Descarga Review: Black Sugar, Ray Viera, Zon Del Barrio, Toro Ensamble...

Fri Oct 26 11:24:12 EDT 2007

The Descarga Review • October 26, 2007
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Black Sugar, Ray Viera, Zon Del Barrio, Toro Ensamble...

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Here are some new and reissued CDs and DVDs of interest...

BLACK SUGAR SEXTET
Estamos Azucar...! Lucho Cueto Presents Black Sugar Sextet
Latin Sound Records
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: High expectations percolated for months before the  
release of Estamos Azucar...!, the debut release of the New York  
based Black Sugar Sextet led by veteran salsa pianist Lucho Cueto,  
whose phone-book sized resume lists names like Azuquita, Jimmy  
Delgado, Imagen and Junior Gonzalez. The project turned out to be a  
dynamic vibes-based salsa and Latin jazz project that, at times,  
conjures the spirit of Son Boricua, another band that Cueto has been  
a part of. Son Boricua's founder, José Mangual Jr., is one of the  
many vocalists with Black Sugar, some of the others being Tito Allen,  
Willie Amadeo, Joe King and Maximo Rodriguez. There are special  
guests too: vibes/marimba player Dave Samuels, flautist Dave  
Valentin, and singer Kim De Los Santos who does a fine job on the  
title track "Estamos Azucar." Mike Freeman does a superb job on  
vibes, and the heavy-duty percussion parts are driven by Luisito  
Quintero (timbales), Roberto Quintero (congas, batá) and bongocero  
Carlito Soto. Listen to them go to task on "Pa' Colombia Entera," and  
the jazzy Roberto Quintero composition "Descarga Azucar." The band  
also takes on the classic Fania All Star's "Anacaona" (Tite Curet  
Alonso), one of two bonus tracks. Also with bassist Jose Tabares.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Copacabana 2. Naci Moreno 3. Pa' Colombia Entera 4. El Muñeco De  
La Ciudad 5. El Condor Pasa 6. La Hija De Lola 7. My Funny Zule (And  
Her 28 Friends) 8. Estamos Azucar 9. Descarga Azucar 10. Scape 11.  
Copacabana (English Version) 12. Bonus Tracks: Anacaona 13. Decidete
Price: $15.98
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RAY VIERA
Trombao
Ray Viera
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: "Trombao" is right. Funky trombones are all over the  
place on this sumptuous new salsa release by singer Ray Viera.  
Harkening back to Eddie Palmieri's La Perfecta, Viera makes superb  
use of the trombones' power of persuasion. Viera, who has worked with  
Palmieri (La Perfecta II), Los Soneros Del Barrio, George Delgado and  
Chino Nuñez, wrote all of the compositions on Trombao with the  
exception of Pedro Brunet's classic "Tratame Como Soy," which he  
handles with great savvy. Listen to the three trombones weave a  
blustery wave of sound in that track. There's somthing about the  
power of multiple trombones that's pretty darn stunning.
The rich heritage of classic salsa, particularly the Fania  
sensibility, has clearly helped to define Viera's aesthetic. With  
titles like "Son , Guaracha, y Guaguanco," the cuatro spiced "Un Niño  
Jibaro En La Ciudad," and "Mi Montuno Monte Adentro" you could easily  
be reading the back of a vintage Roberto y Su Nuevo Montuno album.  
And Viera enlisted veterans Marty Sheller, Luis  Cruz and Jose Madera  
for the arrangements: some serious talent. And Viera can rock the  
house. Listen to his handling of the dynamic "Valluna Mando Caleña,"  
or his robust attack on "Oracion Al Padre Celestial." And on Richie  
Viruet's arrangement of "Cancion Pa' Abuelito," Viera lets completely  
loose. On this track, the trombones break out with moña madness. It's  
the essence of classic salsa, here and now...
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Son, Guaracha, Y Guaguanco 2. Tratame Como Soy 3. Por Bella Que  
Eras Blues 4. Un Mundo Cruel 5. Valluna Mando Caleña 6. Un Niño  
Jibaro El La Ciudad 7. El Hombre Mas Feliz 8. Oracion Al Padre  
Celestial 9. Cancion Pa' Abuelito 10. Mi Montuno Monte Adentro
Price: $15.98
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ZON DEL BARRIO
Cortijo's Tribe - La Tribu De Cortijo
Universal/Protel
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Zon Del Barrio's debut release is a fervent celebration  
of Puerto Rican salsa and, in particular, the intelligence, swing and  
spirit of the legendary band Cortijo y Su Combo and their vocalist,  
the great sonero Ismael Rivera. This dance party supreme features  
Cortijo compositions like "El Chivo," "El Negro Bembón," and "Quitate  
de la Via, Perico" as well as original tracks that serve to enhance  
the tribute. Guest singer Sammy Ayala, who contributed three  
compositions, adds old school flavor and authenticity to an already  
top-notch project. And legendary cuatrista Yomo Toro also graces  
Cortijo's Tribe. Young singer Hector "Papote" Jimenez handles the  
material with flair and authority: listen to his handling of the  
fiery "Gulliver." Clearly, bandleader and percussionist Aurora Flores  
knows the music inside and out - she's able to channel the essential  
Cortijo here: The fresh new version of "Tuntuneco," which originally  
appeared on Cortijo's Bueno...y Qué?, sounds as if he's, somehow, at  
the helm. Flores also peppers in a bit of bomba y plena, Puerto Rican  
roots music that Cortijo helped to popularize. It makes sense, and  
helps to establish the musical heritage. With liner notes by  
musicologist Rene López.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. El Chivo 2. El Negro Bembon 3. Quitate De La Via, Perico 4. Ay Que  
Ver 5. Cumbita 6. Tuntuneco 7. Cortijo Su Apellido 8. Rafael Cortijo  
9. Te Conoci 10. Guagua De Toulouse 11. Mi Bandera 12. Gulliver 13.  
Severa 14. Oi Una Voz 15. Revolu 16. Yubaye-Bye Finale
Price: $15.98
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K-OBA
Salsa Tropical
K-Oba
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: A true Calí-Miami collaboration. Get past the budget- 
minded cover and you'll find yourself dancing to some of best, fresh  
and feverish, salsa out there right now. Opening with a blistering  
"Ya No Creo En Ti," young singer Ralphy Ray takes the song by the  
collar and doesn't let go. This guy is good, as is second singer  
