The Descarga Review: Charanga Habanera, Elspeth Savani y Zarabanda, Los Gatos, Grupo Afrocuba de Matanzas DVDs and more...

Tue Aug 14 12:52:05 EDT 2007

The Descarga Review • August 14, 2007

New releases by Charanga Habanera, Elspeth Savani y Zarabanda, Los  
Gatos, Folklorico Yubá Iré, DVDs of Grupo Afrocuba de Matanzas and  
more...

- Vinyl LPs? Click Here!
Bad links? No images? click: HERE

Here are some new and reissued titles of interest...

DAVID CALZADO Y SU CHARANGA HABANERA
El Rey De Los Charangueros
Planet (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Blistering new CD by the timbamaster himself, David  
Calzado. This new release features his front line Baby Junior, Leoni,  
Aned, Andro, and Juventino who rock it to compositions by Calzado,  
Adonis Ramos, Osmany Collado, Edgar Edgar, Lazaro Valdes and others.  
With the tracks "El Rey," "Me Palpita," "El Expediente," "El Duro,"  
"El Cañon," "Ella Pone La Habana de Pie (Chichina)" and others. The  
Charanga Habanera is the group by which all other timba bands are  
measured. The real deal. Full review to follow shortly.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. El Rey (4:55) 2. Un Hombre Como Tu (5:29) 3. Me Palpita (5:24) 4.  
El Expediente (5:10) 5. Dime Quien (balada) (3:39) 6. Mentirosa  
(4:43) 7. Chico Caramelo (4:20) 8. Ella Pone La Habana De Pie  
(Chichina) (4:34) 9. El Duro (5:42) 10. El Cañon (4:46) 11. Final (3:23)
Price: $19.98

• Click here to Order El Rey De Los Charangueros Now!

ELSPETH SAVANI WITH ORCHESTRA ZARABANDA
Gallo Que Canta
Elspeth Savani
Originally released: 2007
Category: DANCE TRADITIONS; CHARANGA
EditorsPick: Elspeth Savani put aside her classical singing to study  
Cuban percussion and dance, and she's been singing for, and  
directing, the Seattle based 12-piece Cuban charanga band Zarabanda  
(formerly Yerbabuena) for almost a decade now. Gallo Que Canta,  
produced by percussionist Michael Spiro, is the fruition of those  
years of clearly great love and respect for the music and culture.  
Listen to "Rompiendo La Rutina" and you'll find a rare purity of  
spirit. And many of the tracks exude a formal beauty, a richness that  
only seasoned musicians that are dedicated to the form can induce.  
The sweetness of Savani's voice can, at times, eclipse all else. And  
that's not a bad thing. There are a number of Lucumí references here,  
and Savani can make inviting what some might have difficulty  
approaching ordinarily. I especially like her rendition of the jazz  
standard "All of Me." And her take on Alvaro Carrillo's "Un Poco Más"  
is simply stunning. The band is top notch, with violinists Anthony  
Blea and Irene Mitri, percussionists Spiro and Tom Bergersen, tres  
player Fred Hoadly, flautists Sabra Weber and John Calloway, bassist  
Jeff Norwood and many others.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Mueve La Cintura 2. Rompiendo La Rutina 3. All Of Me 4. Prelude To  
Silencio: Toques For Odudua, Egun 5. Silencio 6. Gallo Que Canta 7.  
Un Poco Más 8. Quizás, Quizás, Quizás 9. Ahora Me Da Pena 10. Hasta  
Siempre 11. Llora Como Lloré
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Gallo Que Canta Now!

