The Descarga Review: Sensacion Orquesta, Alfonso Osuna, Manenguez (Jose & Giovanni Hidalgo) and more...

Thu Aug 23 07:09:11 EDT 2007

The Descarga Review • August 23, 2007

New release preview: Sensación Orquesta, Alfoso Osuna, Mañenguez,  
Truco & Zaperoko DVD and more...

- Vinyl LPs? Click Here!
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Happening Now...
The Descarga Summer Clearance Sale: 15% off!
170 primo Very Highly Recommended CDs and DVDs

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

SENSACION ORQUESTA
El Profesor
Changui (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA COLOMBIA; COLOMBIA
EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Achilipu (3:22) 2. Adiviname Y Olvidate (3:55) 3. El Profesor  
(4:05) 4. Vet Pa' Alla (41:7 ) 5. Asi Fue Que Nacio El Son (5:17) 6.  
Busca El Alfiler (4:09) 7. Vamos, Hablame Ahora (4:55) 8. Sabor A  
Idilio (3:12) 9. Fango (4:06) 10. Rumbon Melon (4:15) 11. Remixed  
Reggaeton Tracks: Achilipu (3:22) 12. Busca El Alfiler (4:09) 13.  
Sabor A Idilio (3:12) 14. Rumbon Melon (4:15)
MUSICIANS:
• Orlando Hurtado: Voz y coros
• Diego A . Giraldo: Segunda voz y coros
• Andres Gomez: Piano, teclados, y coros
• Julio Valdes: Bajo
• Douglas Guevara: Conga, bongo y timbal
• Jose Javier Aponza: Trompetas
• Carlos Latoche: Trombones
• Virgilio Hurtado: Coros
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order El Profesor Now!

ALFONSO OSUNA
Allá Va Eso
Angelas
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA
EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Prieta Caramelo (5:14) 2. Campesino (7:05) 3. Ay, Graciela! (3:45)  
4. Quintin Banderas (7:53) 5. Esa Chiquita (7:05) 6. Tresero (4:55)  
7. Elvira, A Suite For Guitar (2:41) 8. La Vida Del Guajiro (3:35)
MUSICIANS:
• Alfonso Osuna: Tres
• Chico Alvarez: Vocals
• Ronnie Baro: Vocals, trombone
• Roberto Rodriguez Jr.: Trumpet
• Octavio Ponce: Flute, saxophones
• Demetrius Kastaris: Trombones
• Edy Martinez: Piano
• Hector Torres: Timbales
• Gene Golden: Congas
• Luis Mangual Jr.: Bongo
• Gabriel "Chinchilita" Machado: Percussion
• Hector Torres: Percussion
• Gerardo Flores: Percussion
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Allá Va Eso Now!

MAÑENGUEZ
De La Mata Con Mañenguez - Estampas Puertorriqueñas
Palo Viejo
Category: FOLKLORIC; FOLKLORIC: VARIOUS; PUERTO RICO
EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Arena De La Playa (4:32) 2. Canto Un Canto (6:21) 3. Mata De  
Platano (5:20) 4. Pascual (6:47) 5. La Formamos (6:09) 6. Cuyuyo  
Tambo (9:24) 7. Callejon (9:35) 8. Pulpa De Tamarindo (4:52) 9. Pan  
De Mallorca (5:10) 10. Esquizofrenia Portorricensis (7:56)
MUSICIANS:
• Jose "Mañeguez Hidalgo: Crador, filosofo, poeta compositor,  
cantautor, cocinero, pescador, artesano, autodidacta, muellero,  
humilde, sembrador, conga, quinto, timbal, bongo, coro, campanas,  
pitos, chekere, bombo, percusion menor
• Giovanni Hidalgo: Conga, quinto, timbal, bata, bongo, cascara,  
chekere, clave, campanas, udu drums, coro, percusion menor
• Hector "Vainilla" Ramirez: Conga, campanas, cascara, coro,  
percusion menor
• Carlos Rodriguez: Quinto, campanas, conga, coro, percusion menor
• Eric Figueroa: Piano
• Eddie "Gua-Gua" Rivera: Bajo
• Angel "Angie" Machado: Trompeta, fluegelhorn
• David "Piro" Rodriguez: Trompea
• Manual "Manny" Fuentes: Coros
• Aritsta Invitado: Millo Torres
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order De La Mata Con Mañenguez - Estampas  
Puertorriqueñas Now!

