late-night New  
York dance club salsa bands. The esteemed Cruz Control or Grupo  
Caribe come to mind, especially on tracks like the gem "Rómpelo."  
And, like icing on the cake, the violin riffs of Janet Trejo  
embellish what are already near-perfect arrangements. This is one of  
those productions where every track seems better than the last - it  
hasn't left my CD player in a week. Check out Navarro's take on the  
Louie Ramirez classic "El Titere." Final assessment: Get this CD -  
now! A great big DJ-Alert.
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $16.98
• Click here to Order Tributo Al Ayer / Tribute To Yesterday Now!

MICHAEL STUART
Sentimiento De Un Rumbero
Universal/Machete
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Dynamic new release by virile singer Michael Stuart.  
This sizzling salsa project features guests La India as well as José  
Alberto "El Canario." Also with timbalero Tito De Gracia, pianists  
Luis Marin, Isidro Infante, conguero William "Cachiro" Thompson and  
many others. Stuart sounds more electrifying than ever. This is the  
stuff of dance-club perfection: fervent, passionate and catchy, too.  
Listen to the hooks on "Lola" or the unstoppable coro refrain on "La  
Vecina." The duet "Un Amor Tan Grande" should be a hit for Stuart and  
La India, recalling the emotive power that India and Marc Anthony  
generated roughly fifteen years ago with "Vivir Lo Nuestro." And the  
other duet here, "Dos Con Swing," with José Alberto "El Canario" is  
pure dance pleasure that begs to be made longer. But it's the  
combustible material like "Sólo Pena" - salsa that channels timba  
intensity - that is signature Stuart. It's pure heat, heat, heat. A  
big DJ Alert.
High powered, and Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $15.98
• Click here to Order Sentimiento De Un Rumbero Now!

SAMÁ Y EL EXPRESO DE ORIENTE
El Repartero De La Habana
Envidia / original import
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: The latest incarnation of Cuba's El Expreso de Oriente  
is led by Ernesto Sama Curbelo (Andres Revé was previously at the  
helm) and is a superb, fat-sounding, dance record packed with  
trombones, percussion, violins and flute. This perfect-for-the-dance- 
club CD has a blend of bright colors that clearly identify it's  
roots: The Expreso is the illegitimate child of Reve's Charangón and  
Los Van Van. In fact, ex-Revé members Pascual Matos "El Sinsonte" and  
Roberto Morales "Robertico" are two of the four singers on Repartero  
De La Habana. The others, Javier Rodriguez "Chocolate" (from Sur  
Caribe) and Eduardo Boloy "El Bolo" do a terrific job as well. Also  
with J.J. Oliveros, Ronny Cabarrocas, Jorge Felix Bravo, Mayito  
Rosabal and others. This is uptempo, supremely fun, party music at  
it's best.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $17.98
• Click here to Order El Repartero De La Habana Now!

THE ENSEMBLE OF LATIN MUSIC LEGENDS - WITH CHARLIE PALMIERI
Mambo Show
Universal/Machete/Callejero
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA/SON DESCARGA
EditorsPick: Finally! A digitally remastered CD reissue of this salsa  
classic release from the '80s. With vocals by Yayo El Indio, Ray De  
La Paz, and Adalberto Santiago.
Highly Recommended. For the salsa collector - a must-have.
"This gorgeous Latin jazz set was recorded in the 80s with tunes  
composed and arranged by Charlie Palmieri and Marty Sheller. This  
short lived band was called 'The Ensemble of Latin Music Legends.'  
The band featured Charlie Palmieri (piano), Mongo Santamaria  
(congas), Chombo Silva (tenor sax), Barry Rogers (trombone), Nicky  
Marrero (timbales) and Piro Rodriguez (trumpet)."
- José Rizo, 98/99 Catalog (DR)
Description: Original Mambo Show recording as featured in the hit  
movie "Salsa."
Price: $15.98
• Click here to Order Mambo Show Now!