TALLER FOLKLORICO YUBÁ IRÉ
¡Esta Es Mi Rumba!
Taller Folklorico
Originally released: 2007
Category: FOLKLORIC; RUMBA and/or SANTERIA/LUCUMI; PUERTO RICO
EditorsPick: Founded in 1998 in Puerto Rico, the sole mission of Yuba  
Iré is to interpret the diverse folkloric music of the Afro- 
Caribbean. And while the core of the material on ¡Esta Es Mi Rumba!  
is clearly rumba and folklore Cubana (guaguancó, yambú, columbia,  
palo), their repertoire does cast a wider net by encompassing the  
folklore of Puerto Rico and elsewhere. Sicá, yubá, cuembé, holandé,  
seis corridos as well as la plena, güiro, bembé, abakuá and comparsa  
are performed at their live performances as well. Directed by  
percussionist Hector Calderón Torres, Yubá Iré is also made up of  
Diego Centeno, Jose Camara, Victor Emmanuelli, Edgardo Hernandez,  
David Atanasio, Paoli Mejias, Felipe Del Valle, Samuel Gascot and  
others. With clarity of vision and a soul of fire, Taller Folklorico  
Yubá Iré walks a path that is inhabited by the spirit of by Yoruba  
Andabo, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, Grupo Afro Cuba, Paracumbé and  
the Familia Cepeda. Pretty good company. One of the best folkloric  
projects of the year.
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Es Yuba-Ire (6:00) 2. Buena Noche (3:44) 3. Ochun (4:51) 4. Maria  
(3:59) 5. Sejadora (2:41) 6. Solo Tambor (2:42) 7. No Hay Mal (5:17)  
8. La Naturaleza (Alomofille) (7:27) 9. Ven Pa' Que Goces (5:29) 10.  
Julieta (3:54) 11. Intro (1:41) 12. Esta Es Mi Rumba (4:44) 13. Yenye  
Mare (6:38) 14. Regaño Al Corazon (8:07)
Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order ¡Esta Es Mi Rumba! Now!

MANUEL VALERA
Vientos
Anzic Records (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; JAZZ: OTHER
EditorsPick: Alluring new jazz project by pianist and composer Manuel  
Valera. On Vientos ("Winds" in English) Valera has created all new  
compositions that bring out the beauty of tone and colors of the  
woodwind section.
Highly Recommended. Review to follow shortly. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Vientos (7:32) 2. A La Interperie (8:53) 3. So You Say (4:58) 4.  
Danzon Para Lisa (5:20) 5. Rapsodia (6:24) 6. Azulado (6:21) 7.  
Infancia (8:02) 8. Comienzo (4:52) 9. Home (6:50) 10. Elegia (6:42)  
11. For Those Who Have Left (6:59) 12. Vejez (2:27)
Price: $18.98

• Click here to Order Vientos Now!

WILLIAM CEPEDA & AFRO RICAN JAZZ
Unity - William Cepeda's International Quintet
Casabe/Carimoods
Originally released: 2006
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: Wonderfully rich and nuanced Latin jazz project that  
features the multi-talented Mr. Cepeda on trombone, shells, vocals  
and percussion. The compositions are all his. With top musicians  
representing all corners of the world: Besides Cepeda (Puerto Rico),  
there is Pedro Gerardo (Argentina), Uli Geissendoerder (Germany),  
Andrés Patrick Forero (Colombia), Mike Webster (Canada), and guest  
Abdou Mboup (Senegal). Dark, complex, and *very* beautiful.
Full review to follow shortly.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Unity (14:22) 2. Entre Nos (12:19) 3. Beautiful You (7:13) 4. El  
Coco #9 (9:06) 5. Will You (6:39) 6. Y Si Llegan (9:58) 7. Yodo  
(8:00) 8. Postlude
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Unity Now!

GRUPO ESENCIA
¡Sonaron Los Panderos!
Casabe/Carimoods
Originally released: 2006
Category: FOLKLORIC; PLENA/BOMBA; PUERTO RICO
EditorsPick: Uptempo new-generation plena and bomba project led by  
Angel "Papote" Alvarado (vocals, campana y seguidor) and bassist  
Héctor "Pochi" Gastón. Fresh and vibrant, ¡Sonaron Los Panderos! is  
sure to keep the blood flowing. Grupo Esencia, far from your typical  
plena ensemble, utilizes a full range of musicians to achieve a full  
rich sound. Members include pianist Máximo Rivera Jr., tres player  
Jesús López, Diadel Rivera on percussion (tumbadora, guiro, requinto,  
punteador and everything in between), Juan Alberto Laboy on timbales  
and campana and trombonists Jorge Cosme and Israel "Pavarotti."  
Includes a few well-done tribute tracks like "Ismael, Cortijo and  
Cepeda" and "Homenaje a Mon Rivera." ¡Sonaron Los Panaderos! is clear  
choice for your next party: invigorating, fun and...
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Mariana (4:17) 2. Ismael, Cortijo y Cepeda (4:17) 3. El Baile de  
Bomba Empezó (4:33) 4. Sonaron Los Panderos! (5:10) 5. Homenaje A  
"Mon Rivera" (4:27) 6. La Muñeca (4:22) 7. La Ola (4:46)
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order ¡Sonaron Los Panderos! Now!

