Descarga Review: New DVDs from The Lebron Brothers and Jimmy Bosch, Timba with Tirso Duarte, Hot Charanga with Colon 264, Reviews and more...

Mon Dec 24 14:52:45 EST 2007

Bad links? No images? click: HERE

The Descarga Review • December 24, 2007 (Merry Xmas!)
Brought to you by Descarga.com

This issue:
New DVDs from The Lebron Brothers and Jimmy Bosch, Timba with Tirso  
Duarte, Hot Charanga with Colon 264, Reviews and more...

Free Shipping for orders of 10 or more items! (US & PR).
- Gift Certificates
- Nicky Marrero Interview

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

LEBRON BROTHERS
4+1+1 Asulto De Familia:
Homenaje En Vida A Pablo Lebrón
Live In Colombia DVD
Exclusivo
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; SALSA/SON
EditorsPick: Wow! What a great live performance. This fine quality,  
multi-camera production of the veteran salsa band sports both superb  
sound and a detailed picture. The main singers for the event, Frankie  
Vázquez and Virgilio Hurtado do an exemplary job. But surprises were  
in store. There is a *seriously* extended version of "Salsa y  
Control" that has to be seen to believed. It's a piece of spontaneous  
salsa history that features not only singers Vázquez and Hurtado, but  
also the great Tito Nieves, Cheo Andujar, Kim De Los Santos and,  
pulled right out of the audience, Yuri Buenaventura. This track goes  
on forever, and that's not long enough: it truly embodies the very  
spirit of the genre. The singers, in true sonero style, take turns  
improvising in a manner that is rarely seen these days. I tell ya,  
people, there was a sense of destiny on that stage that night. The  
energy emanating from these guys was palpable, and made me fall in  
love with salsa all over again.
The concert was held in celebration of Pablo Lebron, whose health  
appears to be failing. He suffered a heart attack in the early  
eighties and semi retired from the band. Towards the end of the show,  
there is a completely heartbreaking rendition of "Regressa a Mi" as  
sung by the teary-eyed patriarch from his wheelchair. I felt my own  
heart sink watching this.
But the show is no tear-jerker: It's a thoroughly smoking set and, by  
far, the best Lebron Brothers DVD to date. In fact, it's clearly one  
of the best salsa performance DVDs of the year - a must-have for any  
collector. This one, folks, is...
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)

Description: Ha quedada plasmado en esta producion el verdadero amor  
y sentimiento que Los Hermanos Lebrón sienten por su público, pr la  
salsa y en especial por su hermano Pablo Lebrón.
El contraste de la alegria y el profundo sentimiento que se desarolla  
en esta noche. Estoy seguro despartaran recuerdos profundos que le  
harán llorar. Le creacion de este DVD produce mes de diez lágrimas  
para todos los que tomamos parte en el y ahora lo queremos compartir  
con los salseros del mundo entero.
Carlos Taborda [from the liners]
SONG TITLES:
1. Llegamos 2. Temperatura/Falta 3. Mi Morena 4. Agonia 5. Dfulzura  
6. Disco Bailable/Salsa Y Control 7. Regresa A Mi 8. Pena Y Dolor 9.  
Diez Lagrimas 10. Que Pena 11. Sin Negro No Hay Guaguanco
$18.98
• Buy Now

COLON 264
Se Fue Pa'l Africa
Envidia (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: DANCE TRADITIONS; CHARANGA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Man o' man, this is the bomb. It's a killer charanga  
descarga led by bassist Jorge Machado and backed by the venerable  
Envidia crew: flautist J.J. Oliveros, violinists Ronny Cabarrocas,  
Abilio Betancourt and José Pérez "Sopilón." Roig Sainz is on piano,  
Karel Páez is the timbalero, the conguero is Mariano Enríquez and the  
bongocero is Oswaldo Huerta. There are original tracks like the fiery  
"Si Tu Sigues Así - Se Fue P'al Africa" as well as some savory  
interpretations of some classics like Fajardo's "Juaniquita" and  
Novel's "Salsa En Nueva York." The singers are Yordani Rodriguez,  
Javier Rodriguez "Chocolate" and Carlos Amores.
For you charanga fans, this one is a no-brainer. Get it *now*! For  
those of you not familiar with the genre, with its deep swing and  
power coros -- well, this one here's a heavy, heavy primer that will  
get you good and hooked. And, by the way, Colón 264 refers to  
Machado's address in Havana.
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Hay Que Seguir Guarachando (7:20) 2. Si Tu Sigues Asi - Se Fue  
P'Al Africa (7:17) 3. Juaniquita (6:07) 4. Jesusito Vendiendo El  
Timbal (5:48) 5. En Que Quedamos (4:52) 6. Disparando En El Parue  
Trillo (5:55) 7. Fuego En El 23 (6:29) 8. Masculino Y Feminino (6:35)  
9. Salsa En Nueva York (6:16) 10. Yo Quiero Pasar La Noche (5:32)
$15.98
• Buy Now