LARRY HARLOW
Señor Salsa
Universal/Machete/Callejero
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Finally, reissued for the first time on CD! This 1984  
Harlow classic features conguero Frankie Malabe, Pancho Roman on  
timbales, Lewis Kahn on trombone and violin, and lead vocals by Ray  
Perez. Coro provided by Nestor Sanchez and Adalberto Santiago. With  
additional guests bassist Sal Cuevas and Luis Bauzó on batá  
percussion. Arrangements by Steve Guttman, Marty Sheller, Paquito  
Pastor, Isidro Infante, Larry Harlow and Steve Wexler. Digitally  
remastered.
Highly Recommended, and for the salsa collector, a must-have! (BP)
Price: $15.98
• Click here to Order Señor Salsa Now!

TITO DE GRACIA Y SU NAOKA JAM
Atmosphere
Tierra De Gigantes
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ; PUERTO RICO
EditorsPick: Here's a Latin jazz - with a heaping side of salsa -  
that swings tough and hard. Tito De Gracia, the much sought after  
Puerto Rican timbalero (he's on the latest releases by Michael  
Stuart, Johnny Rivera, Anthony Cruz, Roberto Roena etc., etc.) has  
made time to produce his second release as a bandleader. And, man,  
good job indeed. De Gracia can pack a big sound that, at times,  
reverberates with a big-band mambo-jazz feel. Totally, cool. But  
somewhere in the middle of this project De Gracia goes pure salsa,  
and fires off several tracks that will leave you gasping for air.  
This guy is good. He's also brought in a bunch of special friends,  
most notably Andy Montañez who was utilized to capacity: listen to  
him fire off his soneos on the explosive grand finale "Caramelo."
Highly recommended. (BP)
Price: $16.98
• Click here to Order Atmosphere Now!

SON CAFÉ WITH RALPH IRIZARRY
En Grande Y En Vivo - Live Performance DVD
BKS Records
Category: DVD; SALSA/SON
EditorsPick: Live performance DVD recorded at Club Renaissance in New  
York. This fiery salsa session features material from Son Cafe's CDs  
Bailando Con Azucar and Tributo. Irizarry opens with a short but  
sweet biographic history - there are short clips (clippettes, really)  
of him with Barretto, Seis del Solar with Ruben Blades, and Cachao.  
But then the show begins ...and Irizarry and crew kick into gear.  
They perform material to please the crowd including Tributo's fine  
medleys (Cha-Cha-Chá, Sonora Matancera, La Lupe, and Charlie  
Palmieri) There's some intermittent footage of behind the scenes  
studio sessions too, but it's the Son Cafe stone-solid rhythm section  
and the power of Jorge Maldonado and Elsa Ozuna's vocals that really  
shine. The DVD is a good quality production that clearly shows what  
we New Yorker's already knew: Ralphy Irizarry and Son Café is a  
totally dependable, rock-steady, danceclub band that we're lucky to  
have.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $21.98
• Click here to Order En Grande Y En Vivo - Live Performance DVD Now!

ANDY MONTAÑEZ
El Godfather De La Salsa
Univision
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Just in! Andy Montañez doing what he does best - and  
he's better than ever. Some salseros simply get better and better  
with time: the years adding depth and color. Oscar D'Leon and  
Gilberto Santa Rosa come to mind. Montañez is in that club. The  
veteran salsero is joined here by guests Herman Olivera, who is the  
perfect counterpoint to Montañez on the swinging "Fruto Que Da,"  
Aymee Nuviola, sons Andy and Harold Montañez, Carlos Manuel and  
others. With a primo coro section consisting of Primi Cruz, Wichie  
Camacho and Darvel Garcia. And with arrangements by Ernesto Sánchez,  
Luís Garcia, Julito Alvarado and Humberto Ramirez.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $15.98
• Click here to Order El Godfather De La Salsa Now!