Ricardo Lasso Mancilla, who handles "El Ilegal" and "Retorno Caleño"  
with a svelte proficiency. The arrangements, by pianist Juan Chunga,  
Elmer Daza and Isbel Chamizo, are crisp and to the point. Check out  
the infectious "Asi Naci," a favorite that seems to be written  
especially for singer Ralphy Ray who kicks it into gear early on. No- 
nonsense, zero-filler salsa.
K-Oba ends the album with "Ofelia, Cumbia Mix," flexing the Colombian  
muscle. It's a good exclamation point to a concise, tightly packed,  
salsa splash. DJ Alert, and Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Ya No Creo En Ti 2. El Gallo De Teresa 3. El Ilegal 4. Feo Feo  
(feat. Marlont Rhenals Y Candyman) 5. Reforno Caleño 6. Sin Ti 7. Asi  
Naci 8. Ofelia, Cumbia Mix
Price: $15.98
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TORO ENSAMBLE
Recordando
Merusa Records (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; NETHERLANDS
EditorsPick: Now here's a nice find. Venezuelan percussionist Marco  
Toro, now residing in Amsterdam, has put together a salsa record that  
features savory electric guitar riffs by Federico Olviares. The album  
is dedicated to Orquesta Juventud, the pioneering Venezuelan salsa  
orchestra founded in 1963, and Toro chose to open the project with a  
spirited Juventud medley. As a plus, former Juventud percussionist  
Javier Plaza is a guest singer on this CD. Other singers are Nando  
Vanin and Luthson Godfried. There are a number of infectious tracks  
here, like the deeply swinging "El Boogaloo" featuring rapper Def P.  
Toro chose the include three bonus folkloric tracks; sort of  
Venzuelan rumbas featuring the vocalist Daniel Patriasz. Well done.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Medley Juventud: A. Alondra; B. Tostao Y Colao; C. Mala D.  
Guasanco (6:03) 2. Sandra Mora (3:50) 3. Con Todas Las Banderas  
(3:41) 4. El Boogaloo (3:44) 5. Pa' La Guaira Me Voy (3:01) 6. Baila  
Mi Ritmo (4:03) 7. La Carcel (4:52) 8. Un Pato (3:52) 9. Mi Calvario  
(4:00) 10. Caramelo Y Chocolate (3:20) 11. Bonus Tracks: Rumbero Me  
Llama (3:07) 12. Pa' Guatire (3:35) 13. Culo' El Puya (2:56)
Price: $18.98
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ANIBAL DE GRACIA Y BATUKEALO
Atrevido
Batukealo Records
Originally released: 2007
Category: FOLKLORIC; PLENA/BOMBA; PUERTO RICO
EditorsPick: Bomba-plena... big time! Now here's a high-voltage  
Puerto Rican dance party record that rocks from the first track on.  
It's a two-fisted bomba-plena celebration led by trombonist Anibal de  
Gracia - one of six, yes, six trombonists on Atrevido. This is the  
stuff of outdoor parties and rum - pure, goodtime dance music. De  
Gracia pulled in first-class singers: Victor Muñiz, Giovanni Lugo,  
Henry Santiago and Richard Martinez. And there's a coro section that  
features Pedro Brull, Luisito Carrion, Samuel Velez, and Miguel  
Maysonet. With arrangements by Mr. de Gracia, as well as some by Tito  
Rivera, Tommy Villarini and pianist Richard Trinidad, it's  
transcendent Puerto Rican roots music at its best. Turn up the volume  
and let the part begin.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Medley Batukealo (6:00) 2. El Costo De La Vida (El IVU) (4:04) 3.  
Se Escapo El Leon (3:33) 4. Jurame (3:35) 5. Medley Sylvia Rexach  
(5:06) 6. Desde Ponce (3:57) 7. La Inconforme (4:20) 8. Medley Plenas  
De P.R. (3:34) 9. Ritmo De Batuplena (4:04)
Price: $16.98
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BEBO VALDES
Bebo Valdés & Javier Colina: Live At The Village Vanguard
Calle 54/Sony BMG (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: Recorded live at the Village Vanguard in New York City  
in November, 2005. Stripped down to the bare essentials of piano and  
bass, the compositions of Valdés, Lecuona, Jerome Kern and others  
become pristine, gem-like. "Con Poco Coco," "Aquellas Ojos Verdes,"  
"Si te Contara" and Bebo's first live interpretation of Bill Evans'  
"Waltz For Debby."
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Con Poco Coco 2. Sabor A Mí 3. Ritmando El Cha-cha-cha 4. Rosa  
Mustia 5. Andalucía 6. Siboney 7. Tres Palabras 8. Aquellas Ojos  
Verdes 9. Bilongo 10. Si Te Contara 11. Bebo's Blues 12. Yesterdays  
13. El Manisero 14. Waltz For Debby
Price: $32.98
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WAYNE GORBEA
Introducing Wayne Gorbea's Salsa Picante: Master Of Salsa Dura NYC
World Music Network
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Serious Latin music lovers and salsa dancers everywhere  
have been digging Wayne Gorbea's pure uncut sound for more than  
thirty years and now a wider audience is coming round to his  
unblemished form of classic salsa dura ('hard' salsa). This disc  
spans Wayne 's career and is crammed with over 70 minutes of his  
finest cuts, tracks that have sent dancers into trance-like states  
with the relentless groove, dynamic arrangements and authentic  
lyrics... This album features a broad selection of Gorbea's finest  
tunes from over the years including one of the baddest tracks to come  
out of the 1970s, 'Dejame Un Lado'. From La Salsa Del Conjunto Salsa  
(1978), it has a mournful, bluesy edge that comes from the old style  
of Cuban son and Puerto Rican jibaro laments of yesteryear. From the  
WayneGo album Sigan Bailando (1986), 'Sigo Pa' Lante' translates as  
'I go (or continue) straight ahead' and this track is exactly that:  
straight-up dope Bronx beats that are uplifting and bright. 'El Yo- 
Yo' is one of two bonus live tracks on this collection taken from the  
2004 album, Live From New York, and it is a swinging live version of  
a venerable mambo classic. One of the newer tracks featured on this  
collection, '¡Prakatún!' from the 2006 album of the same name, is  
salsa picante (sharp salsa) from the Bronx. Despite many fabulous  
Wayne Gorbea recordings being available on the market, Introducing  
Wayne Gorbea's Salsa Picante is the first historical overview of his  
music. Compiled by Pablo Yglesias, aka DJ Bongohead, this album  
presents proof positive of the potency and consistency of Gorbea's  
vision and mastery, and the incredibly high quality of his band  
members over the years. [from the liners by Pablo Yglesias] (DR)
Highly Recommended
SONG TITLES:
1. Prakatun! (5:52) 2. Dejame Un Lado (6:50) 3. Pa' Puerto Rico  
(5:57) 4. Ven Baila Conmigo (5:45) 5. Contigo No (6:36) 6. Sigo Pa'  
Lante (6:24) 7. DJs Sabrosos (6:01) 8. Lo Que Dice Justi (4:56) 9.  
Para La Rumba (5:26) 10. Bonus Live Tracks: El Yo-Yo (Live) (10:44)  
11. La Lengua (live) (10:59)
Price: $16.98
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GRUPO OBA-ILU
Afro-Cuba: Drums Of Cuba - Afro-Cuban Music From The Roots
Soul Jazz Records (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: FOLKLORIC; RUMBA and/or SANTERIA/LUCUMI; CUBA
EditorsPick: Led by Gregorio Hernandez "El Goyo". This album features  
the many Afro-Cuban rhythms associated with the various religious  
cults existing in Cuba today. These drums are used to bring spirits  
and gods (Orishas) into the body of worshippers who are then  
possessed. The music originally came from Africa and spread into the  
new world through the movement of slaves. These new recordings from  
Cuba feature heavyweight complex rhythms played by some of Cuba's  
finest master drummers, all of whom are initiated in the cults  
including members of the secret Masonic-type Abakua faith. Featuring  
an array of instrumentation - Bata Drums, Conga drums, Bongo, Eribo -  
many of which are sacred in themselves and only used for religious  
ceremonies. The music and dance of the Abakuá (or ñáñigo) secret  
societies are considered by many the most original not least because  
the history of the societies themselves, the most complex and  
impassioned of all the organizations of African origin established in  
Cuba and linked to key political and social events.
For anyone interested in Latin music this is a fascinating guide into  
the roots of Afro-Cuban music and features extensive sleeve-notes  
giving the music a cultural and social context. Recorded at the Cuban  
state-owned ICAIC studios, these are high quality recordings.
[from the liners] (DR)
SONG TITLES:
1. Elegua (Latopa) 2. Oggún 3. Ochosi (Agüere) 4. Chango (Bayuba) 5.  
Oyá: Abakuá (Tuitui) 6. Agayu: Toque (Changó-rumba) 7. Yuka 8. Makuta  
9. Palo 10. Bembé 11. Güiro 12. Iyesá (variant 1) 13. Iyesá (variant  
2) 14. Arará (variant 1 - Mase) 15. Arará (variant 2 - Soyi) 16.  
Arará (variant 3 - Gervioso) 17. Abakuá
Price: $21.98
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JAIME TORRES TORRES
Cada Cabeza Es Un Mundo: La Historia De Héctor Lavoe (3ra. Edición  
Revisada Y Aumentada)
Mariana Editores
Originally released: 2007
Category: BOOKS; BOOKS: OTHER
EditorsPick: Revised edition. In-depth book on the life and work of  
legendary salsa singer Héctor Lavoe. With some amazing early photos  
as well. In Spanish, 350 pages. Hardcover.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: El autor Jaime Torres Torres descubrió la obra de Héctor  
Lavoe durante su niñez. En su adolescencia, adquirió sus discos y  
pocos años después se vio inmerso en una investigación sobre la vida  
y trayectoria musical de El Cantante de los Cantantes.
El libro "Cada Cabeza en un Mundo: La Historia de Héctor Lavoe" es el  
resultado de una investigación periodística seria, prolongada durante  
casi quince años.
- ¡El libro que los productores de la película quisieron usar como  
referencia!
- ¡La historia completa del cantante más transcendental de la salsa!
- Galería fotos inéditas.
- Análisis sociológico de sus soneos.
- Discografía detallada.
- Su Jerga.
- Anecdotario.
- ¡Su Historia verdadera!
- 350 pages, hardcover.
Price: $39.98
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PAQUITO D'RIVERA
Quartier Latin: Paquito D'Rivera & Chano Dominguez Live In Madrid - DVD
Opus Arte (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; LATIN JAZZ
EditorsPick: Recorded live at the Teatro Real de Madrid in April of  
2006, the beautifully produced performance features masterful  
interpretations of "I Remember Dizzy," "Rumba Pa' Jerry," "Vámonos  
Pa' Cai," "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and much more. With Chano  
Dominguez on piano, Paquito D'Rivera on sax and clarinet, Marc  
Miralta on drums, bassist Mario Rossy, percussionists Israel Suárez  
"Piraña" and Miguel Anga Diaz (1961-2006) in what is most probably  
his last filmed appearance. The DVD has a nice feature that allows  
you to listen to the music without the introductions and talks  
between the songs. All formats, all regions. 95 minutes.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Por Alegrías 2. I Remember Dizzy 3. Rumba Pa' Jerry 4. Poinciana  
5. Ariá De Musetta 6. Blue Imaginario 7. A Mi Padre 8. Vámonos Pa'  
Cai 9. Don't Get Around Much Anymore 10. Bruselas En La Lluvia 11.  
Rumba Marina
Price: $27.98
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ROBERTO LEDESMA
Con Mi Corazon Te Espero: Orquestas De Julio Gutierrez Y Pepe Delgado
Disco Hit
Reissued: 2007
Category: BOLERO; BOLERO / BALADA; CUBA
EditorsPick: With the orchestras of Julio Gutierrez and Pepe Degado.  
With "Vieja Luna," "Corazon Herido," "El Malquerido," "Que Vas A  
Hacer" and eight other tracks. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Con Mi Corazon Te Espero 2. Vieja Luna 3. Ave De Paso 4. Corazon  
Herido 5. Recuerdos 6. El Malquerido 7. Noche De Ronda 8. Corazon En  
Cristal 9. Mirame Mas 10. Que Vas A Hacer 11. Ya Tu No Estas 12. Esta  
Soledad
Price: $13.98
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TITO ROJAS Y SU ORQUESTA
Sin Comentarios
Musical Productions/Sony BMG
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; PUERTO RICO
EditorsPick: Sin Comentario has all the earmarks of a Tito Rojas  
production: romance, drama, and unbridled emotion. A fine coro  
section featuring Primi Cruz, Jose "Chegui" Ramos, Jose "Papo"  
Sanchez and Antonio "Tony" Hernandez. With William "Cachiro"  
Thompson, Angie Machado, Hector "Pichie" Perez, Toñito Vazquez and a  
duet with Alex Bueno. It's marketable pop salsa.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Porque Te Vas De Mi? 2. Quedate Conmigo 3. No Me Abandones 4.  
Atrevete 5. Digame Señora 6. Completamente Solo 7. Enamorado 8. Que  
Vivan Las Mujeres 9. Que Vivan Las Mujeres (duo Con Alex Bueno)
Price: $15.98
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POCHY Y SU COCOBAND
A Man And His Music ...¡Pero Con Coco! 2-CD Set