TRUCO & ZAPEROKO
Live In Dax, France - DVD
Güicharo Recordings
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; FOLKLORIC; PUERTO RICO
EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Vamonos Pa'l Carnaval 2. La Anguila 3. En El Cafe 4. A Ti Na' Ma  
5. El Cuarto De Tula 6. Conchita 7. Oye Papa 8. Sigan La Clave 9.  
Miedo Y Terror 10. La Olla 11. Brilla El Sol
MUSICIANS:
• Edwin "Zaperoko" Feliciano: Lider, trombon, coros, y direccion musical
• Hector "Truco" Valentin: Co-Lider
• Miguel Maysonet: Co-lider, bongo, guiro, y percusion
• Antonio "Toñito" Vazquez: Trombon
• Jose "Jochy" Rodriguez: Fliscorno y trompeta
• Kalani Trinidad: Flauta y saxofon soprano
• Tito DeGracia: Timbales
• Alfredito Rodriguez: Congas
• Ray Maysonet: Panderos, claves, coro, & percusion
• Joe Maysonet: Panderos, claves, maracas & percusion
• Noel Rosado: Panderos, claves, coro & percusion
• Henry Valentin: Penderos
• Jose "Pirrio" Pizarro: Piano
• Carlos Rodriguez: Bajo
• Richard Martinez: Vocalista, panero y percusion menor
• Luis "Shaiky" Gonzalez: Vocalista, chekere, guiro cubano y  
percusion menor
• Participaccion Especial: Yomira John: Vocales en "Sigan la clave"
• Candido Reyes: Guiro en "Miedo y terror"
• Nathanael Molina: Piano en "Solos extras"
• Edgardo Rodriguez: Conga en "Solos Extras"
Price: $21.98

• Click here to Order Live In Dax, France - DVD Now!

TEGO CALDERON
Contra Ataca
Warner Music
Originally released: 2007
Category: POP/OTHER; REGGAETON
EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Alegria 2. Tradicional A Lo Bravo 3. Ni Fu Ni Fa 4. Cual Es Plan Y  
Eso 5. Los Mios 6. Tu Pa' Mi 7. Quiarte To' 8. Lo Hecho Hecho Esta 9.  
TTT Tego (remix) 10. El Que No Lucha No Avanza 11. Quiereme Como Soy  
12. No Era Por Ahi 13. Por Mi Madre
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Contra Ataca Now!

ORQUESTA ARAGÓN
Orquesta Aragón 2-CD Set
Disconet
Originally released: 2007
Category: DANCE TRADITIONS; CHA CHA CHA, CHARANGA, DANZON; CUBA
EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Guantanamera 2. En Casa De Tomas 3. Cachita 4. Yo Tengo Una Muñeca  
5. Tres Lindas Cubanas 6. Jardinero Del Amor 7. El Bodeguero 8.  
Envidia 9. Siboney 10. Si Sabes Bailar Mi Son 11. Oye Me Voy Pa' La  
Luna 12. Aquellos Ojos Verdes 13. El Manisero 14. Cuatro Vidas 15.  
Mama Ines 16. Lo Que Se De Ti 17. Guajira Con Tumbao 18. Mi Son Es Un  
Vacilon 19. Pare Cochero 20. Guajira Para Ti 21. Los Tamalitos De  
Olga 22. Tin Marin 23. Sabor A Mi 24. Quiereme Mucho
Price: $18.98

• Click here to Order Orquesta Aragón 2-CD Set Now!