MIKE FREEMAN & ZONA VIBE
In The Zone
VOF
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: Vibe and marimba player Mike Freeman's intrumental  
ensemble Zona Vibe interprets these mostly all original compositions  
with a sultry sabor that intoxicates. Their sound seems to gently  
parachute down ...and melt in your ears. With a wonderfully seasoned  
Latin rhythm section that features Little Johnny Rivero on congas,  
bassist Ricardo Rodriguez, and timbalero Harry Adorno. Bruce  
Saunder's guitarwork delivers added detail and color to the work. A  
special treat is Freeman's rendition of the Jimmy Sabater / Joe Cuba  
classic "A Las Seis." After listening to In The Zone I heard myself  
saying "Damn, what a beauty." Enough said.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $16.98
• Click here to Order In The Zone Now!

IROSSO OBBÁ
Santa Palabra
Envidia / original import
Category: FOLKLORIC; RUMBA and/or SANTERIA/LUCUMI; CUBA
EditorsPick: Terrific new rumba release - the second by Irosso Obbá.  
Original compositions as well as some pieces by José Luis Cortés,  
Chucho Valdés ("El Romper El Coco") and others. Thoroughly enjoyable  
with a style that reminds me a bit, at times, of Los Papines.
Highly recommended. Review to follow shortly. (BP)
Price: $17.98
• Click here to Order Santa Palabra Now!

LOS NANI
Divina Creación
Egrem / original import
Category: FOLKLORIC; RUMBA and/or SANTERIA/LUCUMI; CUBA
EditorsPick: New release from Los Nani, a folkoric rumba-Lucumí group  
led by singer and percussionist Lazaro Alvarez Bravo. With guests  
Rumberos de Cuba (coro), Ernesto Gatel (El Gato), Ariel Monterecy,  
Sofia Ramos, Maximino Duquesne and Lazaro Rizo. Superb sound. Review  
to follow shortly. (BP)
Price: $17.98
• Click here to Order Divina Creación Now!

CLAN 537
Había Una Vez... (La Caperucita)
Fuego / original import
Category: POP/OTHER; REGGAETON; CUBA
EditorsPick: Just in! New Cuban hip-hop production from the highly  
acclaimed Clan 537. With loads of special guests like José Luis  
Cortés (El Tosco from NG La Banda), Vania Borges, Pedrito Calvo, El  
Indio, FresK, Molano MC, Ariel "El Rumbero" (from Los Rumberos de  
Cuba) and others. Review to follow shortly. (BP)
Price: $17.98
• Click here to Order Había Una Vez... (La Caperucita) Now!

NG LA BANDA
Bailemos - NG La Banda Interpreta Canciones De Almeida
Egrem / original import
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Just in! New NG La Banda led by José Luis Cortés.  
Singers Mónica Mesa, Yoel Espinosa, Gerardo Contino, Dyanelis  
Alfonso, Tony Calá, and Arlenys Ridríguez interpret the compositions  
of Juan Almeida Bosque.
Review to follow shortly. (BP)
Price: $17.98
• Click here to Order Bailemos Now!

ORQUESTA DEE JAY
Forget It!
Latin Soul Records
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
EditorsPick: Finally! After 35 years out of print and 4 months of  
postponement of this project, Orquesta Dee Jay "Forget It" is  
officially on CD. You may be asking yourself, "Who on earth is  
Orquesta Dee Jay?" Some Latin music enthusiasts are still asking that  
question today. When I first heard Orquesta Dee Jay sweet Latin Soul  
single "Forget it" I was under the impression it was recorded by  
Jimmy Sabater one of lead singers for Joe Cuba Sextet... There is  
something interesting about this Orquesta. Orquesta Dee Jay has an  
authentic swinging soul sound in their salsa not only in their lyrics  
but in their music arrangements. There is no question, the album  
"Forget it" should have won a Grammy in my book for best swinging  
Latin Salsa, best single "Forget it" and best coro in the 70s by Yayo  
El Indio, Adaberto Santiago & Eliot Romero. Every track on this album  
is a killer.
- Andres Padua, Latin Soul Records (DR)
Price: $12.98
• Click here to Order Forget It! Now!