TIRSO DUARTE
Fin Del Juego
Envidia (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
EditorsPick: Singer and pianist Tirso Duarte, along with a few others  
(Michel Maza comes to mind), leads the current pack of modern Timba  
dance bands in Cuba. Last years Timba Cubana cemented his reputation  
as a "hard" timba artist who is here to stay. Duarte, who wrote most  
of the songs for this project, including the sizzling cover track  
"Fin Del Juego," has an almost instantly recognizable voice -- a  
combination of nervous urgency and combustible energy -- that mirrors  
the qualities of Timba itself. It's a quality that was seen by the  
leaders of the high profile bands he sang for before going solo:  
Charanga Habanera, NG La Banda, and Pupy Y Los Que Son Son. He's made  
for this stuff. With bassist Pedro Pablo, conguero Yosvanlys Perez  
Herrera, trumpeter Frank Padron, trombonist Ulises Benavides, sax  
player Orestes Valido and others.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. La Madre Maria (5:28) 2. Olvida La Peña (5:56) 3. Fin Del Juego  
(5:40) 4. Yo Soy Tu Papi (6:09) 5. Regalame La Silla (6:38) 6. El  
Chino Chulo (4:19) 7. La Cosa Mas Bella (5:15) 8. El Asesino (5:54)  
9. Maldito Dolor (6:55) 10. Ceci (5:28)
$15.98
• Buy Now

CÉSAR "CHINO" PÉREZ
Ciudadano Del Mundo / Citizen Of The World
CCP
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; VENEZUELA
EditorsPick: There are at least several types of good salsa. Let's  
talk about two. Either may be great dance to dance to. Either may  
appear on your list of favorites. This first kind may sound powerful,  
have great hooks, pretty voices, and infectious, yet inane, lyrics.  
The second kind, however, has depth of musicality and is more  
personal to its creator, reflecting his or her character. The first  
kind will probably make its way to commercial radio and will sell in  
relatively large numbers. That's exactly because it is less personal  
and easy to market. The second kind will have a harder time, being  
more idiosyncratic, more challenging musically, or both. It's the  
second kind that, I would argue, is inherently better stuff — a  
little more art, a little less formula. Artists like César Chino  
Pérez make this second kind of salsa. In his first release since the  
2004 Amigo Incondicional, the Venezuelan trombone player chose to  
sing on on number of tracks. His deep masculine voice, striking when  
first heard, is as much comforting as authoritative. And with  
arrangements by top talent like Luis "Perico" Ortiz, Ray Santos, and  
Ricky Gonzalez you might assume that at least some of the project  
would be worthwhile, sight unseen. It is. Pérez recorded the bulk of  
this project in New York with the assistance of some of the city's  
finest musicians: Ricky G. on piano, bassist Rubén Rodríguez,  
percussionists Roberto and Luisito Quintero, trombonists Reinaldo  
Jorge and Luis Bonilla and others. Vocally, Mr. Pérez is joined by  
Osvaldo Fajardo, Orlando Blanco, and Javier Plaza, fellow Venezuelan  
bandleader who both penned and sang the track "Dame Dos." Ciudadano  
del Mundo is a first-class, premium quality project that should be at  
the top of your list. Pérez decided to end the project with an  
interpretation of Dizzy Gillespie's "Groovin' High," a Latin jazz  
track arranged by the esteemed Alberto Naranjo, another Venezuelan  
bandleader with years of experience. On it, Bonilla, Gonzaléz, Pérez  
and Rodriguez take turns improvising solos. It's gorgeous, and  
something you probably won't hear on the radio.
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Guanteca Rica (5:54) 2. Dame Dos (4:03) 3. Perdoname (5:09) 4. La  
Azuquita (4:39) 5. Bolero Medley (5:34) 6. Sr. Salsa (4:35) 7. Tu  
Eres La Que Manda (5:59) 8. Ciudadano Del Mundo (5:23) 9. Groovin'  
High (5:44)
$16.98
• Buy Now

JUAN PABLO BARRIOS & HIS SALSA LATIN JAZZ
...Algo Diferente
American Latin Music
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ / SALSA
EditorsPick: Ok, let's get specific: Algo Diferente is a full- 
throttle swinging salsa and mambo jazz project that dancers often  
pine for. Led by Venezuelan timbalero Juan Pablo Barrios, this is  
music that channels the Afro-Latin big band traditions of mixing the  
set with hot uptempo numbers, tasty rich mambos, and dance oriented  
jazz. The salsa tracks, like "La Rumba" and "Godin Guidon" are top  
notch -- some of the hottest salsa tracks you'll hear. The mambo and  
jazz numbers are equally well done and include a funky interpretation  
of Chico Corea's "Diferente." The project is retro in a good way.  
Barrios joins company with, say, the Big Three Palladium Orchestra,  
the Latin Giants of Jazz, and German Villareal who all harken to a  
time of artistic musicality and pure swing pleasure.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Una Rumba 2. Mambo Juan Pa's 3. Pachanga En Changa 4. Timbalito 5.  
My Reviere 6. Algo Diferente 7. Godin Guidon 8. 1,2,3 9. Diferente  
10. Tu Q' Va Ce? 11. Hotel By Willie 12. Cute
$15.98
• Buy Now

