The Descarga Review: Tito Gomez Live DVD, Pedro Arroyo Live DVD, A Classic Barretto, New Timba and more!

Wed Jul 18 10:11:30 EDT 2007

The Descarga Review • July 18, 2007

Tito Gómez Live DVD, Pedro Arroyo DVD, A Classic Barretto, New Timba,  
Watrous' Reviews and more!
Bad links? No images? click: HERE

Here are some noteworthy new and reissued titles...

TITO GOMEZ
Un Legado Musical: Lo Nuevo Y Lo Mejor, Live In Cali Colombia
DVD & CD Set
Codiscos/Salsa Power (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; SALSA/SON; COLOMBIA
EditorsPick: What a fitting tribute to master salsero Tito Gómez, who  
passed away, at the young age of 59, just two months after this  
sizzling performance was recorded. This show, one of salsa dura and  
old-school know-how, took place at the packed-to-capacity Café Teatro  
Bar in Calí, Colombia. Produced by Diego Galé (who should be given an  
award for single-handedly documenting the best Puerto Rican and  
Colombian salsa bands), this concert embodies the richest aspects of  
the music: swing, drive, rhythm and a healthy amount of inspired  
improvisation. Gómez had decades of salsa behind him: He sang with  
Sonora Ponceña, Grupo Niche, Ray Barretto (he does a killer "Guararé"  
here - it's one of the DVDs many highlights), La Terrifica and  
others. The man was salsa history. Galé knew it, was obviously in awe  
of the man, and proved it with his wallet. This is a first-class  
production - multi-camera, perfectly edited and mixed. And the  
quality of the production was matched not only by Gómez, but by the  
band as well. Galé and crew, including pianist Alvaro Cabarcas  
"Pelusa", bassist Sergio Munera, trombonist Morist Jimenez, Diego on  
congas and brother Jimmy on timbales are so practiced, so well-oiled  
- that the performance evolves into a thing of beauty, a work of art.  
In addition to the above mentioned "Guararé," Gómez also performs the  
hits "Prende El Fogon," "Un Caso Social," "Invitación a un Sonero"  
and more. This DVD and CD package is a document of a salsa hero, and  
is a must-have.
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)

Description: El sello salsa power presenta un homenaje postumo a Tito  
Gómez. Una de las voces mas importantes de la salsa en el mundo.  
Quien dos meses antes de su fallecimiento grabo esta procuccion en la  
ciudad de Medellin, con el acompañamiento incrieble de su publico que  
lo apoyo durante toda su trayectoria musical.
Este es el unico DVD de este inigualable artista que con su voz plamo  
anos de historia a traves de sus interpretaciones. Paz para Tito  
Gómez, Artista que nos dejo el 11 de Junio de 2007.
Price: $24.98

• Click here to Order Un Legado Musical DVD & CD Set Now!

PEDRO ARROYO
Clásicos En Vivo: Live In Cali Colombia - DVD
Codiscos/Salsa Power (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; SALSA/SON; COLOMBIA
EditorsPick: Very well produced - by Diego Gale - live performance  
from veteran salsa singer Pedro Arroyo. Direct from Discoteca Jala  
Jala in Calí, Colombia, the svelte singer performed to a packed house  
who hung on to his every word. And he cooked. Arroyo, backed by the  
Gale machine, has never sounded better. he used to sing with the  
Rubby Haddock's orquesta, and then developed a major career in salsa  
romantica. Later, he was to sing with Guayacan (on the CD XTremo)  
which brought him back to the fore. Here I expected a smoother, more  
romantic set, but what I got was an impressive, totally solid and, in- 
the-pocket, fiery salsa session con ganas. Included are his hits "Te  
Dejo Libre," "Cantare Con Una Orquesta," "Tu Quieres Mas," "Amarte A  
Ti" and many others.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $24.98

• Click here to Order Clásicos En Vivo - DVD Now!

PEPE CASTILLO
Banana Land - Remastered Edition
Universal/Callejero/Tropical Budda
Originally released: 1991
Reissued: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: What a cool record. Originally released on the Tropical  
Budda label in 1991, it's a mix of salsa, plena, jazz, funk and pan  
caribbean riffs. And the opening track, "Banana Land" is a  
hysterical, yet biting, look at the tourism trade with Castillo  
singing in pseudo Jamaican tongue. The multi-talented Castillo  
(composer, keyboards, singer, percussion, accordion, etc., etc.),  
originally from Puerto Rico, can be considered an unsung master who  
is responsible for some seriously important Latin projects. He was  
the arranger and pianist for Cortijo's most acclaimed recording - the  
funky experimental masterpiece Time Machine. Not bad. And listen to  
his supporting cast on Banana Land: Edgardo Miranda, Mongo  
Santamaria, Barry Rogers, Bomberito Zarzuela, Donald Nicks, David  
'Cortijito' Rosario and many others. 'Nuff said.
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Banana Land - Remastered Edition Now!