LOS GATOS
Cats Got Your Tongue?
PKO Records
Originally released: 2001
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: Debut vibes-based Latin jazz release by Michigan-based  
Los Gatos whose major influence is clearly Cal Tadjer, and that's  
alright with me. This sextette, led by timbalero Pete Siers, cooks  
with savory, deep, rich grooves that come alive via compositions by  
Eddie Cano, Tjader, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Al McKibbon and  
others. A thoroughly enjoyable release. Also with Cary Kocher, doing  
a great job on vibes, bassist Kurt Krahnke, pianist Brian Di Blassio  
and conguero Jonathan Ovalle. Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Mambo at the M 2. Philadelphia Mambo 3. Bludan 4. Fuje 5. Goza 6.  
Ritmo Caliente 7. Mambo Moderno 8. A Minor Goof 9. Happiness is a  
Thing Called Joe 10. Tumbao 11. Speak Low 12. Tu Creo Que? 13. Star  
Eyes 14. Mi Guaguanco 15. Bonita
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Cats Got Your Tongue? Now!

LOS GATOS
Insight
PKO Records
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: Terrific vibes-based Latin jazz. In the liners to their  
second release (their first was Cats Got Your Tongue?), Michigan  
based Los Gatos acknowledge their major influences: Cal Tjader and  
Joe Cuba. And it shows. This is classy, groove-driven, dance music  
that, at it's best, sparkles like a gem. With tracks like Clare  
Fischer's "Huracán," Eddie Palmieri's "Pancho's Seis Por Ocho,"  
Tjader's "Samba Do Sueño," Charlie Palmieri's "Gringo City," and  
Mongo Santamaria'a "Tú Crees Qué?," Insight has the makings of a fine  
acquisition. Good for leader Pete Siers staying the course. He has  
created another project that's... Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Huracán (6:15) 2. Pancho's Seis Por Ocho (5:23) 3. Con Su Bataola  
(2:15) 4. Novios (5:40) 5. Dónde Está Corazón (2:31) 6. El Muchacho  
(5:03) 7. Tres Palabras (4:57) 8. Insight (5:01) 9. My Reverie (4:18)  
10. Dime Con Andas (3:20) 11. Samba Do Sueño (5:23) 12. Gringo City  
(4:54) 13. Key Largo (4:36) 14. Tú Crees Qué? (2:08) 15. Funquiado  
(6:00) 16. Manila (1:51)
MUSICIANS:
• Pete Siers: Leader, timbales, vocals, percussion
• Kurt Krahnke: Bass, vocals
• Al DiBlassio: Lead vocals, congas, percussion
• Brian DiBlassio: Piano, vocals
• Cary Kocher: Vibes, vocals, percussion
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Insight Now!

JAIME TORRES TORRES
Cada Cabeza Es Un Mundo: Relatos E Historias De Héctor Lavoe
Editorial El Yunke (original import)
Originally released: 2003
Category: BOOKS; BOOKS: OTHER
EditorsPick: Back in stock! In-depth book on the life and work of  
legendary salsa singer Héctor Lavoe. With some amazing early photos  
as well. In Spanish, 298 pages. Softcover.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Jaime Torres Torres en un joven periodista  
puertorriqueño con mas de veinte años en el practica de su profesion.  
Al momento de la publicacion de la presente obra, se desempeña como  
reportero del periodico El Nuevo Dia, en el cual escribe desde 1986,  
especializandose en temas tales como como cultura popular,  
espectaculos,interes humano y otros.
Su trabajo de excelencia en los medios ha sido reconocido por el  
Overseas Press Club, Morality in Media, el Instituto Teleradial de  
Etica de Puerto Rico, los Premios Paoli, Encuentro, Communidad Inc.,  
Quiujote, Club Civico de Damas de Caguas y la Comision Puertorriqueña  
de la Juventud, entre otros. Su carrera como escritor apenas  
comienza, con "Cada Cabeza es un Mundo" y en su agenda tiene obras  
sobre sus experiencias como seguidor de Cristo asi como otros sobre  
la Trompeta Nacional de Puerto Rico, Juancito Torres, la historia de  
la salsa y una novela de un argumento nunca enfocado en la literatura  
hispanoamericana.
Price: $24.98

• Click here to Order Cada Cabeza Es Un Mundo Now!