INDIO EL SONERO JUAN JOSÉ HERNÁNDEZ
Para Tí Salsero
Euro Compact (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; VENEZUELA
EditorsPick: Venezuelan big band leader Andy Duran is known to have  
top talent in his orchestra, and one of his secret weapons has always  
been Juan José Hernández, also known as Indio El Sonero. Para Tí  
Salsero is El Indio's debut release as a leader, and the statement  
he's making is simple and direct: Salsa dura is alive and well. There  
are original tracks, like the charged title track "Para Ti  
Salsero" (Kleber Agelvis) and "El Indio Llegó" penned by Hernández, a  
composition on which El Indio claims his stake among the greats of  
salsa. It's a furious track that suggests we take this singer very  
seriously. El Indio also takes on some classics, like "Vamanos Pa'l  
Monte," the Eddie Palmieri/Ismael Quintana gem. I loved Yanet Tejo's  
violin solo on "Jardinero Del Amor," the Roberto Nodarse ritmo  
pachanga composition. Careful listeners will recall that this track  
originated with Orquesta Aragón and was later put to action by Larry  
Harlow in his 1976 album of the same title. Another cover, "Moliendo  
Café" is treated as a sublime salsa with solos by violinist Tejo,  
vibes player Jesús Bosque and conguero Katy Ferándes. The José  
Quintero composition "La Caraqueñas," about the women of Caracas, a  
salsa brava arranged originally by Richie Ray in 1968, is a highlight  
here, complete with a gritty trumpet solo by Pedrito "Cumana" Diaz.  
It's perfect.
With arrangements and direction by Andy Duran, EL Indio has clearly  
succeeded in creating a memorable and powerful salsa record. Let's  
hope is the first of many.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Para Ti Salsero (4:34) 2. Manatial De Corazon (4:30) 3. El Indio  
Llego (4:48) 4. Vamonos Pa'l Monte (8:27) 5. Jardinero Del Amor  
(4:28) 6. Moliendo Cafe (5:00) 7. Lo Que Pasa Contigo (3:27) 8. Las  
Caraqueñas (5:14) 9. La Casada Infiel (4:26) 10. La Carupanera (4:23)  
11. Un Cigarrito Y Un Cafe (4:49)
$17.98
• Buy Now

PUERTO RICAN POWER
Salsa Of The Caribbean
Musical Productions
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; PUERTO RICO
EditorsPick: New big, bright and splashy salsa release from Puerto  
Rican Power. These guys create stadium-size sounding records whose  
tracks have infectious hooks and relentless rhythm. Listen to the  
explosive "Esa Mujer," the Pedro Jesús Díaz composition as sung by  
Javier Marrero. It's a tremendous steel-tank number that would be a  
sure thing in the hands of any smart DJ. Also, take a good listen to  
"Gotita a Gota" (Jorge Luis Piloto) - this one begs to be played  
loud. Featuring arrangements from Julio "Gunda" Merced, Alberto  
Barros, Carlos Torres and others, Salsa of The Caribbean is fronted  
by the singers Josue Rosado, Javier Marrero, Javier Marrero, and  
Wilfredo "Kitin" Santiago. Led by the talented trumpter Luisito  
Ayala, the band also boasts timbalero Tommy Oscar Villariny,  
trumpeter Angie Machado, pianist Jaime "Jimmy" Collazo and coroistas  
Nino Segarra, Primi Cruz, Luisito Carrion, Jose "Chegui" Ramos,  
Osvaldo Roman, Josue Rosado and Darvel Garcia. If there's such a  
thing as arena salsa, it would be best typified by the likes of El  
Gran Combo and Puerto Rican Power.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Dame Tus Besos (3:23) 2. Esa Mujer (4:16) 3. Dime, Dame Todo  
(3:23) 4. No Te Puedo Olvidar (4:03) 5. Gotita A Tota (5:19) 6.  
Enseñame (4:53) 7. Voy A Lograr Que Te Enamores (4:15) 8. Ella Tiene  
(4:08)
$15.98
• Buy Now