RAY BARRETTO
The Message
Fania / Emusica - Remastered Edition
Originally released: 1972
Reissued: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
EditorsPick: One of Barretto's finest salsa records of the '70s. Very  
Highly recommended. - BP

"This was a great salsa rhythm section from the 1970s with Ray  
Barretto on congas, Orestes Vilato on timbales, Johnny Rodriguez on  
bongos, Louis Cruz on piano, and Andy Gonzalez on bass.  
'Arrepientete' is one tune I especially like because of Orestes'  
timbale solo which I transcribed for study purposes several years  
ago." (Victor Rendón, 98/99 Catalog)

"For me, 'Se Traba,' 'Arrepientete,' and 'Seguire Sin Soñar'  
personify an entire era. And, what an all-star cast of musicians Ray  
Barretto had here. Adalberto Santiago on vocals; Rene Lopez, Roberto  
Rodriguez, and 'Papy' Roman on trumpets; Luis Cruz at the keyboard;  
Andy Gonzalez on bass; Orestes Vilato on timbales; and Johnny  
Rodriguez on bongo. As a kid, I recorded this album in Ray's  
basement, on his equipment, and, to this day, I treasure that  
cassette and the memory." (Vicki Solá, 98/99 Catalog)

"This features timbalero Orestes Vilato. Ray was playing great and  
strong at this time. It also has Johnny "Dandy" Rodriguez who is a  
very good friend of ours. Johnny lays down a great cowbell and bongo  
pattern. Adalberto Santiago is a great sonero who sings right in the  
pocket with great inspiraciones. To me, this was a great period of  
salsa, when salsa was really happening. Adalberto was great on the  
bolero "Alma Con Alma." They were tight." (P.S., Poncho Sanchez &  
Ramon Banda, 96/97 Catalog) (DR)
Price: $13.98

• Click here to Order The Message Now!

HÉCTOR LAVOE
A Man And His Music - La Voz 2-CD Set
Fania / Emusica - Remastered Edition
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
EditorsPick: The cream of the crop... icing on the cake... jewel in  
the crown. Call it what you want, but this two CD set is the best  
grouping of Héctor Lavoe material that this reviewer has heard, bar  
none. Compiled by Louie Vega, who also supplies thoughtful track-by- 
track commentary, and with biographic liners by the esteemed Lavoe  
biographer Jaime Torres Torres, La Voz is a first-class production  
and the perfect entree into the life and oeuvre of a salsa icon.  
Twenty seven tracks that will sear their way into your memory  
forever. Definitely buy one for yourself - but it also makes a  
perfect gift.
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Aguanile (w/Willie Colon) 2. La Banda(w/Willie Colon) 3. Ah-Ah/O- 
No (w/Willie Colon) 4. Te Conozco (w/Willie Colon) 5. Abuelita (w/ 
Willie Colon) 6. Que Bien Te Ves (w/Willie Colon & Yomo Toro) 7.  
Barrunto (w/Willie Colon) 8. Pirana (w/Willie Colon) 9. La Murga (w/ 
Willie Colon) 10. Juana Peña (w/Willie Colon) 11. Che Che Colé (w/ 
Willie Colon) 12. Triste Y Vacia (w/Willie Colon) 13. Timbalero (w/ 
Willie Colon) 14. Mi Gente 15. Todo Tiene Su Final (w/Willie Colon)  
16. El Todopoderoso 17. Periodico De Ayer 18. Isla Del Encanto (w/ 
Fania All Stars) 19. El Cantante 20. El Sabio 21. Hacha Y Machete 22.  
Vamos A Reir Un Poco 23. El Rey De La Puntualidad (w/Fania All Stars)  
24. Ublabadu (w/Fania All Stars) 25. Alejate/La Fama/Mi Gente (w/ 
Fania All Stars)
Price: $20.98

• Click here to Order La Voz 2-CD Set Now!

