The Descarga Review: Summer Heat continues with the latest must-have titles...

Sun Aug 5 15:32:17 EDT 2007

The Descarga Review • August 05, 2007

Summer Heat! Recent Must-Have titles for your summer fiesta...

- Our Summer Special continues only through this Wednesday!
- Vinyl LPs! Click Here!
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The Summer Heat Continues... Enjoy!

NILS FISCHER & TIMBAZO
¡Gracias Joe Cuba!
Walboomers (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; NETHERLANDS
EditorsPick: Boom! With the opening track "Ariñañara" you know  
something special is going on. The song is familiar - a classic done  
by everyone from Tito Puente to Fruko, and is a signature tune for  
Joe Cuba. But man has this been timba-fied or what? Track-by-track,  
Netherlands based band-leader and master percussionist Nils Fischer  
has brought these already great tracks onto a new level, one of  
intensity and sparkling swing. What a great idea: Take classic Joe  
Cuba tracks like "Ariñañara," "El Hueso," "Guaracha Y Bembé," and  
"Tremendo Coco," pump them up with high-octane timba-powered  
arrangements, and add red hot musicians like percussionists Gerardo  
Rosales and José "Pepe" Espinosa, trumpeter Brian Lynch, trombonist  
Alberto "Molote" Muñoz, Cuban bassist Alain Perez and vocalists  
Fabian Nodarse "Huracán," Nando Vanin and Alberto Caicedo. What  
you're left with is one of the most exciting projects of the year:  
Joe Cuba like you've never heard before. Turning old-school on it's  
head - there's a lot of fertile ground there, touched upon recently  
by Las Estrellas De Envidia. If, like me, you loved their Homenaje A  
Fania, you better grab this one, but fast. With liner notes by George  
Rivera and Rebeca Mauleón, as well as comments by Orestes Vilató,  
Bobby Sanabria, Armando Peraza and Joe Cuba himself. It's a  
remarkable debut CD by Mr. Fischer, and a BIG DJ Alert. Easily one of  
the best releases of 2007:
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Ariñañara (3:28) 2. Que Va/Guaracha Y Bembé/Cachondea (6:49) 3.  
Bochinchosa (3:37) 4. Entrada (1:08) 5. El Hueso (2:55) 6. Pancho/Yo  
Vine Pa' Ver/Tremendo Coco (7:00) 7. Lo Bueno Ya Viene (3:51) 8.  
Oriente (3:32) 9. Llegué (4:54) 10. Que Pollo/Mujer/Picando De Vicio  
(8:19) 11. Ya No Tengo Amigos (6:13) 12. Radio Edits: Que Va (2:09)  
13. Guaracha Y Bembé (1:27) 14. Cachondea (3:11) 15. Pancho (2:13)  
16. Yo Vine Pa' Ver (1:19) 17. Tremendo Coco (3:24)
Price: $18.98

• Click here to Order ¡Gracias Joe Cuba! Now!