RAY RODRIGUEZ Y SU ORQUESTA
Papo Felix Meets Ray Rodriguez
Latin Soul Records
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
EditorsPick: Ray Rodriguez had established his career mark in the  
Latin music industry with a few albums he recorded with his orquesta  
on Alegre and Cotique records in the late 1960s. In the early 1970s  
he teamed up with vocalist Papo Felix and recorded the second LP for  
Ghetto records "Papo Felix Meets Ray Rodriguez." Under the musical  
direction of Joe Bataan, these three hard-hitting pioneer Latin  
musicans created one of the most swinging Salsa/Funk LPs that has  
been out of print for over three decades.
Latin Soul Records presents the second OUT OF PRINT COLLECTION Series  
with more to come, the album that you probably have thrown away in  
the trash is now back in your possession, digitally remastered by  
DigiTech Studios exactly how it was recorded in the 1971, the exact  
front cover how you remembered it when you first purchased it 35  
years ago, originally recorded on the short-lived independent record  
label Ghetto
Records, "Papo Felix Meets Ray Rodriguez." The out of print  
collection series are only limited pressings. Latin Soul Records only  
presses 500 Units. In other words the albums will be OUT OF PRINT  
AGAIN and never to be released unless by popular demand.
- Andres Padua, Latin Soul Records (DR)
Price: $12.98
• Click here to Order Papo Felix Meets Ray Rodriguez Now!

ROLANDO LASERIE
¡El Muerto Vivo! - Con Orquesta Porfi Jimenez
Disco Hit
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Vintage LaSerie - includes his hit "¡El Muerto Vivo!" as  
performed with Orquesta Porfi Jimenez. Recommended. (BP)
Price: $14.98
• Click here to Order ¡El Muerto Vivo! - Con Orquesta Porfi Jimenez Now!

CHARLIE PALMIERI
A Giant Step
Universal/Machete/Callejero
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: New digitally remastered reissue! With bassist Bobby  
Rodriguez, Mike Collazo on timbales, bongocero Johnny "Dandy"  
Rodriguez, and Frankie Malabe on congas. Highly Recommended. For the  
salsa collector - a must-have!

"To me, this is one of Charlie's best. It really showcases Charlie's  
piano style."
(Joe Conzo, 96/97 Catalog)

"A piano and rhythm recording a la Noro Morales and Joe Loco who both  
influenced Charlie as did Peruchín. Charlie also admired the piano  
style of Luisito Benjamen. Great personnel."
(Al Santiago, 94/95 Catalog) (DR)
Price: $15.98
• Click here to Order A Giant Step Now!

JOHNNY RIVERA
Cuando Parara La Lluvia
Universal/RMM
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Back in stock! (BP)
Price: $15.98
• Click here to Order Cuando Parara La Lluvia Now!

JOHNNY RIVERA
Un Estilo Propio
Universal/RMM
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Back in stock! (BP)
Price: $15.98
• Click here to Order Un Estilo Propio Now!

BARBARITO DIEZ
Lo Mejor De Cuba, 2-CD Set
Pro Market
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Fine 2-CD set compilation of material from Barbarito  
Diez. With "Dulce Embeleso,""Las Perlas De Tu Boca,""Capullito De  
Aleli,","Veinte Años" and many others. Recommended. (BP)
Price: $18.98
• Click here to Order Lo Mejor De Cuba, 2-CD Set Now!

CARLOS PUEBLA Y SUS TRADICIONALES
Lo Mejor De Cuba, 2-CD Set
Pro Market
Category: TROVA/CANCION/JIBARO; TROVA TRADICIONAL; CUBA
EditorsPick: Fine 2-CD set compilation of material from Carlos  
Puebla. With "Hasta Siempre,""Canto A Mi Pueblo (Con Neruda),""Ojos  
Malignos,","Yo Sigo Siendo Cubano" and many others. Recommended. (BP)
Price: $18.98
• Click here to Order Lo Mejor De Cuba, 2-CD Set Now!

JUAN CARLOS ALFONSO Y SU DAN DEN
Lo Mejor De Cuba, 2-CD Set
Pro Market
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Fine 2-CD set compilation of material from Juan Carlos  
Alfonso y su Dan Den. With "Ritmo Dan Den,""La Jicotea,""Amame Con Tu  
Experiencia,","Yo Soy El Punto Cubano" and many others. Recommended.  
(BP)
Price: $18.98
• Click here to Order Lo Mejor De Cuba, 2-CD Set Now!