GRUPO AFROCUBA DE MATANZAS
50 Years On: 50th Anniversay Edition 1957-2007 DVD
La Timbala Films (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; FOLKLORIC; CUBA
EditorsPick: This DVD presents nine superb, visually stunning  
performances of traditional ritual dance by one of Cuba's oldest and  
most important folkloric groups, Afrocuba de Matanzas. Each piece was  
specially selected and filmed in different locations around the city  
of Matanzas to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the group (1957-2007).
Includes a 24 page booklet with background and historical information  
as well as detailed notes on the music and dance. 80 minutes.
Highly Recommended. (DR)
SONG TITLES:
1. Palo (Congo) (13:39) 2. Ochún with Oggún (Lukumí) (6:57) 3. Abakúa  
(Carabalí) (11:40) 4. San Lázaro (Arara) (11:21) 5. Yemayá (Lukumí)  
(9:25) 6. Oggún (Lukumí) (3:36) 7. Brícamo (Carabalí) (9:48) 8.  
Changó (Lukumí) (5:09) 9. Makuta (Congo) (8:07)
MUSICIANS:
• Francisco Zamora Chirino: Lead vocals, director
• Sara Gobel Villamil, Miguel Ángel Dreke Reyes, Laureano Alfonso  
Arzuaga, Bertina Aranda Villamil: Vocalists
• Pedro Aballí Torriente, Reynaldo Garcia Alfonso, Reynaldo Gobel  
Villamil, Ignacio Calderon Osborni, Dunieske Isassi Yano, Diosvani  
Saldado Junco, Ramses Zamora Molina: Percussionists
• Yesniel Pérez Domenesch, Antonio Figuroa Gazmuris, Juan Carlos  
Gobel Pelladito, Omar Alfonso Oña, Zulima Echevarrea Rodriguez,  
Lisbeth Estacholi Alfonso, Maria Victoria Fleita Gonzales, Osiris  
Hernandez Sejas, Yordanka Cancino Lamart: Dancers
Price: $34.98

• Click here to Order 50 Years On DVD Now!

GRUPO AFROCUBA DE MATANZAS
Rumba Matancera - Live At El Palenque, Havana 2005 DVD
La Timbala Films (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; FOLKLORIC; CUBA
EditorsPick: Rumba, the essential heartbeat of Cuba, performed here  
by the world renowned group Afrocuba de Mantanzas. This DVD presents  
a 70 minute performance by the 24 strong Afrocuba, filmed at El  
Palenque in Havana, featuring their most famous styles of rumba  
matancera, yambú matancero, guaguancó matancero, la columbia and  
batarumba. Outstanding drumming and dancing from one of Cuba's finest  
groups.
Includes 20 page booklet with notes and background information on  
Cuban rumba.
Highly Recommended. (DR)
SONG TITLES:
1. La Rumba De Muertos (dedicated to the late akpwon Lázaro Ros) 2.  
El Lukumí (yambú matancero) 3. Atención Cúbano (guaguancó) 4. El  
Manglar (rumba from 1900-10 which sings about the old slave barrio,  
El Manglar) 5. La Columbia 6. Laye (batarumba) 7. Caridad (batarumba)  
8. Extra Track - Batarumba
MUSICIANS:
• Francisco Zamora Chirino 'Minini': Lead vocals, director
• Sara Gobel Villamil 'Mima', Miguel Ángel Dreke Reyes 'El Negro',  
Laureano Alfonso Arzuaga 'Papito', Bertina Aranda Villamil: Vocalists
• Pedro Aballí Torriente 'Regalao', Reynaldo Garcia Alfonso  
'Whichichi', Reynaldo Gobel Villamil, Ignacio Calderon Osborni  
'Nacito', Dunieske Isassi Yano, Diosvani Saldado Junco, Ramses Zamora  
Molina: Percussionists
• Yesniel Pérez Domenesch 'El Chini', Antonio Figuroa Gazmuris, Juan  
Carlos Gobel Pelladito, Omar Alfonso Oña, Zulima Echevarrea  
Rodriguez, Lisbeth Estacholi Alfonso, Maria Victoria Fleita Gonzales,  
Osiris Hernandez Sejas, Yordanka Cancino Lamart: Dancers
Price: $27.98