CHICO ALVAREZ
Los Barbaros Del Ritmo - Chico Alvarez Y Nosotros
Mafimba
Originally released: 1981
Reissued: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA
EditorsPick: Now here's a collector's item worth collecting: A  
treasure trove of classic salsa/son-montuno/descarga jams as typified  
by the much respected New York based Nosotros. Originally from 1981,  
this session is released here for the first time ever. I repeat: it  
has never been released prior. It's one of only two records produced  
by the band (the other, originally on Vaya and produced by Louie  
Ramirez in 1979, is currently out-of-print). Alvarez' clear, robust,  
voice is just right to navigate his working club band of musicians  
which include the likes of bassist Russell "Skee" Farnsworth,  
trumpeter Gordon Tomasin, conguero Gene Golden among others. Heavy,  
heavy swing is everywhere on Los Barbaros Del Ritmo. Listen to the  
spectacular "Agua Pa' Ti," the plutonium-packed descarga arranged by  
Dick "Taco" Mesa - it will leave you gasping for air. And the slow  
boil created by Paul López arrangement of the classic Arsenio  
Rodriguez composition "Ñaña Acere" is coming darn close to  
perfection. And while the core of the tracks here are sizzling  
interpretations of classics, Alvarez's own composition "Piñiero" (in  
honor of the great Cuban composer Ignacio Piñeiro) is a highlight  
here. Mr. Alvarez also chose to include two live tracks from the  
Village Gate, NYC, 1985 and, as a bonus, two killer 1978 session  
tracks with Alvarez' short-lived band Mayombe that featured Oscar  
Hernández on piano, Eddie "Guagua" Rivera on bass, trumpeters  
"Chocolate" Armenteros and Junior Vega, Jose Rodriguez on trombone,  
José Mangual Jr., Mauricio Smith on coro and others. The CD sleeve  
includes Salsiology author Vernon Bogg's original notes as well as  
Chico Alvarez' detailed insights as to the band's history.
The about-time release of Los Barbaros Del Ritmo has generated much  
excitement around this office and it's been getting a *lot* of heavy  
play around here. This one, folks, is a salsa collector's Must-Have  
and is...
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Si Los Rumberos Me Llaman 2. Que Me Hace Daño 3. Taino 4.  
Borinquen Rincon Querido 5. Agua Pa' Ti 6. La Clave, Maraca Y Guiro  
7. Oigan Mi Rumba 8. Ñaña Acere 9. Entre Risas, Copas Y Discos 10.  
Piñeiro 11. Esa Brujeria 12. Rumba En El Solar
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Los Barbaros Del Ritmo Now!

JOHN SANTOS
Papa Mambo - The John Santos Quintet
Machete Records
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: Percussionist, composer and band-leader John Santos has  
led many orchestras including, but not limited to, the acclaimed  
Machete Orchestra and the folkloric ensemble El Coro Folklórico  
Kindembo. This CD is the debut release of The John Santos Quintet,  
and it's a beautiful palette of Afro-Latin jazz, mambo, descarga, and  
even a bolero-rumba, "Para Que Niegas," dedicated to Los Papines.  
With healthy amounts of improvisation and spirited sabor, the CD  
opens with the title track, "Papa Mambo," and it's a gorgeous and  
fitting tribute to the patriarch of mambo, Israel López "Cachao." The  
core quintet features Santos on percussion, the legendary timbalero  
Orestes Vilato, flautest John Calloway, bassist Saul Sierra and Marco  
Diaz on piano. The ensemble, joined by many guests including Jerry  
Medina, Ray Vega, Anthony Blea and Paul Van Wageningen, is a tight  
unit of musicians that clearly know, not only the repertoire, but the  
music's rich history and traditions. Nuance, restraint and clarity of  
vision, are the instruments of choice here. In staying the road,  
Santos creates pockets of polished gems. When these musicians talk,  
they have something real to say: listen as Vilato makes his timbales  
sing on "Raices al Cielo." Papa Mambo is Santo's finest work to date,  
and...
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. Papa Mambo (7:25) 2. Tercer Grado (5:43) 3. Second Wind (5:13) 4.  
Laneology (6:15) 5. Alabi Oyo (5:15) 6. Guararé (5:20) 7. Duermete  
(5:29) 8. Raices Al Cielo (5:36) 9. Mi Niña (6:53) 10. Para Que  
Niegas (7:07)
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Papa Mambo - The John Santos Quintet Now!

LA ORGANIZACIÓN
A Nuestro Modo
Sony Norte / Mock & Roll
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; COLOMBIA
EditorsPick: In the realm of, say, King Bongó, Grupo Galé or Los  
Carruseles, La Organización pumps up some seriously sizzling salsa  
dura. Watch out for tracks like "El Florio," "Mambo Swing" and the  
supremely combustible, timbale-jammed "Candela." Salsa on steroids.  
This young band can rock. Listen to what they do with "Boogaloo Del  
Sabor," or the simply killer "Swing Bacalao" - this is the stuff of  
dance club perfection. If they don't get up and dance to this one,  
folks, they should be home watching Everybody Loves Raymond.
DJ Alert. Just keep that fire extinguisher handy. Super salsa dura.  
Highly Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. El Flojo (4:06) 2. Tu Recuerdo (4:32) 3. Bendita Tu Luz (4:20) 4.  
Te Mando Flores (4:34) 5. Teresa (4:07) 6. Mambo Swing (3:57) 7.  
Swing Bacalao (4:09) 8. Señor Campanero (3:26) 9. Dale Al Bongo  
(4:07) 10. Boogaloo Del Sabor (4:09) 11. Candela (3:54) 12. Daria  
(3:14) 13. La Casa De Juan (4:16) 14. Me Dedique A Perderte (3:24)  
15. Solo Quedate En Silencio (3:35)
Price: $14.98

• Click here to Order A Nuestro Modo Now!