N' KLABE
La Nueva Escuela 'Nu School'
Universal/Machete
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: This new pop salsa release by N'Klabe, has hormones  
flying every which way. The thing is, when the coro breaks in and  
they get to real singing -- these guys kick it ...hard. Check out  
their interpretation of the Lalo Rodríguez track "Tu No Sabes  
Querer." It's a totally slammin' classic salsa pumped with fresh new  
life. At times, it would be easy to fluff off N'Klabe as a commercial  
boy band. Lord knows they give you enough opportunities -- with  
sophomoric declarations like "Girl you mean the world to me... ooo"  
or "That girl should have been my wife... " -- uttered from what  
sounds like a pimply fifteen year old. And while this may be true,  
it's not the whole truth. That's because for every "El Dia De Tu  
Suerte (Hoy)" there's a "Me Criaron Con Salsa" the Yoel Henríquez and  
Jorge Luis Piloto track that is pure old school and it rocks. The  
cover track, "La Nueva Escuela," is an explosive salsa that offers a  
glimpse of what is possible. Features trombonist Alberto Barros,  
pianist Pablo Grajales, bassist Mike Rivera, trumpeter Dante Vargas  
and others.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Si Ya No Estas 2. Tu No Sabes Querer 3. El Dia De Tu Suerte (Hoy)  
4. Me Criaron Con Salsa 5. Amor De Agua 6. Tu No Le Amas Le Temes 7.  
No Renunciare 8. Que Hay De Malo 9. La Ultima Vez 10. La Nueva  
Escuela 11. Si Ya No Estas (Bilangual) Feat: R.K.M. & Ken-y (remix)
$15.98
• Buy Now

FITO REINOSO
Comunicación
Laughing Tiger
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Cuban-born singer Fito Reinoso pushes the envelope  
further on Comunicación, adding elements of timba ("Tu Vez") as well  
as Afro-Cuban folklore to his unique blend of salsa. Reinoso, based  
on the West Coast, has a warm, deep, voice that I would normally  
associate with a veteran sonero, or even an Akpwon -- a singer of  
Lucumí chants. For salsa, it adds a depth and dimension that a  
younger singer simply cannot conjure. And on timba styled tracks, the  
juxtaposition of Reinoso's vocals against the thick complexity of the  
rhythm works splendidly. This is exemplified best on the gem of a  
cover track, "Comunicación." The contrast defines the beauty of both  
elements. It's a smart and sophisticated number that, for many, could  
be the timba sleeper of the year. Reinoso is joined here by timbalero  
Patricio Angulo (who is also musical director and arranger), bassist  
Michael Lazarus, pianist Jason Moen, trombonist Adam Theis and many  
others. There's a purity of spirit in Fito Reinoso's music:  
unpretentious and on the surface - something I find appealing. Well  
done, indeed.
Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Tu Vez (4:22) 2. Orisan Paguan (6:44) 3. Comunicacion (6:41) 4. No  
Me Pidas Eso (6:28) 5. Se Levanta El Niño (4:43) 6. Pensamiento  
(3:03) 7. La Conoci (6:24) 8. Rumba Sin Permiso (6:35) 9. Meneito  
(4:08) 10. Atormentada (6:04) 11. Pueblo Mio (6:31)
$15.98
• Buy Now

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Tributo Urbano A Héctor Lavoe
Universal/Machete
Originally released: 2007
Category: POP/OTHER; REGGAETON
EditorsPick: What a great idea: team up the best reggaeton singers  
with classic Héctor Lavoe tracks and stand back. Lavoe is both  
sampled and honored with this tribute that includes Don Omar, Angel Y  
Khriz, Hector "El Father," Gallego, La Sista and others. For the  
dance club, it rocks. It's modern and hip, with a knowing wink to  
classic Fania salsa. It's like Run DMC's Aerosmith tribute "Walk This  
Way" for the reggaeton-salsa crowd. Except, of course, Steven Tyler  
and Joe Perry were alive and participated. Hmm, I guess it's not  
exactly like that. It's pretty cool nonetheless. Check out Lavoe with  
La Sista on "Todopoderoso" - real nice. I like this project a lot.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Gallego - Intro 2. El Cantante - Hector Lavoe With Don Omar 3. Mi  
Gente - Hector Lavoe With Angel Y Khriz 4. Triste Y Vacia - The Dey  
5. La Fama - Hector Lavoe With Hector "El Father" 6. Ella Montoo -  
Hector With Mu 7. Todopoderoso - Hector Lavoe With La Sista 8.  
Paraiso De Dulzura - Margo Vi 9. Todo Tiene Su Final - Dalmata 10.  
Mentira - Tres Coronas 11. Timbalero - Hector Lavoe With Gallego 12.  
Calle Luna Calle Sol - Locos Por Juana 13. Songoro Cosongo - Don  
Chezina, Rey Piron, Maiocol, Alberto
$15.98
• Buy Now

JIMMY BOSCH
Jimmy Bosch Y Su Masacote Jam - DVD
JRGR Records
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; SALSA/SON
EditorsPick: Here's a compilation of footage taken from live  
performances that took place in New York, Slovenia, Belgium, France,  
and California. Unfortunately low quality mars what could have been a  
good snapshot of exciting live performances. The upside is that some  
of the best musicians are represented here: Willie Rodriguez, Alfredo  
Rodriguez Jr., Papo Vazquez, Louie Bauzo, George Delgado, Chocolate  
Armenteros, Frankie Vazquez, Eddie Montalvo, Richie Bastar, Joe  
Santiago and a slew of others, too. Of special note is footage of two  
late, great musicians: Mauricio Smith on flute and sax and Mario  
Rivera playing tenor and soprano sax.
For that last reason alone... Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Descargarana (8:34) 2. Pa Mantener Tradicion (10:30) 3. Gaviota  
(12:42) 4. Sigo Cambiando (9:58) 5. Cha Cha Gabriel (7:47) 6. Canta  
Mi Mozambique (9:06) 7. Erben On The Phone (11:10) 8. Crisisde  
Identidad (9:43) 9. Jimmy's Brass Jam (6:07) 10. La Cacharra Jam  
(5:20) 11. Descargarana Jam (10:11) 12. Un Poquito Mas (7:20) 13.  
Vengo De Amor (8:27)
$21.98
• Buy Now