MAIKEL BLANCO
Live, Desde La Casa De La Música
Cuban Roots (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Just in! Smoldering live timba performance by Maikel  
Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor. Blanco, who composed all of the tunes here,  
is quickly becoming the major timba star in Cuba. I can't think of  
many *live* timba performances on CD, so this is something of a  
rarity. 73 minutes of jam-packed timba fire. With "La Masa," "Cambia  
Tu Faceta," "Lo Bello Por Dentro" (a whopping near 14 minutes worth),  
"Recoge Y Vete" and others. Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Live, Desde La Casa De La Música Now!

GILITO
Al César Lo Que Es Del César
Cuban Roots (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Just in! New international timba project featuring  
singer Gilito (José Gil Piñeiro), who was lead vocalist for Cuba's  
Salsa de Esquina. This one is a collaborative effort with help from  
Swiss musicians and the producers Bernaldo Izaguirri and Ali Ko, who  
produced Issac Delgado's early work. Review to follow shortly. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Al César Lo Que Es Del César (5:18) 2. Esa Chica (5:10) 3. Sin  
Documentos (4:43) 4. Nabori (4:03) 5. Tú Me Haces Falta (4:08) 6.  
Amigo Mío (5:35) 7. Vas A Gritar De Placer (4:38) 8. Timbeando Con  
Gilito (3:48) 9. Al César Lo Que Es Del César (6:48)
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Al César Lo Que Es Del César Now!

CARLOS MANUEL
Carlos Manuel
Prune Productions
Originally released: 2007
Category: POP/OTHER; POP LATIN
EditorsPick: The Cuban timbero returns, remade as a great Miami pop  
singer. And the boy can sing; from the first tune on, his high voice  
goes directly into pop heartbreak. He's picked up a bunch of pop  
tricks, the way he cracks his voice to show passion, a falsetto, and  
on. There's salsa here, with a touch of timba, and it's all so  
sophisticated, so ready for stateside radio, it's a bit surprising.  
I'm impressed, and fans of Sergio George styled modern salsa will  
love this, plus there's a bit of pan Caribbean stuff, too, and it's  
all ready for the dance floor, or the radio. Plus, it's imaginative  
with good song writing and serious grooves, on the tunes that are  
supposed to groove. I mean, check out the rhythmic drive on "Este Ano  
Levanto," which rocks the place, and his singing, with its  
improvisations, collaborates with the euphoria. I want to hear this  
dude live, and I forgive his dabbling in reggaeton. Caribbean pop at  
its best.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Carlos Manuel Now!

ALQUIMIA LA SONORA DEL XXI
Coleccion De Oro: 3-CD Set
Musart (original import)
Originally released: 2004
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA COLOMBIA; COLOMBIA
EditorsPick: Three CD set compilation of material by the Colombian  
salsa group. Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Pa' La Paloma 2. Tu Voz 3. Me Voy Pa' La Habana - El Vaquero 4. En  
El Bajio 5. El Nido 6. Maquino Landera 7. No Quiero Nada Con Su Mujer  
8. Vive La Vida Hoy 9. Cumbia Buenaventura 10. El Ajiaco 11. El  
Negrio Del Batey - La Mama Y La Hija 12. Ave Maria Lola 13. El  
Ermitaño 14. El Ladron 15. Guapachando 16. Cao Cao Mani Picao 17. El  
Orangutan 18. Besito De Coco-Caramelo 19. Sabrosito Asi 20. El  
Yerberito Moderno - Melao De Caña 21. Oye Mima 22. Maria Conchita 23.  
La Boa 24. El Corneta - Cachita 25. El Que Siembra Su Maiz...plus 4  
More Tunes!!!
Price: $21.98

• Click here to Order Coleccion De Oro: 3-CD Set Now!

GRUPO CANEO
Salsa Original
Fuentes (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA COLOMBIA; COLOMBIA
EditorsPick: Wow, from the first bars of this, the music takes off.  
Colombian salsa at it's polished best. The band, from Medellin (I  
wonder what they've seen in their lifetimes), has the tight coros,  
and the great tempos you expect from Colombian salsa. This is genre  
music at it's best, no surprises, just pure salsa power. Great for  
the dance floor, great for the radio. Highly Recommended. (Peter  
Watrous)
SONG TITLES:
1. Duele (4:30) 2. Que Hare Sin Ti (4:25) 3. Enamorado (3:58) 4. He  
Decidido Perderte (4:04) 5. El Primo (4:27) 6. Dejame Ser (4:37) 7.  
Besame (4:19) 8. Quien Piensa En Ti (4:37) 9. Dime (4:32) 10. Volaste  
(4:16)
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Salsa Original Now!