TRIO MATAMOROS
Lo Mejor De Cuba, 2-CD Set
Pro Market
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Fine 2-CD set compilation of material from Trio  
Matamoros. With "Mama, Son De La Loma,""Santiaguera,""Que Siga El  
Tren,","Los Carnavales De Oriente" and many others. Recommended. (BP)
Price: $18.98
• Click here to Order Lo Mejor De Cuba, 2-CD Set Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Cuba: Una Noche En La Habana, 2-CD Set
Syllart / original import
Category: DANCE TRADITIONS; CHA CHA CHA, CHARANGA, DANZON; CUBA
EditorsPick: Here's an excellent 2-CD set consisting of 51(!) tracks  
by Cuba's best dance bands from the 1950s. Included are tracks by  
Fajardo, Aragón, Pancho El Bravo, Orquesta Sensación, Arsenio  
Rodriguez, Orquesta America and many others. Good liners too.
Recommended. (BP)
Price: $19.98
• Click here to Order Cuba: Una Noche En La Habana, 2-CD Set Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Cuba: Soneros De Ayer Y De Hoy, 2-CD Set
Syllart / original import
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Quite a terrific 2-CD set consisting of 49(!) tracks by  
Cuba's best soneros. Included are Cheo Marquetti, Celio Gonzalez,  
Beny More, Rolando La Serie, Abelardo Barroso, Roberto Faz and many  
others. Good liners too.
Recommended. (BP)
Price: $19.98
• Click here to Order Cuba: Soneros De Ayer Y De Hoy, 2-CD Set Now!

INDIA
La Historia... Mis Éxitos
Universal/Vene Music
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Excellent compilation of hits by India. With "Dejame  
Volver Contigo," "Dicen Que Soy," "Ese Hombre" and many more.
Recommended. (BP)
Price: $15.98
• Click here to Order La Historia... Mis Éxitos Now!