Kubaney / Emusica
Originally released: 2007
Category: MERENGUE/BACHATA; MERENGUE
EditorsPick: Here's a fine 2-CD set compilation of the best merengue  
from Pochy y Su Cocoband on the Kubaney label. With "Cocoband," "A  
Usted Lo Botan," "Los Pantalones," "Me Haces Falta" and much more.  
Compiled by Ernesto Lechner with liner notes by Kin Sánchez.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Cocoband 2. El Mujeron 3. La Negra Pola 4. Pa' Goza 5. El Cacu 6.  
El Boche 7. Que Barbara 8. A Usted Lo Botan 9. El Domingo 10. La  
Compota 11. No Hay Mujeres Feas 12. El Pintalabios 13. Dos Personas  
14. Los Pantalones 15. El Hombre Llego Parao' 16. Ya Viene El Lunes  
17. A Ti Mujer 18. Mujer Malvada 19. No Se Que Tienes 20. Rico Y Buen  
Mozo 21. La Seca 22. Me Haces Falta 23. Abolie 24. Penas De Amores  
25. Vete Vete...plus 5 More Tunes!!!
Price: $21.98
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CHARLIE D' CALI Y SU SALSA
Picosito Yemyeré
Morrowland
Originally released: 2003
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Back in stock. Limited quantities!
DJ Alert: Sizzling dance-club ready salsa features killer vocalist  
Jesús Pérez "El Niño" on five of the tracks. Originally from  
Colombia, Mr. D'Cali now resides in Los Angeles and, as a songwriter,  
has worked with Camilo Azuquita, José Mangual Jr., Cali Aliman, and  
Bebo Moré (son of Benny Moré). He has a sure fire formula to get the  
dancers onto the dance floor. It works. Note several of the tracks  
appeared on "Cali Olé," a limited edition CD that is no longer  
available. However, most of the cuts are new and have not been  
previously released. This is timbale-heavy, capital "S" Salsa.
Highly recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Picosito Yemyere (4:06) 2. Etiwanda (4:15) 3. Baila Mi Piano  
(3:48) 4. Salsa Brava (4:20) 5. Rico Chachacha (4:26) 6. Cali Ole  
(4:11) 7. Cosas Bellas (4:04) 8. El Templo Del Amor (5:00) 9. Donde  
Esta Mi Negro (4:36) 10. Baila Mi Piano (4:13) 11. Salsa Brava (1:20)
Price: $16.98
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ORQUESTA EXPERIMENTAL
Homenaje A Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz
Classic/EMI/Big World
Originally released: 1996
Reissued: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Back in stock!
This 1996 tribute to the salsa super-duo Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz  
is, largely, pure salsa fireworks. Singer and band-leader Raymond  
Perez does a fine job keeping the momentum going throughout this  
project that, originally, stayed pretty much below the radar.  
Featuring timbaleros Ivan Romero, Hermand Semidey and Roberto Watts -  
listen to the percussive blistering on "Sonido Bestial," bongocero  
Ivan Caceres, conguero Nestor O. Gonzalez, bassist Luis Rodriguez,  
and pianist Candido Jimenez. Five trumpeters, including Elias Lopez  
and Julito Alvarado, stay true to that bright Richie Ray-Bobby Cruz  
sound. I should mention the coro brigade: Domingo Quiñones, Santitos  
Colon, Tony Rivas and Francisco Rosado. Okay? While there are a few  
ballads ("A Mi Manera" and "Yo Se Que Te Amo") and fake applause on a  
few tracks which do not enhance this production, the uptempo tracks  
do excel. Therefore...
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Iqui Con Iqui (Version Radio) (4:48) 2. Sonido Bestial (6:37) 3. A  
Mi Manera (4:40) 4. Lo Atara La Arache (4:09) 5. Yo Se Que Te Amo  
(4:13) 6. La Zafra (6:23) 7. Richie's Jala-Jala (3:40) 8. El Conde  
(5:00) 9. Iqui Con Iqui (7:20)
Price: $15.98
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LA FANTASTICA
 From Ear To Ear
Latin Soul Records
Originally released: 1971
Reissued: 2006
Category: LATIN SOUL/BOOGALOO; LATIN SOUL, CLASSIC 60s or 70s
EditorsPick: Back in stock!
Nice reissue of salsa and latin soul from the Ghetto label,1971. Good  
sound, too.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Borinquen 2. Con Quien Andas 3. Latin Blues 4. Ya No Te Quiero 5.  
Negrita Mia 6. Telegrama 7. M&M 8. Sassie
Price: $12.98
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YORGIS GOIRICELAYA
Abriendo Caminos
Yorgismusic
Originally released: 2005
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: A nice little project by bassist and pianist Yorgis  
Goiricelaya - a Cuban flavored session recorded in Costa Rica and  
Miami. Yorgis mixes it up here: there's salsa, Latin jazz and timba,  
as well as a conga and a danzón-cha. A true homage to the cuban  
musical sensibility.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Opening, Llegó La Musica Cubana (2:56) 2. Tipica Ichi (5:07) 3.  
Asi Yo Hago El Son (3:44) 4. Otro Loco Que Se Enamoró (4:42) 5.  
Alarma De Fuego (5:41) 6. Entregate (5:23) 7. Benedición De Orishas  
(7:25) 8. Los Muchachos Son Candela (8:06) 9. Pensando En La Habana  
(6:00) 10. La Abuelas Charangueras (3:01) 11. De Matanzas A Bejucal  
(1:54)
Price: $15.98
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CARLOS OLIVA & LOS SOBRINOS DEL JUEZ
I'm A Believer
Talent Beach
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: The man who brought us a salsafied "Vehicle," Carlos  
Oliva is back with high energy salsa interpretations of English radio  
hits. Rock, pop and funk hits done in dazzling salsa style. With  
tracks like "December 1963 (Oh What a Night)," "How Deep Is Your  
Love" (Bee Gees) "Brick House," "Pick Up The Pieces," "Le Freak" and,  
of course, the Monkee's hit "I'm A Believer" (Neil Diamond). Rockin'  
and swanky. Oliva has himself one tight band: Drummer/timbalero  
Richard Bravo, bongocero and timbalero Charles Santiago, Manuel  
Torres on congas, Javier Concepcion and Jackson King on keyboards,  
and others. If salsa in English is your bag, Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. December 1963 (Oh What A Night)/Me Enamore 2. Love The One You're  
With/Esa Te Conviene 3. She's A Lady/Es Una Dama 4. Rock With You/ 
Quiero Gozar Contigo 5. Don't You Worry About A Thing/Cogelo Suave 6.  
Baby Come Back/Cuando Volvera 7. How Deep Is Your Love/Hasta Donde  
Llega 8. Dance With Me/Si Tu Bailas Conmigo 9. Alone  
Again...Naturally/Solo Solito 10. Brick House/Mira Quien Viene 11.  
I'm A Believer/Estoy Enamora'o 12. Pick Up The Pieces 13. Le Freak  
14. Africa
Price: $15.98
• Buy Now