WILLIAM CEPEDA & AFRO RICAN JAZZ
Live At The Montreux Jazz Festival
Casabe/Carimoods
Originally released: 2006
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ; PUERTO RICO
EditorsPick: Cepeda's on a mission to make highly imaginative,  
achieved music out of a bunch of different sources. There's the  
modern jazz element, a post Herbie Hancock thing (along with some  
electric era Miles), plus the heavy rhythmic tradition of Puerto  
Rico. This recording catches Cepeda, a probing, searching trombonist,  
leading an octet that at times seems to be channeling a Spanish  
speaking version of Charles Mingus. It's pretty great, abstract and  
driving and precise all at the same time. He's helped by some heavy  
players, including Omar Kabir on trumpet (check out his solo on the  
first tune, where he and Cepeda keep making reference to "Take the A  
Train,"). Five of the seven tracks stretch out over 10 minutes. The  
real thing, music to live with.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Live At The Montreux Jazz Festival Now!

CLAN 537
Había Una Vez... (La Caperucita)
Fuego (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: POP/OTHER; REGGAETON; CUBA
EditorsPick: Reggaeton from Havana, which is pretty much a second  
hand experience. Not as dense, or avant guard as some of the better  
reggaeton from Puerto Rico, it also doesn't have a whole lot of  
individuality. It's playing by the rules, and it's adept at them.  
Guest appearances by Pedro Calvo and Vania, El Tosco and more.
Recommended. (Peter Watrous)
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Había Una Vez... (La Caperucita) Now!

ALEX D' GAMBO
Simplemente Alex D'Gambo ¡Tu Salsa! CD & Bonus DVD
Power Musical
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: The Colombian singer, based in New York, is backed here  
by one fine band, including Lucho Cueto on piano, Roberto Quintero,  
Jose Mangual Jr. and Carlito Soto on percussion, plus Tito Allen on  
coro and plenty more. He sings in a high tenor voice, and he lays his  
melodies with some serious intent, and as pretty as he sings, he's  
ultimately a percussionist when he improvises. He's also kind of  
eccentric, with strange diction; he reminds me a bit of Angel  
Canales. Anyway, a good addition to the library of salsa dura from  
New York.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Simplemente Alex D'Gambo Now!

DIMENSION LATINA
15 Exitos
Musart
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; VENEZUELA
EditorsPick: Excellent compilation of hits by the Venezuelan salsa  
band. Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Taboga (3:57) 2. Divina Niña (4:17) 3. El Frutero (4:01) 4. Pan De  
Piquito (3:58) 5. Pensando En Ti (3:02) 6. Que Bailen To's (3:18) 7.  
Julia (3:06) 8. Sigue Tu Camino (3:51) 9. Para Tu Altar (4:43) 10.  
Sin Tu Cariño (3:41) 11. Ritmos Cubanos (4:39) 12. Al Mirarte A Ti  
(4:44) 13. Bonito Y Sabroso (5:23) 14. Rumba Rumbero (4:03) 15. La  
Piragua (2:53)
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order 15 Exitos Now!

ARGELIA FRAGOSO
Entre Nosotros - Agelia Fragoso & Javier Colina Trio
Karonte/Nube (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: BOLERO; BOLERO / BALADA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Bolero records carry a tough load: how to keep going  
without boring people. Fragoso, a Cuban singer with a serious  
classical background can do it with her voice, the beauty of her  
pitch, the texture of her vibrato; she's a really good singer who  
takes on some great tunes. Backed by Javier Colina's trio, a jazz  
trio, really, she sings tunes like "Alma Mia," "Imagenes," "Anorado  
Encuentro" and more, mostly tunes not covered all the time. The trio  
is fine, naturalistic, and doesn't load up the music with too much  
detail. No strings, no synthesizer; that's all good.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)
Price: $21.98

• Click here to Order Entre Nosotros Now!

GUARAYSON
Te Pasó Po' Encima
Fonova Music
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; PUERTO RICO
EditorsPick: What a surprise, a totally amiable son recording from  
Puerto Rico. The tres is the main instrument here, but the drums are  
up on the album, and the rhythms are not always what you'd hear from  
Cuba; it makes the music fresh to include bomba and plena rhythms.  
The tres even gets a bit of wah-wah pedal added, occasionally.  
Giovanni Lugo, the group's leader and percussionist, takes the lead  
vocals, and he sings in a thick, lively voice and it's easy to like  
the project. It's honest.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Te Pasó Po' Encima Now!