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Salsa En La 10ª Ave. NY '08
Envidia (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Another top-notch collection of terrific salsa compiled  
by Luis Dominguez of Envidia. This years offering features the likes  
of La Solución ("Contigo Valgo Un Millón"), 8 y Más ("Mi Ritmo  
Llegó"), El Gran Combo ("Si La Ves Por Ahí"), Estrellas De Envidia  
("Anacaona"), Spanish Harlem Orchestra ("Se Formó La Rumba"), Victor  
Manuelle ("El Perdedor") and much more. And while there is little  
connection to 10th Avenue and its gentrification (restaurants, condos  
and yuppies), it is, nonetheless, a cracklin' fine bunch of power  
salsa. Don't forget last years compilation - also party worthy.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Si La Ves Por Ahi - El Gran Combo De P.R. (4:36) 2. Pa' La Calle -  
Costa Brava De P.R. (3:29) 3. Yo No Estaba En Na' - Paquito Guzman &  
Paquito Acosta (4:03) 4. Llamame - Oscar D'Leon (4:09) 5. Se Formo La  
Rumba - Spanish Harlem Orchestra (5:33) 6. El Perdedor - Victor  
Manuelle (4:28) 7. Mi Ritmo Llego - 8 Y Mas (4:40) 8. Contigo Valgo  
Un Millon - Orquesta La Solucion (4:01) 9. Zoom Zoom - N'Klabe (4:31)  
10. Aquel Vestido - Mel Martinez (3:46) 11. Campanero - Papo Pepin Y  
Su Orquesta (4:18) 12. Guarachero De Esquina - Elsindicato De La  
Salsa (3:58) 13. Descarga Pa'l Bailador - Alex Leon (6:42) 14. Pa'  
Bravo Yo - Pan Con Chocolate (5:43) 15. Anacaona - Estrellas De  
Envidia (4:51) 16. La Fuga - Pedro Brull & Puertoriqueña (4:10)
$15.98
• Buy Now

JOSÉ MANGUAL JR.
40 Años De Exitos: Complete Su Coleccion 2-CD Set
Velvet (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Superb 2-CD compilation of the material José Mangual Jr.  
produced for the Velvet label. 40 tracks in all, and includes "Cuero  
Na' Ma," "Tres Bongoseros," "Recuerdos A Chano Pozo," "Suena El  
Tambor" and much more. According to Dr. John Child, "40 Años appears  
to feature tracks not previously reissued from Jose's fourth Velvet  
vinyl release, Lo Que Traigo Es Salsa, which I only found out about  
recently. Plus 40 Años includes some tracks from his first Velvet LP  
Pa' Bailar y Gozar '79 not previously reissued." Here's your chance  
to own a true collectable.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Cuero Na' Ma 2. Negrura 3. Campanero 4. Salta Perico 5. Tres  
Bongoseros 6. Matriomonio Feliz 7. Brisas De Venezuela 8. Cancion  
Para Los Niños 9. Bomba Eh 10. Campana Mayoral 11. Que Sera De Mi 12.  
Conga - Timbal 13. Recuerdos A Chano Pozo 14. Que Bueno Esa El  
Ambiente 15. Los Tiñosos 16. El Son No Tiene Rival 17. No Aguanto Mas  
18. Hablame Mi Amor 19. Merengando 20. No Me Mires Mas 21. El Mil  
Amores 22. Ingratitudes 23. Vida 24. Increible 25. Suena El  
Tambor...plus 14 More Tunes!!!
$18.98
• Buy Now

FABIAN
Necesito Alguien - Pura Salsa
Fabian/Musicameasy
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: From Miami, a new pop salsa release by singer Fabian who  
is also joined by Jay Lozada on the track "Por Ella." The power-track  
"Que Forma" is destined for the dance club. With trombonist Alberto  
Barros, congueros Douglas Guevara and Richard Bravo, Dante Vargas on  
trumpet, coroistas Kevin Ceballo, Willy Torres, Guianko Gomez and  
others.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Alguien Que Tu Amor Me Quite 2. Que Forma 3. Por Ella (a Duo Con  
Jay Lozada) 4. Vuelve 5. Ya Te Olvide 6. Como Tito (Lo Toco) 7. Donde  
Andaras 8. La Historia De Tu Vida
$15.98
• Buy Now