• Click here to Order Rumba Matancera DVD Now!

ALMA ENCENDIDA
Mas Que Palabras
Envidia (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: MERENGUE/BACHATA; BACHATA
EditorsPick: Bachata anyone? Here's one of the better pop bachata  
releases in a long while. With catchy riffs and the yearning vocals  
of singer and electric guitarist Steven Cruz, Mas Que Palabras is  
sure to carve out some radio space. With guests El Jeffrey, Faze and  
Ziete.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Castigo Eterno 2. Sueño O Realidad 3. Si Tu Te Vas 4. La Consulta  
5. No Puedo 6. Kathy 7. Gracias A Todos 8. Por Siempre 9. Confesion  
Escrita 10. Una Oportunidad 11. Mi Dependencia 12. Si Tu Te Vas  
(Balada) 13. Move Ya Body
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Mas Que Palabras Now!

DIZZY GILLESPIE
Live At The Jazz Plaza Festival '85: 2-CD Set
Yemayá Records (original import)
Originally released: 1985
Reissued: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: Dizzy Gillespie is joined here by Arturo Sandoval and  
Gonzalo Rubalcaba on this 1985 date in Havana that includes extended  
versions of classics like the 14-1/2 minute version of "Manteca" and  
a full 15 minute version of "A Night in Tunisia." Also with Walter  
Davis Jr., Nayr Abdul Al-Khabyyr, John Lee and others. Also includes  
two bonus tracks from Belgrade, 1990, that also feature Hilario  
Duran, Papo Vazquez, James Moody, Danilo Pérez, Ed Cherry, Ignacio  
Berroa and Giovanni Hidalgo. Excellent liners by Maria Elena Mendiola.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Swing Low, Sweet Cadillac (12:21) 2. The Blues (12:55) 3. A Night  
In Tunisia (15:00) 4. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You (7:18) 5. Blues  
Walk (8:01) 6. Land Of Milk And Honey (13:29) 7. Con Alma (9:45) 8.  
Manteca (14:34) 9. Tin Tin Deo (bonus track) (10:04) 10. A Night In  
Tunisia (bonus track) (13:00)
Price: $27.98

• Click here to Order Jazz Plaza Festival '85: 2-CD Set Now!

QUIQUE TALAVERA & HIS ORCHESTRA
Fotingo
QT Records
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; PUERTO RICO
EditorsPick: Here's a new mostly salsa release (there's also a  
merengue track) out of Puerto Rico led by timbalero Quique Talavera.  
Features the singers Pedro Brull, Edward Delgado, Nahyra, Marissa  
Aleman, Willie Siaca and Carmen Rosa Rodríguez "Titi." Fun, with a  
colloquial, almost rootsy feel - almost like a musical family doing a  
televised special complete with cheerful coro and big, brassy, horn  
arrangements. It can swing, too. Check out "Mensaje" as Carmen Rosa  
Rodríguez "Titi" transforms a ranchera-bolero into a guajira. But  
there's no denying the lets-put-on-a-show feel here. You can almost  
see the prime-time hand-painted sets changing behind the formally  
dressed singers.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Fotingo (4:48) 2. A Quién Le Importa (4:59) 3. Monchita La Colorá  
(4:39) 4. Mensaje (4:48) 5. Los Dos Titos (5:09) 6. Cuando Yo Boto Un  
Zapato (4:31) 7. No Hay Nade Como Regresar (4:45) 8. Las Trompetas  
(4:17) 9. Plena Oriza (4:41) 10. El Fruto De Tu Cosecha (4:17) 11.  
Caballo Viejo (7:01) 12. Alfonso & Miguel (3:22) 13. Alfonso & Miguel  
(5:28) 14. Fiesta Negra (6:21)
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Fotingo Now!