IRAKERE
Chucho Valdez & Irakere: Lo Mejor De Cuba 2-CD Set
Pro Market
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ; CUBA
EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Bacalao Con Pan 2. Tres Palabras 3. Dos Perlas Y Un Dolor 4.  
Preludio Nº1 5. Me Faltabas Tu 6. Los Caramelos 7. Besame Mucho 8.  
Cancion De La Tarde 9. Piel Canela 10. Invento Nº 11. Valle De  
Picadura 12. Balada Para Caridad Y Emilio 13. La Comparsa 14. Tu Me  
Acostumbraste 15. Homenaje Al Benny 16. Como Fue 17. Aguanile Bonko  
18. Que Se Sepa, Yo Soy De La Habana 19. Novia Mia 20. El Manisero  
21. Tu, Mi Delirio 22. Dile A Catalina 23. Romance (Juegos  
Prohibidos) 24. Taka Taka Ta
Price: $18.98

• Click here to Order Chucho Valdez & Irakere: Lo Mejor De Cuba 2-CD  
Set Now!

ALEXA WEBER MORALES
Vagabundeo / Wanderings
Patois Records
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Habanera (4:30) 2. Ave Rara (6:26) 3. Calling You (featuring Kenny  
Washington) (5:00) 4. El Cantante (4:55) 5. Agua De Beber/Aguas De  
Marco (5:23) 6. Her Ways Wander (5:23) 7. The Goddess Of War (5:07)  
8. Asi Es El Amor (4:49) 9. Angelitos Negros (5:50) 10. Tu Amor  
(5:10) 11. You Cry, I Dry Your Tears (4:59)
MUSICIANS:
• Alexa Weber Morales: Voice
• Paul Van Wageningen: Drums
• David Belove: Bass
• Murray Low: Piano
• Rick Vandivier: Electric/acoustic guitar
• Michael Spiro: Congas, clave and castanets
• John Santos: Cajon, guiro, handbell and quijada
• Louis Fasman: Trumpet and flugelhorn
• Melecio Magdaluyo: Alto sax, baritone sax and flute
• Wayne Wallace: Trombone
• Orlando Torriente: Coro
• Edgardo Cambion: Coro
• Ron Stallings: Alto and tenor sax
• Frank Martin: Piano on 11
• Monica Scott: Cello on 10
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Vagabundeo / Wanderings Now!

GRUPO NICHE
Una Aventura... La Historia
Sony BMG Norte
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA COLOMBIA; COLOMBIA
EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Atrevida 2. Miserable 3. Te Enseñare A Olvidar 4. Una Aventura 5.  
Se Parecio Tanto A Ti 6. Sin Sentimientos 7. Hagamos Lo Que Diga El  
Corazon 8. Tiempo, Tiempo 9. Mi Pueblo 10. Un Alto En El Camino 11.  
La Gallinita De Los Huevos De Oro 12. Duele Mas 13. Gotas De Lluvia  
14. La Magia De Tus Besos 15. Etnia 16. Ni Como Amiga, Ni Como Amante
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Una Aventura... La Historia Now!

KAT PARRA
Birds In Flight
Patois Records
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Mais Que Nada (5:38) 2. Dame La Llave (4:38) 3. Softly As In A  
Morning Sunrise (4:41) 4. Alfonsina Y El Mar (6:43) 5. Birds In  
Flight (5:10) 6. Caravan (6:05) 7. Oleo De Una Mujer Con Sombrero  
(4:53) 8. These Old Feelings (3:55) 9. Kuando El Rey Nimrod (5:48)  
10. Quizas Porque (3:44)
MUSICIANS:
• Kat Parra: Voz
• Murray Low: Piano
• Masaru Koga: Flutes and saxophones
• John Worley: Trumpet/flugelhorn
• Wayne Wallace: Trombone
• Lila Sklar: Violin
• Peter Barshay: Bass
• Renata Bratt: Cello
• Paul Van Wageningen: Drum set
• Michael Spiro: Percussion
• Michaelle Goerlitz: Percusion
• Ravi Gutala : Tablas
• Katja Cooper: Dumbek and rik
• Rick Rangel: Coro
• Orlando Torriente: Coro
• Pat Parra: Rap and coro
Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Birds In Flight Now!