STEVE KHAN
Borrowed Time
Tone Center
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: The follow up to his great The Green Field CD, Borrowed  
Time keeps on going in the same direction, mixing the guitarist's  
formidable improvisational talents with a rhythm section that  
includes Ralph Irizarry, Manolo Badrena, Roberto Quintero, Marc  
Quiñones and Bobby Allende on percussion and John Patitucci and Rúben  
Rodriguez on bass; Jack De Johnette's on drums. Randy Brecker plays  
horns. It's an extraordinary, historic meeting of players and the  
music comes out that way, starting with Monk's "I Mean You," where  
Khan puts a tag on with a long chordal passage that allows the  
percussionists to work out. There's a piece by Ornette Coleman, tunes  
by McCoy Tyner, the standard "Have you Met Miss Jones" (re-harmonized  
and re-rhythmicized) as a light jazz piece, and a soft jazz tune by  
Khan called "Face Value." Throughout Khan's improvising, full of  
intelligent motivic playing, makes the project work.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)

SONG TITLES:
1. I Mean You (8:00) 2. Mr. And Mrs. People (7:44) 3. Face Value  
(10:09) 4. El Faquir (13:37) 5. You're My Girl (7:00) 6. Blues For  
Ball (7:04) 7. Have You Met Miss Jones? (8:09) 8. Luna Y Arena/Moon  
And Sand (6:00) 9. Hymn Song (7:24)
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Borrowed Time Now!

LOS ZAFIROS
Los Zafiros: Music From The Edge Of Time DVD
Shout Factory / Vivendi
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; DOCUMENTARY; CUBA
EditorsPick: For those whose lives they deeply touched, Los Zafiros  
are legends. Often referred to as The Beatles of 1960s Cuba, The  
Sapphires were a Cuban musical phenomenon molded by their time and  
place. Best described as world music before there was world music,  
they caused a sensation in Havana and beyond into the early 1970s  
with their brilliant mix of American-inspired doo-wop touched with  
Afro-Cuban rhythms, salsa son and other traditional Latin forms.  
Music, history and emotion fuel this dynamic, award-winning film  
tribute from producer-director Lorenzo DeStefano. Against the  
backdrop of the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis,  
five youths from the tough musical district of Cayo Huesto in Havana  
decided to form a vocal group. Over thirty years after their breakup,  
the two surviving band members, co-founder Miguel Cancio and multiple- 
GRAMMY winner and Buena Vista Social Club alumnus Manuel Galbán,  
reunite in the streets of present-day Havana, a place full of  
unforgettable songs and memories for them and for their still-loyal  
fans. A stirring and definitive portrait of Los Zafiros for a whole  
new audience.
[from the liners]

A fascinating and highly enjoyable documentary of the Cuban '60s rock  
& roll band, Los Zafiros the popular vocal harmony group. With  
vintage performance clips, commentary and interviews with the  
original band members as well as notables like Manolin, Nick Gold (of  
World Circuit), others.
Highly Recommended. (BP)