DON OMAR
King Of Kings Live 2-DVD Set
Universal/Machete/VI
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; REGGAETON
EditorsPick: Recorded live December, 2006, at the José Miguel Agrelot  
Coliseum in Puerto Rico. This 2-DVD set features 16 tracks and three  
bonus videos. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. DVD: Intro 2. Ronca 3. Reportense 4. Salio El Sol 5. El Rey -  
Predica 6. Vuelve 7. Tu No Sabes 8. Angelito 9. Ojitos Chiquitos 10.  
Pobre Diabla 11. Ella Y Yo 12. Medley: Dile & Cuentele 13. Jangueo  
14. Reggaeton Latino 15. Bandoleros 16. Conteo 17. Videos: Angelito  
18. Adios 19. Salo El Sol
Price: $19.98
• Buy Now

TRIANGULUM
Triangulum
Triangulum Records
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; JAZZ: OTHER
EditorsPick: Well done straight-ahead jazz project (no, not Latin  
jazz) by this quintet featuring Pete Rodriguez (son of Pete "El  
Conde" Rodriguez) on trumpet, Paul White on tenor sax, pianist Angelo  
Lembesis, bassist John Fremgen, and drummer Rob Kazenel. All original  
compositions by Rodriguez and White. Recorded in Austin, Texas.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Inabanaga 2. Just Another Moment 3. Where Do I Go From Here 4.  
Point Of Veiux 5. Il Tango Dell'insensato 6. It All Falls Down 7. No  
Need To Apologize 8. The Blue Highway 9. A Prayer For Hannah
Price: $15.98
• Buy Now