IROSSO OBBÁ
Santa Palabra
Envidia (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: FOLKLORIC; RUMBA and/or SANTERIA/LUCUMI; CUBA
EditorsPick: We might be in a golden era of rumba and Santeria  
recordings; they're everywhere, and always good, with hardly any  
tampering. The best thing that could be done is to record the music  
well, documentary style, and that's what we have here, a rumba  
recording from a group that's located on Hamel Street in Havana, one  
of the music's more famous addresses. The group sounds young and  
energetic, with nicely dense coros; the leader and lead singer Jorge  
Enrique Salazar sings with precision. He writes good tunes, too, and  
he and the group work through "Santa Palabra," the NG La Banda  
classic. I could use the tunes lasting longer, but most of them clock  
in at 5 or more minutes; still, this stuff could last all night it's  
so good.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Santa Palabra Now!

VAN LESTER
Soy La Voz
Universal/RMM
Originally released: 1992
Reissued: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Back in stock! Debut album, originally released in 1992,  
of Puerto Rican Salsa singer-composer Van Lester on the (then) new  
Sonero label. With the title track he pays tribute to legendary Salsa  
singer Héctor Lavoe, whom he considers his inspiration.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Soy La Voz 2. Volverte A Besar 3. Corazon Mio 4. No Se Porque 5.  
Frutos 6. Nada Que Ocultar 7. De Pronto 8. No Hay Nadie Como Tu 9.  
Perdoname Que Te Quiera 10. Por Tu Amor
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Soy La Voz Now!

CHICO MENDOZA
Chico Mendoza And The Latin Jazz Dream Band - Remastered Edition
Universal/Callejero/Tropical Budda
Originally released: 1985
Reissued: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: Now digitally remastered! Hard to find Latin jazz  
release from 1985. With Steve Turre, Jorge Gonzalez, Rob Henke, Tony  
Barrero, Reinaldo Jorge, Manteca Ronnie Hill and many others.
Recommended. (DR)
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Chico Mendoza Now!

NG LA BANDA
Bailemos - NG La Banda Interpreta Canciones De Almeida
Egrem (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: This is as weird as it gets, the founding group of  
timba, the heart of darkness of Cuban modern music, suddenly  
reappears with a bunch of songs written by, get this, a ranking  
member of the Cuban Government. Given how strange Planet Cuba is,  
it's hard not to wonder what sort of trouble leader Jose Luis Cortes  
got in with the government to merit the punishment. Whatever. The  
product isn't so bad, kind of a light salsa treatment of forgettable  
songs, but many, many miles from the group's heyday as one of the  
world's great orchestras. A strange, pleasant footnote to the career  
of one of the 20th century's best dance bands.
Recommended. (Peter Watrous)
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order Bailemos Now!

ADALBERTO SANTIAGO
Más Sabroso - Digitally Remastered
Universal/Callejero/Tropical Budda
Reissued: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Remastered edition! The veteran salsa superstar of the  
Fania era breaks out on his own on this session produced by Ray Santos.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Mas Sabroso (4:17) 2. Echate Pa'Alla (5:55) 3. Los Cabezones  
(4:51) 4. Esposa Y Una Querida (3:57) 5. El Borrachon (4:28) 6. Firme  
(4:58) 7. Camino A Casa (4:58) 8. Cumbia Colombiana (4:15)
MUSICIANS:
• Willie Martinez: Trompeta
• Lionel Sanchez: Trompeta
• Gilbero Colon: Piano
• Angel (Cuqui) Lebron: Trombon
• Charlie Donato: Bajo
• Noey Matos: Bongo, quinto
• Felix Cruz: Congas
• Paul (Poly) Irlanda: Timbales
• Pete Miranda: Saxofon baritono
• Ray Perez: Coro
• Adalberto Santiago: Director, vocalista, coro
• Tony Barrero: Trompeta
• David (Piro) Rodriguez: Trompeta
• Jose (Ite) Jerez: Trompeta
• Reynaldo Jorge: Trombon
• Yayo El Indio: Coro
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Más Sabroso - Digitally Remastered Now!

