Black Sugar Sextet: Estamos Azucar....(Latin Sound Records) $11. The Latin vibe sound is back! Currently a revival of Salsa combos using the vibraphone as its principal melodic instrument is gaining ground. Son Boricua, New Swing Sextet, Grupo Latin Vibe and now the Black Sugar Sextet remind us of the sweet vibes flavors honed by Tito Puente, Cal Tjader and Joe Cuba that crossed over to Latino audiences. Led by pianist Lucho Cueto, the core group features Mike Freeman on vibes and Luis Quintero on timbales. Special guests abound and include singers Tito Allen, Jose Mangual Jr. and Kim De Los Santos along with instrumentalists Dave Samuels and Dave Valentin. Hailing from Lima, Peru, Cueto has paid serious dues on the NYC Salsa scene and delivers an album that is dance-oriented and superbly arranged. His original compositions - "Pa' Colombia Entera," "El Muñeco De La Cuidad," "My Funny Zule," "Estamos Azucar," " Scape," - point to his gifted songwriting skill but the two (English and Spanish) versions of Barry Manilow's "Copacabana" is a bit much. Versions of "Anacaona" and "El Condor Pasa" though are outstanding. Saludos to Lucho on his debut as a leader and hope there is more to come! (JV)
Latin Giants of Jazz: Trip To Mamboland (Gigante) $11. The Latin Giants of Jazz salute the beauty and musical complexity of the Latin Big Band on this sophomore outing on Gigante Records. From driving Afro-Caribbean rhythms to the textures and counterpoint of the horn sections weaving flawlessly through songs made to inspire dancers, the masterful leadership of Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez and Jose Madera, two of the greatest Latin percussionists on planet earth, is preserving a sound by exposing it to a new generation of salseros y salseras. Featuring veterans of the Latin big bands of the Big 3 - Machito, Tito Rodriguez and Tito Puente, the special guests include Randy Brecker, who takes a smoking hardbop trumpet solo on “Alex Mambo,” Tom Harrell and Bobby Porcelli. Frankie Vasquez’ vocals are a highlight particularly on the opener “Cuero Na’ Ma.” A brass-rendering of the classic Orquesta Aragon cha-cha, “No Me Molesto,” with an arrangement by Sonny Bravo, rolls into the old Joe Cuba hit by Nick Jimenez, “Trip To Mamboland.” As you keep listening, the sequencing, repertoire bear the stamp of the Palladium Ballroom era when the big bands ruled and the music was made to give people a swing to keep them spinning on the dance floor. (JV)
Various: Son Cuba y Puerto Rico (Producciones E Mi Geba EMG-04) $14. This extraordinary cultural exchange between Puerto Rican and Cuban musicians is an artistic feat worthy of award-winning acclaim. Executive producer Geño Acosta has achieved a quality and creativity that demonstrates the cultural bond between the two Caribbean islands and the musical possibilities. Acosta began his bridge project in the mid-1990s with, "De Aqui Pa'lla," and other the subsequent releases. "Son Cuba y Puerto Rico" is an inspiring continuation that from start-to-finish treats us to a caliber presentation of Salsa, Timba, Son and Latin jazz. "Son Cuba y Puerto Rico" opens the eleven song collection with Cuban singers Jenisel Valdes, Coco Freeman and Tony Cala delivering a tidy dance number composed by Eugenio Acosta Ithier and arranged by Jose Luis Cortes, flutist and bandleader of NG La Banda. Issac Delgado and Tony Cala continue on "Barriste con el," a song written by Samuel Formel and Boris Luna of Los Van Van. The first instrumental is "Hurcá n" featuring Cortes on flute and NG with its famed "metales del terror." The boricuas arrive with the superlative singer-trumpeter Jerry Medina joining Tony Cala on "Manicero," a trumpet happy arrangement by Jose Lugo. Andy Montañez stars on the Bobby Capo classic, "Soñando con Puerto Rico," with the great Chucho Valdes arranging and accompanying on piano. "Sanchez Blue" highlights saxophonist David Sanchez with NG. Giovanni Hidalgo, and Jose Luis Quintana "Changuito," close out the album with "Regalo a Eleggua," a monster Latin jazz instrumental. Tracks: 1. Son Cuba y Puerto Rico, 2. Barrieste con el, 3. Huracan, 4. Manicero, 5. Sonando con Puerto Rico, 6. Sanchez Blue, 7. Bilongo, 8. Cachita, 9. Quiero Llenarte, 10. Canto a mi madre, 11. Regalo a Eleggua. (JV)