DAVID DE VICANA
Reflejos
Vicana
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Here's a very good, driving, vocal-guitar-violin based  
project, Cuban country-style. Miami based singer/guitarrist De Vicana  
is here interpreting the poetic lyrics of Francisco Robaina. A  
logical comparison would be the late Polo Montañez. With Gabriel  
Cifuentes, Ramses Colon, Gerardo Aguillon, Julio Luna, others.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Rocio 2. La Lluvia 3. Un Espacio En Tu Vida 4. El Espejo 5.  
Fantasia 6. El Clavel Y La Mariposa 7. El Loro 8. Tierra 9. El  
Triunfador 10. Ha Regresado El Amor
Price: $14.98
• Buy Now

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Homenaje Al Danzón: 100 Años De Musoca Cubana 1979-1979
Classic Music/EMI/Big World
Originally released: 2007
Category: DANCE TRADITIONS; CHA CHA CHA, CHARANGA, DANZON; CUBA
EditorsPick: Here's a danzón compilation featuring material by  
Orquesta Sensacion, Arcaño Y Sus Maravillas, José Fajardo, Orquesta  
Almendra and others.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. El Manisero - Orquesta Sensacion 2. Lagrimas Negras - Orquesta  
Almendra 3. La Gioconda - Arcano Y Sus Maravillas 4. La Mora - J.  
Fajardo 5. Amalia Batista - Rodrigo Prats Y Su Orq. 6. Solamente Una  
Vez - Mariano Merceron 7. Estas En Mi Corazon - Orquesta Sublime 8.  
Si Me Pides El Pescao - Arcano Y Sus Maravillas 9. Bodas De Oro -  
Orquesta Sensacion 10. Virgen De Regla - Orquesta Almendra 11.  
Caprichito De Verdad - Orquest Melodias Del 40 12. Tres Lindas  
Cubanas - Rodrigo Prats Y Su Orquesta 13. Si Muero En La Carretera -  
J. Fajardo 14. Cuando Canta El Cornetin - Mariano Merceron 15.  
Antorcha De Artemisa - Orquesta Melodias Del 40
Price: $14.98
• Buy Now