MAELO RUIZ
...Puro Corazón
Codiscos (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA COLOMBIA
EditorsPick: New salsa release by Maelo Ruiz recorded in Colombia.  
Ruiz' salsa is always dependable, with drive and robust delivery. And  
while Mr. Ruiz is often lyrically romantic, musically the tracks are  
harder than that, with a tight fist of a coro section and trumpet  
driving power. With Sergio Munera, Alvaro Cabarcas "Pelusa," Diego  
and Jimmy Gale, Herman "Tato-Tatin", Morist Jimenez and others.  
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Culpable O No 2. Y Es Por Ti 3. No Me Digas Que Te Vas 4. Aroma De  
Mujer 5. Amor No Me Ignores 6. Amiga 7. He Vuelto Por Ti 8. Muero De  
Amor 9. Entregate 10. Y Si Ella No Vuelve 11. La Unica 12. Sin  
Corazon 13. Mentiras Que Matan 14. Vino Para Mi Copa
$15.98
• Buy Now

ORQUESTA LA FUGA
Pisando Duro
Fuga Productions (original import)
Originally released: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA COLOMBIA; COLOMBIA
EditorsPick: Here's a fine uptempo pop salsa from Colombia. La Fuga's  
sound, with its fast heartbeat and use of bright horns as well as  
baritone sax, has as much in common with the best salsa from Puerto  
Rico as it does with that of Colombia. And while it would be hard to  
find earmarks to identify it as a product of Colombia, it would  
suggest that the elements of salsa are quite universal and there for  
the taking. There are also a few tracks where the Cuban reggaeton  
artist Candyman fills in a few breaks. It's all vibrant, vital and  
full of youthful spirit. Excellent party and club material. With  
conguero Douglas Guevara, timbalero Carlos Sabogal "Caliche," and,  
among others, Kim De Los Santos on coro.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Perdí Por Lento 2. Me Tomas O Me Dejas 3. Marchate 4. Sufre Por Mi  
5. Deseo 6. Dame 7. Borrando Tus Huellas (feat. Candyman y Leka El  
Poeta) 8. Para Que Brille Su Estrella 9. Te Diré Que Nó (feat.  
Candyman y Leka El Poeta) 10. Ay, Oi, Vere
$15.98
• Buy Now

CINTRON
Latin Soul
Camjam
Originally released: 2007
Category: LATIN SOUL/BOOGALOO; LATIN SOUL, BOOGALOO
EditorsPick: New Jersey based Cintron, led by timbalero Edgardo  
Cintron, has a dedicated local following. The band is made up of  
seasoned musicians that "blend Caribbean rhythms with dance friendly  
Latin Jazz, crossover Latin Pop, bilingual salsa, and old-school  
R&B." This latest project features jazzy salsa, Latin soul, a Philly  
soul medley (Together - I'm Stone In Love With You - You Take My  
Heart Away - La La Means I Love You) and more. It's all well done,  
very danceable and a heck of a lot fun. The band can jam, too. Check  
out the jazz-descarga "Eddie's Influence" and hear what they can do.  
Cintron's timbales nearly explode on this one. Also with conguero  
Hector Rosado, trombonist Don Collins, singers Anthony Bartolomeo,  
Tony Perez, Rocco and Bob DePersia, and JAYAR. Much of Cintron will  
appeal to oldies radio fans (Cousin Brucie or Rhythm Review with  
Felix Hernández), but I'm a sucker for falsetto...
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Cintron's Latin Soul (3:59) 2. Old School Philly (Together - I'm  
Stone In Love With You - You Take My Heart Away - La La Means I Love  
You) (5:37) 3. City Of Brotherly Love (3:22) 4. Eddie's Influence  
(5:09) 5. One More Song (2:54) 6. Are You The One? (4:01) 7. NADA  
(4:02) 8. Jelly Jam (4:23) 9. City Of Camden (4:50) 10. Together  
Alone (3:31) 11. Just Go Back (3:24) 12. Bonus Track (:50)
$15.98
• Buy Now

Highlights from the previous Descarga Review...

LARRY HARLOW
Larry Harlow's Latin Legends Band 1998
Jerry Masucci Music/Sony
Originally released: 1998
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Back in stock! Limited quantities! From 1998...
The long awaited premier Latin Legends CD is here. Harlow continues  
to make rich and spicy dance music with the help of some maestros de  
la Fania and new blood as well. With Johnny Pacheco, Yomo Toro, Bobby  
Sanabria, Jimmy Delgado, Giovanni Hidalgo, Ralph Irizarry, Lewis Kahn  
and many others. And the singers? How about Adalberto Santiago, Pete  
"El Conde" Rodriguez, Ismael Miranda, and Emo Luciano.
Highly recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Marilu 2. El Primero 3. Una Mujer Como Tu 4. Palo Duro 5. Rainbow  
People 6. La Boda De Anna 7. El Jamaiquino 8. Naufrago 9. Caribe 10.  
Latin Legend Theme
$18.98
• Buy Now