PEDRO ARROYO
Lo Nuevo Y Lo Mejor
Codiscos (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; COLOMBIA
EditorsPick: New solid salsa release by Pedro Arroyo, part studio  
session and part live - many of these tracks appear on his recent  
Clásicos En Vivo: Live In Cali Colombia - DVD - so if you purchased  
the DVD recently, best check the track listings to be sure that  
there's not too much duplication for you. Produced, and performed  
with, Diego Galé and his crew in Colombia.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Quisiera Contarle (4:19) 2. Te Dejo Libre (4:55) 3. Cantare Con  
Una Orquesta (6:19) 4. Pasion (4:53) 5. Llover Sobre Mojado (6:39) 6.  
Imposible Amor (5:12) 7. Casi Ciego Desconcertado (4:42) 8. He  
Decidido Olvidarte (6:29) 9. Cuando Quieras, Donde Quieras (4:34) 10.  
Preso (4:38) 11. Queriendo (4:08) 12. El Deber (4:21) 13. Porque Te  
Amo (Tu Quieres Mas) (4:53) 14. Tristeza En El Barrio (8:14) 15.  
Amarte A Ti (4:40) 16. Ring Tone (0:02)
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Lo Nuevo Y Lo Mejor Now!

FANIA ALL STARS
Fania All Stars Live In Japan 1976
Fania / Emusica - Remastered Edition
Originally released: 1976
Reissued: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
Description: See all of the new remastered Fania classics Here! We  
are happy to offer the new digitally remastered reissues from the  
classic salsa label, Fania. Brought to you by Emusica, which, over  
time, will be reissuing the entire catalog with improved sound and  
superb liner notes too - some of which are written by Descarga.com's  
own virtually resident scholar, John Child.
Many of these new reissues have been remastered by Jon Fausty or Bob  
Katz, so even if you already own the older CD version you might want  
to consider upgrading to the new improved edition. They're even less  
expensive than the originals were! Good news all around.
Highly Recommended.
SONG TITLES:
1. Descarga Fania (4:36) 2. Lamento Guajiro (8:30) 3. Mambo Mongo  
(3:38) 4. Picadillo (4:55) 5. Ei Raton (7:37) 6. Mi Debilidad (5:37)  
7. Quitate Tu (7:14) 8. Ponte Duro (2:33)
MUSICIANS:
• Bobby Valentin: Bass
• Johnny Pacheco: Flute
• Pupi Legaretta: Violin
• Mongo Santamaria: Congo
• Larry Harlow: Electric piano, piano
• Yomo Toro: Cuatro
• Luis Ortiz: Trumpet
• Reinaldo Jorge: Trombone
• Bomberito: Trumpet
• Roberto Roena: Bongos
• Ismael Miranda: Coro
• Ismael Quintara: Coro
• Rhodes Fender: Coro
• Cheo Feliciano: Coro
• Santos Colon: Coro
Price: $13.98

• Click here to Order Fania All Stars Live In Japan 1976 Now!

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Leyendas De La Fania, Vol. 4
Fania / Emusica - Remastered Edition
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
EditorsPick: The Leyendas series continues with more super Fania hits  
like El Todopoderoso - Héctor Lavoe, Cui Cui - Roberto Roena, La  
Malanga Brava - Joe Cuba, Juana Peña - Willie Colón, Sonerito -  
Ismael Miranda and others.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. El Todopoderoso - Héctor Lavoe 2. Cui Cui - Roberto Roena 3. Yo No  
Se - Eddie Palmieri 4. Yo Quiero Un Mujer - Johnny Pacheco 5. Aquí No  
Me Quedo - Bobby Valentín 6. Niña Y Señora - Tito Puente 7. Pa' Que  
Afinquen - Cheo Feliciano 8. La Malanga Brava - Joe Cuba 9. Sonerito  
- Ismael Miranda 10. Adónde Vas - Tipica 73 11. No Puedo Mas -  
Charlie Palmieri 12. Juana Peña - Willie Colón 13. Popeye El Marino -  
Adalberto Santiago 14. Buena Suerte - Tommy Olivencia 15. La Vida Te  
Doy - Sonora Ponceña 16. Alegre Te Invita - Alegre All Stars
Price: $13.98

• Click here to Order Leyendas De La Fania, Vol. 4 Now!