Highlights from the previous Descarga Review

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Cuba Lost & Found Sessions
Guataca (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
EditorsPick: This is big news. Never before released jam sessions,  
descargas agresiva, by Cuba's musical royalty: Tata Güines, Pancho  
Amat, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Candido Fabre, Paulo FG, Manuel "Guajiro"  
Mirabal, Richard Egues, Amadito Valdés and *many* other kingpins.  
Luis Dominguez, owner of the Envidia and Guataca labels, had, in the  
early to mid '90s, produced the widely viewed televised "Mi Salsa"  
show in Cuba. If was from that show that the sessions on this CD were  
originally produced. This stuff is drop-dead killer, the pure  
definition of Descarga - fiery extended tracks where the musicians  
let loose and go nuts. Listen to the smoldering violins of Guillermo  
Rubalcaba and Enrique Alvarez as Cándido Fabré, sonero supreme, takes  
control of Descarga Nº2, a 8-1/2 minute gem. And there is a vocal  
showdown, "Duelo De Soneros," that features, among others, Cándido  
and Paulo FG that lasts an unbelievable 19 minutes and 24 seconds -  
it's a spectacular performance that should not be missed. It just may  
be the best vocal mano-a-mano on record. This stuff harkens back to  
the heyday of Cachao and Ñiño Rivera or, even more so, the best  
output from Areito All Stars. It's clearly the stuff of legend, a  
classic in my book.
Very Highly Recommended - a Must-Have. (BP)
Price: $17.98
• Buy Now