CHUCK SILVERMAN
Practical Applications: Afro-Caribbean Rhythms For The Drum Set -  
Book & 2-CD Package Set
Warner Brothers Publications
Category: INSTRUCTIONAL; AFRO-LATIN PERCUSSION
EditorsPick: Practical Applications seeks to bring the student of  
Afro-Caribbean music a better understanding of the applications of  
these rhythms on the drums set. Afro-Caribbean rhythms like mambo,  
6/8 rhythms, samba, songo, and others can give the serious percussion  
student a great command of the language of the rhythm. Also, there is  
so much here in Practical Applications that can instruct you in the  
art of drumset artistry. The concept of coordination (sometimes  
referred to as independence) can be thoroughly addressed by studying  
these rhythms and how they apply to the drum set. Your actual grooves  
will develop in character and quality because the rhythms you are  
studying are rich in these important concepts. The rhythms will find  
their way into your playing, whether that playing is in rock, jazz,  
Latin, funk, or other styles. And development of all limbs will be  
enhanced, mainly because you will learn how to use all four limbs to  
emulate percussion instruments. Your "weak" hand will be developed  
and strengthened as you learn cowbell or tamborim patterns.

Cha Cha Cha / Bolero / Mambo / Merengue / Bossa Nova / Contemporary  
Brazilian Patterns / Samba / Cumbia / 6/8 Patterns / Mozambique /  
Songó / Contemporary Drumset Applications / Applying the Optional  
Cascara Pattern / Left Foot Clave Grooves & Excercises with Cáscara /  
With Mambo Bell / With Mambo & Bongo Bells / More Independence  
Excercises / Excercisis - Hand Patterns: Doubles & Paradiddle  
Combinations / Flam Taps and Swiss Triplets / Solo Transcriptions &  
Fill Ideas (Manny Oquendo, Changuito, Ray Barretto etc.)
155 Pages. Includes 2 audio CDs. (DR)
Price: $36.95

• Click here to Order Practical Applications Now!

WAYNE WALLACE
The Reckless Search For Beauty
Patois Records
Originally released: 2006
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: Here's one that comes with one of the better titles I've  
read in a long time. The West Coast group, lead by the trombonist  
Wallace, who has worked with Conjunto Cespedes, Peter Escovedo,  
Machete ensemble and more, is helped by some of the West Coast all  
stars including John Santos and Michael Spiro on percussion. It's a  
fine recording that draws on the African Atlantic, mixing jazz  
improvisational abilities with musical ideas from across the  
Americas. Cuba's deeply in evidence, as is funk and salsa. There's  
good playing all over this, and decent singing in Spanish and  
English. Totally enjoyable.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order The Reckless Search For Beauty Now!

HENRY HERRERA DANCE STUDIO
Cogele El Paso, Vol. 8 ¡En Vivo!
Salsa Racing
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; DANCE INSTRUCTION
EditorsPick: Just in- the latest installment by salsa dancer and  
instructor Henry Herrera. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Rumbero De Cuba Soy (Show) 2. Sandalio El Volao 3. Los Sitios 4.  
Puente Saboreado 5. La Malanga 6. Chispa De Tren 7. Goza Pelota 8.  
Abanico Loco 9. Rueda De Casino Demo Uno 10. Atrevimiento 11. Rueda  
De Casino Deme Dos 12. El Bohio 13. El Granizado 14. Rudea De Casino  
Demo Tres 15. Entrevista Con Henry Herrera 16. Atrevimiento No (Show)  
17. Rueda De Casino Demo Cuatro 18. Henry Herrera Y Gong Li En Miami  
Vice Detras De Las Escenas 19. Comentario Por Artistas Invitados:  
Nelson Flores De New York, Luis Vazquez De Los Angeles, Alex Lima De  
Brazil, Ismael Otero De New Jersey, Yesenia Peralta De New Jersey,  
Angel Ortiz De New York, Ramon Moralez De Mexico Y Francisco Vazquez  
De Los Angeles. Con La Particaipaacion Especial De Angley Carucci,  
Ramani Nicola, Samuel Hernandez Y Todos Los Estudiantes Y Miembros De  
Salsa Racing.
Price: $29.98

• Click here to Order Cogele El Paso, Vol. 8 ¡En Vivo! Now!