JOSÉ FELICIANO
Siempre Boleros
Universal/Vene Music
Originally released: 2007
Category: BOLERO; BOLERO / BALADA
EditorsPick: Fine compilation of boleros by the popular singer and  
composer. Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Como Fué (4:01) 2. Me Has Echado Al Olvido (4:01) 3. Que Tristeza  
(3:28) 4. Tú Me Acostumbraste (4:37) 5. Lo Que Yo Tuve Contigo (3:55)  
6. Cuando Te Toque Llorar (3:46) 7. Otra Igual Que Tú (3:18) 8.  
Cóncavo Y Convexo (4:28) 9. Cuanto Rollo (3:10) 10. Rayito De Luna  
(2:53) 11. Sentimientos (3:48) 12. Nuestro Amor (3:44) 13. Ropa Vieja  
(3:56) 14. No Digas Nada (3:56) 15. Señor Bolero (3:45) 16. Por  
Mujeres Como Tú (4:26) 17. No Me Queda Más (3:17)
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Siempre Boleros Now!

LEOPOLDO FERNANDEZ
Tres Patines: En Su Salsa!, Vol. 1
ANS
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; COMEDY
EditorsPick: Popular television comedy show. (BP)
Description: In Spanish. Approx. 80 minutes.
SONG TITLES:
1. Amante Engañada 2. La Bola De Cristal 3. El Giroscopo 4. El Boxeador
Price: $19.98

• Click here to Order Tres Patines: En Su Salsa!, Vol. 1 Now!

LEOPOLDO FERNANDEZ
Tres Patines: En Su Salsa!, Vol. 2
ANS
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; COMEDY
EditorsPick: Popular television comedy show. (BP)
Description: In Spanish. Approx. 90 Minutes.
SONG TITLES:
1. El Pollero 2. Consejero Matrimonial 3. Casa De Locos 4. El Secuestro
Price: $19.98

• Click here to Order Tres Patines: En Su Salsa!, Vol. 2 Now!

LEOPOLDO FERNANDEZ
Tres Patines: En Su Salsa!, Vol. 3
ANS
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; COMEDY
EditorsPick: Popular television comedy show. (BP)
Description: In Spanish. 90 Minutes
SONG TITLES:
1. Se Alquila Apartamento 2. La Amnesia 3. El Padre 4. Cuenta Saldada
Price: $19.98

• Click here to Order Tres Patines: En Su Salsa!, Vol. 3 Now!

TITO GOMEZ
La Herencia
Fania / Emusica - Remastered Edition
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
EditorsPick: Fine compilation of material by the veteran salsa  
singer. Includes the tracks "Guararé," "La Envidia Y La Hipocresía,"  
"Prende El Fogón," "Veneno" and others. Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Guararé (5:38) 2. Prende El Fogón (5:09) 3. Acere Trumboró (3:08)  
4. La Envidia Y La Hipocresía (4:52) 5. Paño De Lágrimas (2:44) 6.  
Para Gozar Borinquen (4:25) 7. Jibaro (4:06) 8. Moreno Soy (6:32) 9.  
Testigo Fui (4:58) 10. El Hablador (4:21) 11. Lo Que Arrasó (4:50)  
12. Veneno (7:47) 13. Amor Jibarito (4:28) 14. La Jeva De La Java  
(6:44) 15. Cosas Del Campo (5:06) 16. Llorar Es De Hombre (5:27)
Price: $14.98

• Click here to Order La Herencia Now!