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Salsa Bands Of New York
Rumba Jams
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Here's a terrific compilation featuring some of the best  
contemporary New York based salsa bands like Los Soneros Del Barrio  
with Frankie Vázquez, Ralph Irizzary's Son Café, Big 3 Palladium  
Orchestra, George Delgado, Pequeño "Little" Johnny Rivero, Conjunto  
Imagen and others. Culled mostly from the vaults of Rumba Jams  
records, his red-hot party CD also includes a bonus track: the 8-1/2  
minute "Crema Mezcla," a sizzling mix by DJ Creme.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $15.98
• Buy Now

GRUPO GALE
Auténtico - CD & DVD Set
Codiscos (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; SALSA COLOMBIA; COLOMBIA
EditorsPick: Very few people in the business are as dedicated to the  
craft of Salsa than Diego Gale, arguably the hardest working producer  
in Latin America. Galé knows the music inside and out - he's also the  
band's the conguero and main composer/arranger. And while the band  
has it's detractors - it can be said that the music is over-packaged,  
too slick for it's own good - one has only to turn the volume up on a  
typical pumped up track like, say, "Chela" to to appreciated how easy  
it is to get hooked on Galé's vision of dance music. It's thoroughly  
infectious and, for a party or club setting, there are very few DJs  
who wouldn't grab a Galé production to raise the heat level. For  
Auténtico, acclaimed producer Sergio George sat in on piano for few  
tracks. Totally radio ready.
No, the DVD is not a live show: it's behind-the-scenes footage of the  
CD's production, as well as videos and studio session tracks. There's  
also some interviews with bandmembers and musicians who have worked  
with Galé like Richy Ray & Bobby Cruz and Maelo Ruiz.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $18.98
• Buy Now

TITO PUENTE
Tito Puente Live! The Early Years
Mambo Maniacs
Originally released: 2007
Category: DANCE TRADITIONS; BIG BAND MAMBO JAZZ
EditorsPick: Heads up collectors! Joe Conzo, Tito Puente's right hand  
man collaborated with Bobby Marin and private collectors to produce  
this rare selection of live Tito Puente recordings from 1951-1959.  
With "Mambo Birdland," "Mambo Inn," "Mambo Diablo" and a simply  
explosive "Ran Kan Kan." Also with a very young Vicentico Valdés  
singing the hit "Barbarabatiri." There's also Puente's very first  
performance at the famed Birdland ("Cal Miller Mambo"). Don't expect  
pristine sound here: hi-fi it ain't. But is does capture the frenetic  
Puente energy and scope of the man's genius.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $15.98
• Buy Now

PAN CON CHOCOLATE
Pan Con Chocolate - Tirso Duarte Y Michel Pérez
Envidia (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Pan con Chocolate is a fiery, timbafied, charanga  
project with singers Tirso Duarte and Michel Pérez up front and in  
charge. With flautist J.J. Oliveros, Pedro Pablo Gutierrez on bass,  
violinist Ronny Cabarrocas and many others. Also include three  
trombones: Lazaro Rosabal, Carlos Alvarez and Ariel Guillon. The band  
tackles a few Arsenio Rodriguez numbers, "El Malecón" and "Yo Soy  
Chambelón," and some original material like the swinging "A  
Merendar!" composed by producer Luis Dominguez and Pablo Pedro. I  
especially liked their interpretation of Ismael Miranda's "Pa Bravo  
Yo" and Papo Cocote's "Monina y Ramón" which works great as a  
charanga. And the superb Duarte-Pérez' vocal team adds a sense of  
urgency that steps up the heat more than few notches.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $17.98
• Buy Now

CUBA JAZZ MILLENIUM ALL STARS
Tributo A Arsenio, Chano Pozo Y Los Clásicos
Envidia (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ; CUBA
EditorsPick: Cuba Jazz Millenium All Stars is the brainchild of  
Joaquin Pozo, conguero and grandson of Chano Pozo. Joined by Jesus A.  
Chappottín "El Niño," grandson of the legendary Feliz Chappottín, and  
a band of gifted musicians, the All Stars take on some of the most  
indelible Afro-Cuban compositions from the patriarchal figures  
Arsenio Rodriguez, Chano Pozo, Israel "Cachao" López and Miguel  
Matamoros. This is an ambitious idea, stepping into such large shoes.  
But these guys, packed with talent and fireworks, stretch out and  
funkify the material, making it their own. Joaquin Pozo is a hellion  
on the skins - this boy can play. If nothing else, the album is a  
testament to this guy's capacity as a rhythm machine. Pozo also  
contributed three original tracks - the last three on the CD - as if  
he had to have the undisputed final word in some imaginary musical  
contest with his roots. In this case, it's we, the audience, who wins.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
Price: $17.98
• Buy 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 2007 Descarga Update Archives: 2007
• 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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