CHAPTERS:
1. Opening - DJ Adrian Mesa 2. Cuba & America - 1950s And '60s 3.  
Interviews - "Los Zafiros Have A Very Important Place In The History  
Of Cuban Music..." 4. Two Roads To Home - Havana To Miami And Back 5.  
Survivors And Casualties 6. Cayo Hueso Street Interviews 7.  
Refelections Of Families And Friends 8. Naming Los Zafiros - The  
Story Of A Ring 9. Return To Egrem Studios - "Oye Nicola" 10. Los  
Zafiros In Europe 11. Miguel Reunites With Chino's Brother 12. Los  
Nuevos Zafiros - "Ofelia" 13. Coming Apart 14. Egrem Studios "Mis  
Sentimientos" 15. Galban & Cancio To Cementerio Cristóbal Colón 16.  
"They Will Never Be Forgotten" 17. Los Zafiros - "Mi Oracion" 18. End  
Credits 19. Extras: Deleted Scenes 20. Bonus Interviews 21. Los  
Zafiros Archival Performances: "Y Sabes Bien", Rumba Como Quiera",  
"Congo Leri" 22. Los Zafiros With Orquesta Aragaon & Elena Burke -  
"Pituca La Bella' Medley 23. 1960s Cuban Musical And Variety Shows  
24. '50s & '60s Cuban TV Commercials
Price: $21.98

• Click here to Order Music From The Edge Of Time DVD Now!

MARC ANTHONY
El Cantante: Music From And Inspired By The Original Motion Picture
Sony Norte
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Yes, the movie is just around the corner and Lavoe-mania  
- or at least the marketing - intensifies. Here are inspired  
interpretations of classic Héctor Lavoe material for the upcoming,  
highly anticipated, film of Lavoe's life staring Marc Anthony and  
Jennifer López. Produced by Sergio George (also on piano here), the  
music features heavy hitters like Rauz Agraz, Marc Quiñones, Bobby  
Allende, Reynaldo Jorge and Luis Quintero. Mr. Anthony did his  
homework, and does a highly credible job here, straddling the  
difficult line between interpretation and imitation. On the whole, he  
is victorious: the music is highly satisfying, with enough subtlety  
and nuance that make it very much worth the while. Very finely  
produced by Sergio George: lavish, but not over-the-top. Also  
participating are some legends that performed with Lavoe on the  
original tracks: Jose Mangual Jr., Milton Cardona and Yomo Toro.  
Includes the bonus track "Toma de Mi": a previous unreleased song  
written by Julio Reyes Copello and Nelly Furtado and sung by Jennifer  
López.
Highly Recommended. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. El Cantante 2. Mi Gente 3. Escandalo 4. Aguanile 5. Che Che Colé  
6. El Dia De Suerte 7. Que Lio 8. Quitate Tu 9. Todo Tiene Su Final  
10. Toma De Mi
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order El Cantante 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)
SONG TITLES:
1. El Amor Eres Tu (3:41) 2. Solo Te Pido (3:35) 3. La Pastilla  
(3:57) 4. Si Quieres (4:16) 5. Dilo Claro (3:20) 6. Este Año Levanto  
(3:59) 7. Millón De Jevas (3:55) 8. Bandolero (3:42) 9. Se Me Sobran  
(4:34) 10. Un Beso (3:06) 11. Aclarando Mentes (4:48) 12. El Amor  
Eres Tu (Salsa) (3:09)
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Carlos Manuel 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!

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!

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)
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!

LOS BOCUCOS
Nuevo Rumbo
Envidia / original import
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
EditorsPick: What a great CD. You would be hard-pressed to find  
another Cuban son band half as vital as Los Bocucos, the band formed  
by Pacho Alonso in 1959, their most well known singer being the late  
Ibrahim Ferrer. There are other bands whose importance lies within  
their allegiance to the Cuban son traditions and repertoire. On the  
other hand there is Los Bocucos, who have remained fresh and vibrant  
by forging their own highly percussively syncopated sound,  
perpetually writing and performing new material, and remaining true  
to their vision; steeped in Pilón, and crackling with drive and  
sabor. It's funky - listen to the horn arrangement on "Aunque Te  
Pintes" - and completely fun. Pop on Nuevo Rumbo, forget your  
worries, and let the party begin. Pure Caribbean joy at it's best.  
Great job by the singers Karel Luis, Germán Mendoza, Carlos Amores  
and Juan Carlos Miró. With timbalero Jesus Perez.
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $17.98
• Click here to Order Nuevo Rumbo Now!