HÉCTOR TRICOCHE
La Historia... Mis Éxitos
Universal/Vene Music
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Excellent compilation of hits by the veteran salsa  
singer. Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Macho Perez 2. Vibora 3. En Cuba No Falta Nada 4. Lapiz De Carmin  
5. Tarde Sin Sol 6. Motorizame 7. A Que No Lo Haces 8. No Soy  
Automatico 9. Yo Puedo Tu Puedes 10. Tirste Dia 11. Noche Sensacional  
12. Una Aventura Nada Mas 13. Debi Amarte Mas 14. Muchacha De Abril  
15. Conversando Sin Palabras
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order La Historia... Mis Éxitos Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Latin Lounge Jazz: Havana
Fania / Emusica - Remastered Edition
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Compilation of excellent material from Fania, Alegre,  
Tico etcetera. Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. El Campesino - Machito (2:26) 2. El Manisero - Tito Rodriguez  
(3:45) 3. Quimbombó - Machito (2:50) 4. El Piñazo - Johnny Pacheco  
(2:53) 5. Revolt/La Libertad Lógico - Eddie Palmieri (5:26) 6. No Hay  
Manteca - Celia Cruz (2:32) 7. Alto Songo - Johnny Pacheco (2:46) 8.  
Cao-Cao-Mani Picao - Celia Cruz & Tito Puente (3:51) 9. Bronx  
Pachanga U.S.A. - Charlie Palmieri (2:34) 10. Recuerdos De Arcaño -  
Johnny Pacheco (2:53) 11. Algo Nuevo - Ray Barretto (6:57) 12. Pa'  
Huelé - Eddie Palmieri (4:45) 13. Estoy Buscando A Kako - Alegre All  
Stars (4:23) 14. La Engañadora - Tito Rodriguez (2:58) 15. Baile Mi  
Son - Tito Puente (3:26) 16. Bésame - Mongo Santamaria (5:43)
Price: $13.98

• Click here to Order Latin Lounge Jazz: Havana Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Latin Lounge Jazz: San Juan
Fania / Emusica - Remastered Edition
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Compilation of excellent material from Fania, Alegre,  
Tico etcetera. Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Puerto Rico/Adoración - Fania All Stars (9:52) 2. Caminando -  
Eddie Palmieri (3:52) 3. La Hija De Lola - Charlie Palmieri (4:35) 4.  
Son Con Cuero - Ray Barretto (5:15) 5. Juan Pachanga - Ruben Blades  
(6:14) 6. No Me Hagas Sufrir - Eddie Palmieri (6:09) 7. Coco -  
Charlie Palmieri (6:45) 8. Tumbao Africano - Ray Barretto (7:13) 9.  
Pa' Borinquen - Tito Puente (3:15) 10. Perdido - Alegre All Stars (9:13)
Price: $13.98

• Click here to Order Latin Lounge Jazz: San Juan Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Latin Lounge Jazz: Spanish Harlem
Fania / Emusica - Remastered Edition
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Compilation of excellent material from Fania, Alegre,  
Tico etcetera. Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Asia Minor - Machito (3:01) 2. Mambo Diablo - Machito/Tito Puente/ 
Joe Loco (3:10) 3. Fever - La Lupe (2:45) 4. Picadillo - Tito Puente  
(3:15) 5. Power - Ray Barretto (6:05) 6. Mambo A La Savoy - Machito  
(2:57) 7. Changó - La Lupe (4:00) 8. New York Soul - Ray Barretto  
(2:45) 9. Mambolino - Tito Puente (2:57) 10. Crazy Lady - Mongo  
Santamaria (4:32) 11. V.P. Blues - Eddie Palmieri (7:57) 12. Carnaval  
In Harlem - Tito Puente (3:28) 13. Salsa Na' Ma' - Azuquita (4:31)  
14. Micaela - Pete Rodriguez (5:26)
Price: $13.98

• Click here to Order Latin Lounge Jazz: Spanish Harlem Now!

Highlights from the previous Descarga Review...

VARIOUS ARTISTS
La Música De Rafael Hernández - DVD
Banco Popular
Originally released: 1965
Reissued: 2007
Category: DVD; PERFORMANCE; PUERTO RICO
EditorsPick: 1965 - On November 21, the Banco Popular of Puerto Rico  
produced a program entitled "The Music of Rafael Hernández." It was  
broadcast over all the radio and TV stations in Puerto Rico. Among  
the artists participating that evening were: Fidel Cabrera, Raul  
Dávila, Ruth Fernández, Bobby Capó, Myrta Silva, Los Hispanos,  
Gilberto Monroig, Chucho Avellanet, Tito Puente, Rina de Toledo,  
Carmen Delia Dipiní, the Choir of the University of Puerto Rico,  
Rafael Torrens, Tiro Henríquez and Chalí Hernández. They were  
accompanied by a twenty-eight piece orchestra under the direction of  
Radhamés Reyes Alfau.
Unfortunately, Rafael was unable to enjoy that tribute in person.  
Nevertheless, in his sickbed at the San Patricio Veterans Hospital he  
listened and sent a recorded greeting to the audience. Incidentally,  
that was the first in a series of yearly programs dedicated to Puerto  
Rican music and its artists sponsored by the Banco Popular de Puerto  
Rico.
- Frank M. Figueroa, Latin Beat Magazine