LALO RODRIGUEZ
32 Serie Grandes Exitos: 2 CD Set
Universal Venezuela (original import)
Originally released: 2000
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Here's a fine two-CD set compilation of material that  
salsero Lalo Rodriguez had originally recorded for the TH Rodven  
label. Includes "Maximo Chamorro," "Pero Llegaste Tu," "Amame,"  
"Francisco Andante," "Lo Que Me Lastima" and many others. More than  
an hour and 1/2 of music.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Maximo Chamorro 2. Despues De Hacer El Amor 3. Voy A Escarbar Tu  
Cuerpo 4. Pero Llegaste Tu 5. Una Sucursal 6. No Te Importa 7. Tu  
Iluminas 8. Si Te Menti 9. Solo Soy De Ti 10. Amame 11. Ven, Devorame  
Otra Vez 12. Tu Ni Te Piensas 13. No Tuve Nadie 14. Francisco Andante  
15. No Te Voy A Defraudar 16. Te Estoy Pidiendo 17. No Quiero, No  
Puedo 18. Lo Que Me Lastima 19. Dame Tu Corazon 20. Tu No Sabes Querer
$24.98
• Buy Now

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Lo Mejor De Nuestra Música Popular: 15 Años De Éxitos DVD
Banco Popular
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; PERFORMANCE
EditorsPick: This latest Christmas offering from Banco Popular  
features material by Manny Manuel Y Trio Los Condes, Ricky Martin Y  
Marco Antonio Muñiz, Andy Montañez, Juan Luis Guerra, El Gran Combo Y  
Roberto Roena, Glenn Monroig Y Angel "Cucco" Peña, Lucecita Benitez  
and many others.
Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Querube - Manny Manuel Y Trio Los Condes 2. Olvidame - Ednita  
Nazario Y Orquesta Panamericana 3. Y Etonces - Lucecita Benitez 4. Tu  
No Comrendes - Glenn Monroig Y Angel "Cucco" Peña 5. Acompañame -  
Lissette Alvarez Y Chucho Avellanet 6. Amor - Shakira 7. Irresistible/ 
Perdon - Ricky Martin Y Marco Antonio Muñiz 8. Alondra De Los Bosques  
- Danny Rivera Y Dagmar 9. Decimas - Victor M. Reyes Antonio Caban  
Vale 10. La Plena Que Yo Conozco - Michael Stuart Y Marcial Reyes 11.  
Con La Punta Del Pie/El Estilo De Cortijo - Andy Montanez, Fe  
Cortijo, Michael Stuart Y Ismael Rivera, Hijo 12. Manana Por La  
Manana - Olga Tanon Y Plena Libre 13. Que Bonita Luna - Juan Luis  
Guerra, Ruben Blades Y Robi Draco Rosa 14. Borracho No Vale - Jerry  
Rivera, Ruben Blades, Gilberto Santa Rosa Y Roberto Roena 15. El  
Negro Bembon - Victor Manuelle, Tony Vega Y Michael Stuart 16. El  
Caballo Pelotero - Andy Montanez, El Gran Combo Y Roberto Roena 17.  
Jala, Jala - Andy Montanez, El Gran Combo Y Roberto Roena 18. La  
Cocaleca - Chayanne 19. La Mania - Vico C 20. De Tierras Lejanas -  
Coro De Ninos De San Juan 21. Villancico Yaucano - Cesar Hernandez  
22. Caminan Las Nubes - Olga Tanon 23. Comadrita La Rana - Tito El  
Bambino 24. Navidad Contigo - Alejandro Fernandez 25. La Parranda -  
Varios ...plus Six More Tunes!!!
$24.98
• Buy Now

LOS HERMANOS MORENO
Sopa De Pichón
Universal/Callejero/Tropical Budda
Originally released: 1990
Reissued: 2007
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
EditorsPick: Back in stock! Formerly titled No Me Vuelvo Enamorar  
(TTH 1951).
These guys were huge in the late '80s and '90s, playing to screaming  
crowds at mega salsa shows. Their tight, fiery brand of salsa  
combined with their lovable on-stage presence and choreography made  
them an instant hit at the clubs. This excellent straight ahead salsa  
release from 1990 had virtually disappeared, and we are happy to see  
its reappearance. Features Papo Lucca on piano (he also produced it),  
Johnny Rodriguez on congas, Junior Vega on trumpet and vocals by  
Jorge "Piro" Rivera.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. No Me Vuelvo A Enamorar 2. Canto A Un Amigo 3. Eres Mia 4.  
Contento En El Pueblo 5. Bochinchosa 6. Sopa De Pichon 7. Comienzo  
Una Nueva Vida
$15.98
• Buy Now