JOSÉ MIGUEL MELÉNDEZ
Fiesta Pa' Bailador
Envidia / original import
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Bright and fiery debut salsa-timba release by singer and  
percussionist José Miguel. Miguel has had the opportunity to play  
with some of Cuba's first-tier bands: Chucho Valdés and Irakere,  
Issac Delgado and his Chevere de la Salsa band, ...and Manolin. Not  
bad. Bassist Arnaldo Jimenez (Arnaldo y La Cosmopolita, Maikel  
Blanco, Michel Maza, Revé Jr., Pedrito Calvo etc., etc.) is the  
musical director here, and it shows. This guy simply cannot fire a  
dud. Miguel has the perfect vocal timber for this material: clear and  
strapping - able to cut right through the band's density and his own,  
well-oiled, percussive machinery. Also with pianist Mayito Rosabal,  
trumpeters J. Angel Chappottin and J.A. Varona, trombonists Lazaro  
Rosabal and Ulises Benavides. Coro by Barbarito Lopez. All percussion  
and lead vocals by José Miguel. This is timba for a new generation.  
The cover track, "Fiesta P'al Bailador" says it all - so play it loud.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $17.98
• Click here to Order Fiesta Pa' Bailador Now!

ISSAC DELGADO Y SU GRUPO
En Primera Plana
Univision/Universal
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: A totally infectious new salsa-timba release from the  
brilliant Cuban vocalist Issac Delgado, who is now officially living  
in the states. Fiery, high-spirited, and, at times, exquisite to the  
point of intoxication, En Primera Plana was, in part, crafted by the  
genius of Sergio George (also on piano here) and sports a bunch of  
heavyweight guests like Victor Manuelle, Alain Perez, Israel "Cachao"  
Lopez, Giovanni Hidalgo, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Osmani Paredes and  
others. A totally satisfying gem that swings through and through.
Very Highly Recommended. Full review to follow shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. La Mujer Que Más Te Duele (feat. Victor Manuelle) (4:38) 2. Medley  
(Necesito Una Amiga / Qué Te Pasa Loco / La Fórmula) (6:40) 3. Soñé /  
La Campaña (feat. Fragancia) (4:29) 4. Cemento, Ladrillo Y Arena  
(6:19) 5. Vengo Venenoso (4:31) 6. Paquito Va (4:02) 7. En Primera  
Plana (4:08) 8. De 2 A 3 (3:15) 9. Deja Esa Gente (4:04) 10. Como Se  
Toca, Se Baila (5:07)
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order En Primera Plana Now!

BOBBY SANABRIA
Big Band Urban Folktales
Jazzheads
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: Percussionist bandleader Bobby Sanabria, the apostle of  
mambo gorda, is back with his first new release in 5 years. This  
pristine big-band project is bursting with mambo jazz sabor, as he  
confidently guides the nearly overwhelming, hallowed, spirit of Tito  
Puente, Mario Bauzá, and Chico O'Farrill into the next millennium.  
Sanabria even ventures to interpret, in grand style, Frank Zappa's  
"The Grand Wazoo", complete with full kazoo section - a first in  
Latin jazz as far as I know. With Alex Hernández, Michael Phillip  
Mossman, Chris Washburne, Ricardo Pons and many others.
Very Highly Recommended.
Full review to follow shortly. (BP)

SONG TITLES:
1. 57th St. Mambo (6:31) 2. Pink (5:39) 3. Since I Fell For You  
(7:14) 4. D Train (6:55) 5. El Lider (7:16) 6. El Aché De Sanabria En  
Moderación (7:47) 7. Besame Mucho (6:02) 8. The Crab (5:58) 9. O Som  
Do Sol (8:45) 10. Blues For Booty Shakers (3:32) 11. The Grand Wazoo  
(6:77) 12. Obrigado Mestre (3:00)
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Big Band Urban Folktales Now!

THE SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA
United We Swing
Six Degrees
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: The highly anticipated new Spanish Harlem Orchestra  
release is here, and it's a salsa blitzkrieg. Featuring the talent of  
Oscar Hernandez, Gil Lopez, Johnny Ortiz, Ray De La Paz and many  
others. This is the real deal, folks - the fire that burns in the  
heart of Latin dance music. Get it *now*. With special guest Paul  
Simon who sings on the last track. Complete review to follow shortly.
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $15.98
• Click here to Order United We Swing Now!

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!

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!

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

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