SONG TITLES:
1. Ahora Seremos Felices 2. Inconsolable 3. Cuchifritos 4. El Buen  
Borincano 5. Oui, Madame 6. Ausencia 7. El Cumbancero 8. Desvelo De  
Amor 9. Campanitas De Cristal 10. Congoja 11. Los Carreteros 12.  
Cachita 13. Silencio 14. Venus 15. Perfume De Gardenia 16. Nada 17.  
Tu No Comprendes 18. Muchos Besos 19. Mama Borinquen Me Llama 20.  
Romance 21. Mi Querer 22. Los Siento Por Ti 23. El Pastrocito 24.  
Traicion 25. Azul Y Blanco...plus 7 More Tunes!!!
Price: $18.68

• Click here to Order La Música De Rafael Hernández - DVD Now!

MONGO SANTAMARIA
En Vivo - DVD
Budda/West Side Beat
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: Live performance from club Lulu White, in Boston's south  
side, circa '70s. An interview (in Spanish with English subtitles) is  
interspersed between songs. Vintage quality is only moderately fair -  
don't expect anything near high definition here, folks. But for Mongo  
fans, this would be considered highly collectable. DVD footage of  
Mongo is rather scarce.
Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Introduction 2. Mongo Beginings (Pt. 1 Of Interview) 3. Virtue 4.  
Cuban Roots (Pt. 2 Of Interview) 5. T.V. 6. Come Candela 7. Musicians  
& Me (Pt. 3 Of Interview) 8. Rico Tumbao 9. Mongo's Legacy (Pt. 4 Of  
Interview) 10. Watermelon Man 11. Closing Thoughts (Pt. 5 Of  
Interview) 12. Inspiration Song
Price: $18.68

• Click here to Order En Vivo - DVD Now!

JOE BATAAN
Live In San Francisco - DVD
Cool-Fu
Originally released: 2005
Category: DVD; PERFORMANCE
EditorsPick: Live performance in San Francisco.
Review to follow shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Intro Jam 2. When Sunny Gets Blue 3. Sad Girl 4. Gypsy Woman 5.  
Ordinary Guy (Afrofilipino) 6. I Wish You Love (Part 1) 7. I Wish You  
Love (Part 2) 8. Prayer 9. My Cloud 10. If I Were A King
Price: $18.68

• Click here to Order Live In San Francisco - DVD Now!

SEPTETO NACIONAL DE IGNACIO PIÑEIRO
Live In France: 80 Años De Sabor Tradición - DVD
Mundo Libre
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; SALSA/SON; CUBA
EditorsPick: Live performance by the legendary Septeto Nacional led  
by vocalist Eugencio R. Rodriguez "El Raspa".
Review to follow shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Echale Salsita - Ignacio Piñeiro 2. Bardo - Ignacio Piñeiro 3.  
Suavecito - Ignacio Piñeiro 4. Aqui Estoy Yo - Dagoberto Saceiro 5.  
Tú Mi Afinidad - Rafael Ortiz 6. Amor De Loca Juventud - Rafael Ortiz  
7. Cascarauñafaña - Francisco Oropesa 8. Mueve La Cintura - E.  
Almenares 9. No Juegues Con Los Santos - Ignacio Piñeiro 10. El Final  
No Llegará - Rafael Ortiz - P. Ginori 11. Desafiando Al Detino - Luis  
M. Llamo 12. Convergencia - Bienvenido J. Gutierrez 13. El Sabor De  
La Tradición - Enrique Collazo 14. Tema Piñeiro Se Baila Con Son -  
Pablo Blanco 15. Llora Como Lloré - Santos Ramirez
MUSICIANS:
• Eugencio R. Rodriguez "El Raspa": Cantante y director
• Francisco D. Oropesa Fernandez "El Matador" : Bongo y administrador
• Enrique A. Collazo Collazo: Tres y voz
• Dagoberto Saceiro Oliva : Guitarra y voz
• Agustin Somelian Garcia: Trompeta
• Raul Acea Rivera: Contrabajo
• Julio Martinez Hernandez: Maracas y voz
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Live In France - DVD 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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