PUERTO RICO GOLDEN JAZZ ALL STARS
Al Rojo Vivo: Live In PR DVD
Mundo Libre
Originally released: 2007
Category: DVD; LATIN JAZZ; PUERTO RICO
EditorsPick: Here's a thoroughly mesmerizing Latin jazz set recorded  
live in Carolina, Puerto Rico. Led by extraordinary pianist Eric  
Figueroa, the ensemble features drummer Endel Dueño, conguero Richie  
Flores, bassist Ramón Vázquez, and veteran flautist Dave Valentin.  
This funky and riveting show is a tour-de-force of not only chops but  
of ideas too. These guys really stretch here, performing "First  
Thing's First," an original track by Figueroa, Rafael Hernández' "El  
Cumbanchero," "Piel Canela" by Bobby Capó, Wayne Shorter's  
"Footprints" and more. One of the better Latin jazz DVDs out there...
Highly Recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. First Thing's First 2. El Cumbanchero 3. Mi Jaragual Felipe 4.  
Piel Canela 5. La Morena De Mi Copla 6. Footprints 7. Morning 8. Y 9.  
Obsesion
$19.98
• Buy Now

ORLANDO POLEO
Cimarroneando
AVR
Originally released: 1995
Reissued: 2003
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ; VENEZUELA
EditorsPick: Back in stock! Direct from Venezuela, this is a dazzling  
combination of virtuoso Latin jazz and sizzling salsa. With  
compositions by Orlando Valle 'Maraca' (who also plays flute here --  
he also arranged most of the material), Orlando Poleo, Alfredo  
Naranjo, Jose Gonzalez and Alberto Vergara, this explosive material  
is guaranteed to ignite on contact. Poleo is a monster conguero who  
cannot be contained. While the Latin jazz tunes are certainly tour-de- 
force exhibitions in the realm of, say, Cuba's supergroup Irakere, it  
is the salsa compositions like Poleo's own "La Clave" and Jose  
Gonzalez' "Ahora Baila" that shine with a high polished brilliance.
This is big, splashy material, and it is true to form for projects  
associated with Maraca, who always turns the intensity up, up, up.
Highly recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. Sangre Negra (3:51) 2. Como El Primer Dia (4:58) 3. La Clave  
(4:35) 4. Rolandito (4:52) 5. Ahora Baila (5:41) 6. Voy Pa'lante  
(3:57) 7. Los Hermanos (4:57) 8. Cinarroneando (4:27) 9. Somos  
Cimarrones (5:55)
$18.98
• Buy Now

ORLANDO POLEO
El Buen Camino
AVR (original import)
Originally released: 2003
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ; VENEZUELA
EditorsPick: Back in stock! Poleo does it again. The Venezuelan  
percussionist's second project begins with the excitement generated  
from his finely crafted debut release, Cimarroneando, and runs with  
it. Like his previous release, El Buen Camino alternates between high  
octane Latin jazz and sizzling salsa tracks. And, like the first one,  
Cuba's infinitely talented Orlando "Maraca" Valle has either composed  
or arranged several of the tracks here, including the title track on  
which the legendary Cuban pianist Jesús "Chucho" Valdés (leader of  
Irakere) is a guest pianist. Other special guests include Pedro  
Escalante and Allen Holst. Special mention should be made of vocalist  
Edgar Quijada, who does a superb job. Listen to "Tumbador." That  
smoker will pull the dancers onto the dance floor, for sure. A Latin  
jazz / salsa must-have.
Highly recommended. (BP)
SONG TITLES:
1. El Buen Camino (5:18) 2. Recordando (5:00) 3. Merengue De Hoy Para  
O.P. (5:14) 4. Teresa (4:02) 5. A Tiempo (5:05) 6. Chachaworo (4:45)  
7. Tumbador (6:10) 8. Renacimiento (5:00) 9. Selva (4:34) 10. Canto A  
Chango (5:48) 11. Cimarroneando Dos (4:07)
$18.98
• Buy Now

• Interview:
Nicky Marrero
A conversation with John Child
Master timbalero and percussionist Nicky Marrero was ubiquitous  
during the 1970s New York salsa boom, playing and recording with  
Eddie Palmieri, Larry Harlow, Ismael Miranda, Típica Novel, Louie  
Cruz, Fania All Stars, Machito, and on, and on - not to mention  
Típica 73! One of the tightest rhythm guys ever, his style is a  
hybrid of the greats: Manny Oquendo, Tito Puente and Orestes Vilató.  
He is still mesmerising on stage, whether playing Latin or straight  
jazz. His place in salsa history is secure and truly deserved. John  
Child and Ray Rosado speak to Nicky about his extensive career,  
stylistic contributions and innovations. The interview is followed by  
a selected discography of the Latin and jazz albums on which Nicky  
has performed.
Continues here.

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

Help a friend to subscribe:
If you know someone who is interested, please let them know that they  
should send a message with "subscribe" as the Subject to
Descarga-Announce-request at descarga.com

To Unsubscribe:
Please send a message with "unsubscribe" as the Subject to
Descarga-Announce-request at descarga.com

Descarga.com
328 Flatbush Ave., Suite 180
Brooklyn, NY 11238

Descarga.com
The world's greatest resource for tropical Latin music
http://www.descarga.com

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://mail.descarga.com/pipermail/descarga-announce/attachments/20071224/24f14772/attachment.html 