DAVE PIKE
Jazz For The Jet Set
Wounded Bird Records
Originally released: 1966
Reissued: 2006
Category: LATIN JAZZ; JAZZ: OTHER
EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Blind Man Blind Man 2. Jet Set 3. Sunny 4. When I'm Gone 5. You've  
Got Your Troubles 6. Sweet Tater Pie 7. Just Say Goodbye 8. Devilette
MUSICIANS:
• On Cuts 1,5,7 & 8: Dave Pike: Marimbas
• Herbie Hancock: Organ
• Clark Terry: Trumpet
• Martin Sheller: Trumpet
• Billy Butler: Guitar
• Bruno Carr: Drums
• Bob Cranshaw: Bass
• On Cuts 2,3, & 6: Dave Pike: Marimbas
• Herbie Hancock: Organ
• Clark Terry: Trumpet
• Melvin Lastie: Trumpet
• Grady Tate: Drums
• Billy Butler: Guitar
• Jimmy Lewis: Bass
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Jazz For The Jet Set Now!

OSVALDO RODRIGUEZ
Miami
Lupemon
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA
EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Miami (5:21) 2. Ilustre Desconocidea (3:38) 3. Mi Querida Suegra  
(4:42) 4. Dime Y Pideme (3:36) 5. Cubano Yo (3:23) 6. Cancion En 3  
Minutos (3:00) 7. Todavia Me Acuerdo (4:13) 8. La Familia (3:53) 9.  
Guajiro Cepilla'o (4:36) 10. Tú (3:48) 11. Sin Tin Tiene, Tin Vale  
(7:54)
MUSICIANS:
• Osvaldo Rodriguez: Arreglos, orquestaciones, guitarras, voz, coros  
y sintetizadors
• Wickly Nogueras: Percusion cubana
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Miami Now!

SALSA KIDS
Vaila Conmigo
Sony Apollo Norte
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; PUERTO RICO
EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Baila Conmigo (3:27) 2. Quiero Robarte Un Beso (4:16) 3. Dame  
(3:55) 4. Busco Una Novia Salsera (4:36) 5. Viva La Esperanza (4:30)  
6. Dejame Un Beso (3:44) 7. Aturdido (feat. Nejo) (4:40) 8. Tu Cafe  
(3:57) 9. Rocket Love (4:06) 10. Viva La Esperanza (Balada) (3:46)
MUSICIANS:
• Yan Duclerk: Trumpets
• Angie Machado: Trumpets
• Jorge Baez: Sax
• Gadwin Vargas: Congas
• Nundo Rodriguez: Bongos
• Edwin Clemente: Timbal
• Domingo Garcia: Piano
• Ricky Lugo: Bass
• Maximo Torres: Guitars
• Wichy Camacho: Chorus
• Danvert Garcia: Chorus
• Cuto Soto: Chorus
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Vaila Conmigo Now!

LOS ZAFIROS
Los Zafiros: Music From The Edge Of Time CD
Hepcat Records
Originally released: 2007
Category: SPECIAL INTEREST; SOUNDTRACK; CUBA
EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Musica Y Estrellas (:09) 2. La Caminadora (3:29) 3. Oye Nicola  
(2:33) 4. Hermosa Habana (2:55) 5. The 1960's - Sound Montage (:25)  
6. Esto No Tiene Bata (0:50) 7. Congo Leri (3:02) 8. Y Sabes Bien  
(2:32) 9. Herido De Sombras (Performed By Los Zafiros) (2:12) 10.  
Herido De Sombras (Performed By Los Nuevos Zafiros) (2:03) 11. Ofelia  
(Un Nombre De Mujer) (2:13) 12. Perdoname, Mi Amor (2:40) 13. Por No  
Comprenderte (1:34) 14. Cuando Yo La Conoci (2:09) 15. Cuando Y La  
Conoci & Y Tu Que Has Hecho? (1:35) 16. Canallon (1:53) 17. Bellecita  
(3:08) 18. El Manicero (2:21) 19. Tema De La Esperanza (1:34) 20.  
Chaverot (2:16) 21. Un Minuto De Tu Amor (2:17) 22. Baile De Langosta  
(1:02) 23. Longina (1:22) 24. Mis Sentimientos (3:07) 25. Mi Oracion  
(2:37)
Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Los Zafiros: Music From The Edge Of Time CD Now!

Highlights from the previous Descarga Review...

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!

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!

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