ORISHAS
Antidiotico Special Edition 2-CDs & DVD Package Set
Universal/EMI/JustBecaus
Category: DVD; WORLD LATIN; CUBA
EditorsPick: New best-of compilation of material from the highly  
regarded experimental hip-hop group Orishas. Includes three new  
tracks as well. This special edition includes 2-CDs as well as a DVD.
Recommended. (BP)
Price: $21.98
• Click here to Order Antidiotico Special Edition Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Putumayo Presents Latin Jazz
Putumayo
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: What a great compilation. Not your run-of-the-mill Latin  
jazz compilation, Dan Storper has done a remarkable job here -  
choosing top-drawer tracks by Machito with Cannonball Adderley,  
Poncho Sanchez, Tito Puente, Chico Alvarez, Chocolate Armenteros, Ray  
Barretto, Many Oquendo, Hilton Ruiz, Tómas Einarsson (all the way  
from Iceland!) and Brian Lynch with Eddie Palmieri doing their  
pristine "Guajira Dubois." With excellent liner notes by Jacob Edgar.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $16.98
• Click here to Order Putumayo Presents Latin Jazz Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Mambo - Conozco Cuba DVD & CD Package
Egrem / original import
Category: DVD; DOCUMENTARY; CUBA
EditorsPick: A documentary DVD that also includes a terrific audio CD  
encompassing the history of the Cuban mambo. The NTSC DVD, 24  
minutes, was directed by Jesús Dámaso González and is in Spanish with  
subtitles available in English, French and German. The 19-track CD  
includes material by Orquesta Riverside, Benny Moré, Bebo Valdés,  
Conjunto Casino, Chico O'Farrill and others.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Documental "Dale Mambo" Mambo en general le llaman los  
musicos a la glosa de cuatro u ocho compases que se repiten en el  
estribillo de los metales. A traves de un historiador de la musica  
cubana conoceremos sobre los origenes de Mambo y sus principales  
interpretes, asi como de las diversas atribuciones semanticas de la  
palabra Mambo. Se hablara de la controversia de quien invento el  
Mambo. Orestes Lopez, Arsenio Rodriguez o el titulado "Rey del  
Mambo", Damaso Perez Prado? Graficado con fotos e imagenes de los  
principales ejecutores del mismo desde sus inicios (Arcaño y sus  
Maravillas, Arsenio Rodriguez, Ernesto Duarte, Silvestre Mendez,  
Damaso Perez Prado y Beny Moré) se ambientara este documental que nos  
dara un recorrido excitante por tan apasionante ritmo denominado por  
muchos: sabrosura, diablo y el reconcido de todos: Mambo.
Documentary "Dale Mambo"
Musicians call mambo the thematic variations on four to eight mesures  
that are repeated on the wind instruments' refrain. We will know  
about the origins on mambo and its main performers through a  
historian of Cuban music, as well as the varied semantic attributions  
of the word mambo. Here is spoken about the debate on who invented  
mambo, Orestes Lopez, Arsenio Rodriguez, or so-called "King of Mambo"  
Damaso Perez Prado. Embellished with photos and images of its main  
performers from its beginnings (Arcaño y sus Maravillas, Arsenio  
Rodriguez, Ernesto Duarte, Silvestre Mendez, Damaso Perez Prado and  
Beny Moré), this documentary will take us on an exciting trip with  
this passionate rhythm named delicious, devil by many, and recognized  
by all as Mambo.
DVD Duracion/Length: 24 Minutes.
Price: $24.98
• Click here to Order Mambo - Conozco Cuba DVD & CD Package Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Chachachá Por Siempre - Conozco Cuba DVD & CD Set
Egrem / original import
Category: DVD; CHARANGA, CHA CHA CHA; CUBA
EditorsPick: A documentary DVD that also includes a terrific audio CD  
encompassing the history of the Cuban Cha-cha-chá. The DVD, 40  
minutes, was directed by Jesús Dámaso González and is in Spanish with  
subtitles available in English, French and German. The 19-track CD  
includes material by Orquesta Enrique Jorrín, Orquesta Aragón, Omara  
Portuondo, Paulo FG and NG La Banda.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Documental "Por siempre Cha Cha Cha" Imposible hablar de  
los ritmos cubanos sin mencionar el Cha Cha Cha. El acervo musical de  
Cuba, lleva arraigado este ritmo que creado por Enrique Jorrin, ha  
sido bailado por millones de personas en todo el mundo. Este  
documental recoge la historia desde la famosa 'Engañadaora de Prado y  
Neptuno' hasta los mas diversos titulos, que nos obligan a mover los  
pies desde sus primero timbres. Un baile popular con un sabor muy  
cubano.
Documentary Film "Por siempre Cha Cha Cha"
It is not possible to talk about Cuban Rhythms without mentioning Cha  
Cha Cha. Cuba's music heritage includes that rhythm which was created  
by Enrique Jorrin, while millions of people around the world have  
danced to it. This documentary film features the history of that  
style, from the famous tune 'Engañdora of Prado and Neptuno' up to  
the most diverse titles which force us to start dancing as soon as we  
listen to its first timbres. A popular dance with a very Cuban flavor.
DVD Duracion/Length: 40 Minutes.
Price: $24.98
• Click here to Order Chachachá Por Siempre Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
A Bailar Con Cuba - DVD
Egrem / original import
Category: DVD; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: A DVD compilation of Cuban dance bands including the  
Egrem All-Stars, Juan Carlos Alfonso y su Dan Den, Manolito Simonet,  
Pupy y Los Que Son Son, Azucar Negra, Sur Caribe, Pedrito Calvo,  
Mayté and others.
Recommended. A lot of fun. (BP)
Price: $21.98
• Click here to Order A Bailar Con Cuba - DVD Now!

Highlights from the previous Descarga Review

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order José Meriño Y Su Orquesta 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)

Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Tecato Now!

The following 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.

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)
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)
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)
Price: $24.98

• Click here to Order Italuba II 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)
Price: $24.98

• Click here to Order ...Otro Llano 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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