LARRY HARLOW
La Herencia
Fania / Emusica - Remastered Edition
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
EditorsPick: Fine compilation of material by the veteran salsa  
bandleader. Includes the tracks "La Cartera," "Rumbambola," "Coco May  
May," "Arsenio" and others. Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Chez Jose (3:52) 2. Coco May May (4:39) 3. El Exigente (3:32) 4.  
La Revolución (3:53) 5. El Malecón (5:16) 6. Arsenio (5:41) 7. Gracia  
Divina (4:48) 8. La Cartera (6:42) 9. Vive La Vida Hoy (5:03) 10.  
Digan Que Si (4:41) 11. Rumbambola (3:37) 12. Salsa Suite Part 3 New  
York 1950's & 1960's (6:19) 13. Con La Mayor Elegancia (5:59) 14.  
Anoche Aprendí (5:51) 15. Latin Legends Theme (7:41)
Price: $14.98

• Click here to Order La Herencia Now!

ISMAEL MIRANDA
La Herencia
Fania / Emusica - Remastered Edition
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
EditorsPick: Fine compilation of material by the veteran salsa  
singer. Includes the tracks "Que Rico Suena Mi Tambor," "Borinquen  
Tiene Montuno," "Rumba A La Vida," "No Me Llores" and others.  
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Que Rico Suena Mi Tambor (4:13) 2. Borinquen Tiene Montuno (5:55)  
3. Se Casa La Rumba (3:54) 4. Ahora Si (5:31) 5. La Contraria (3:52)  
6. No Me Llores (7:13) 7. Galera Tres (6:02) 8. Mayoral (5:18) 9. Mi  
Madre (4:38) 10. Las Cuarentas (4:28) 11. La Cama Vacía (4:36) 12.  
Ten Fe (3:44) 13. Unión De Dos (4:11) 14. Rumba A La Vida (4:55) 15.  
Mulence (5:19) 16. Recordando (5:09)
Price: $14.98

• Click here to Order La Herencia Now!

PETE "EL CONDE" RODRIGUEZ
La Herencia
Fania / Emusica - Remastered Edition
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
EditorsPick: Fine compilation of material by the veteran salsa  
singer. Includes the tracks "Alto Songo," "El Conde Negro," "Catalina  
La O," "Soy La Ley" and others. Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Alto Songo (3:07) 2. La Esencia Del Guaguancó (3:35) 3. Dulce Con  
Dulce (4:26) 4. Primoroso Cantar (5:36) 5. El Conde Negro (5:25) 6.  
Fiesta En El Cielo (4:25) 7. Catalina La O (5:11) 8. Pueblo Latino  
(4:24) 9. Guaguancó De Amor (4:31) 10. Mi Bongó Antillano (5:27) 11.  
Que Rico Pa' Bailar (3:43) 12. Soy La Ley (6:03) 13. Recuerdos De La  
Escuela (5:04) 14. Pastorcillo (6:04) 15. Encántigo (7:57)
Price: $14.98

• Click here to Order La Herencia Now!

TITO NIEVES
La Historia... Mis Éxitos
Universal/Siente
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Fine compilation of material by the veteran salsa  
singer. Includes the tracks "Sonámbulo," "Un Tipo Común," "Déjame  
Vivir," "Como Un Niño Celoso" and others. Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Sonámbulo 2. Seguiré Mi Camino 3. Lo Que Son Las Cosas 4. De Mi  
Enamórate 5. Un Tipo Común 6. Almohada 7. Soy Cantante 8. Déjame  
Vivir 9. Te Amo 10. El Amor Mas Bonito 11. Mía 12. Como Un Niño  
Celoso 13. Amores Como Tu 14. Amanecí En Tus Brazos
Price: $15.98

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

FRANKIE RUIZ
La Historia... Mis Éxitos
Universal/Siente
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Fine compilation of material by the veteran salsa  
singer. Includes the tracks "Bailando," "Lo Dudo," "Puerto Rico,"  
"Voy Pa' Encima" and others. Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Esta Cobardía 2. Bailando 3. Primero Fui Yo 4. Voy Pa' Encima 5.  
Desnúdate Mujer 6. Quiero Llenarte 7. Que Se Mueran De Envidia 8. Tú  
Con Él 9. Lo Dudo 10. Para Darte Fuego 11. Tú Me Vuelves Loco 12.  
Puerto Rico 13. Vuelvo A Nacer
Price: $15.98

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

Highlights from the previous Descarga Review...

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)
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)
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)
Price: $16.98

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

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

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