Spanish Harlem Orchestra: United We Swing (Six Degrees) $14. If Salsa bliss is your desire, this highly anticipated new album by the SHO will spin you into dancehall ecstasy! The 13 selections drip with the elements of classic NYC Salsa. The date opens with the "SHO Intro," an upbeat Mambo-Cha Cha Cha that serves as a vehicle for bandleader Oscar Hernandez to introduce the members of this stellar ensemble. “Llego La Orquesta,” co-written by Hernandez and Gil Lopez, follows and sets up a sizzling scenario for dancers and listeners alike. “En El Tiempo Del Palladium” pays tribute to the legendary “home of the mambo” - The Palladium Ballroom. Willie Torres’ tune, “Se Forma La Rumba” is insatiable with its potent swing and Oscar advises “Sacala Bailar” on the follow up. A re-make of Justo Betancourt’s hit, “Ahora Si” is a delightful throwback to the 1970s Fania Records era. “Que Bonito” and “Salsa Pa’l Bailador” are pura Salsa Dura. “Mujer Divina” is a retro-cha-cha-cha done in a doowop three-part vocal harmony. “Soy Candela” burns and leads to the smoking “Plena Con Sabor.” “Danzon For My Father” is an instrumental Hernandez wrote for his dad, Emilio Hernandez, and features his superb piano chops. SHO ends the party with special guest Paul Simon and re-work of his 1980 hit, “Late In The Evening/Tarde En La Noche,. from his “One-Trick Pony” album. Hernandez, who collaborated with Simon on his Broadway musical, “Cape Man,” arranged the piece. Savory five star Salsa! Tracks: 1. SHO Intro 2. Llego La Orquesta 3. En El Tiempo Del Palladium 4. Se Forma La Rumba 5. Sacala Bailar 6. Ahora Si 7. Que Bonito 8. Salsa Pa’l Bailador 9. Mujer Divina 10. Soy Candela 11. Plena Con Sabor 12. Danzon For My Father 13. Late In The Evening/Tarde En La Noche (JV)
Roberto Roena: Sr. Bongo (Roan) $11. The court jester of the Fania All Stars, Roberto Roena entertained millions by dying his hair, dancing on stage with choreographed showmanship and taking amazing bongo solos. Now at the age of 67, the Mayaguez-born percussionist is a respected elder who leads his own orchestra in Puerto Rico and still plays like a twenty year old. As "Sr. Bongo" shows, the years have not dimmed his lights but only brightened its glow as he showcases ten highly danceable numbers. Hector "Tempo" Alomar sings lead for the most part and delivers inspired verses on "Sr. Bongo," "Cantar Con Un Amigo," and "Tin Tin Ton Ton." He also contributes two original pieces, "Por Siempre Anibal" and the Mambo big band closer, "Por Siempre Big Band." If you're a fan of Boricua straightahead Salsa, you'll throughly enjoy this album from start to finish! Tracks: 1. Sr. Bongo, 2. No dejes de sonreir, 3. Cantar con un amigo, 4. Tin Tin Ton Ton, 5. Deja que te toque Roberto, 6. Abre Tu Corazon, 7. Canto a la amistad, 8. Por siempre Anibal, 9. Sin rencor, 10. Por Siempre Big Band. (JV)
Mel Martinez: Pa' La Calle (Envidia A70 7167) $10. A protege of Tommy Olivencia, Salsa singer Mel Martinez first came to international attention a few years ago as part of "Protagonistas De La Salsa." Today, this talented artist shows he is his own man with a style that is polished and distinct. Born in Connecticut (but raised in Puerto Rico), Martinez cites Frankie Ruiz as a major influence. Paying dues singing with Olivencia, La Solucion, Roberto Roena and others, he busts out with an impressive debut on "Pa' La Calle" that will add new fans to his entourage. Tracks: 1. Como Tu No Hay Dos, 2. Llego lo que esperabas, 3. Amor de aquella noche, 4. El Comentario, 5. Mi Vecina, 6. Mucho cuidado conmigo, 7. Aquel vestido, 8. Yo necesito compartir contigo, 9. Mas de ti, 10. Dicen que amor.
8 y Mas: Juega Billar (Q&A Productions) $10. Forget about it! This album is a no-brainer for lovers of NYC Salsa! This impressive cast is led by percussionist Bobby Allende and present a repertoire of dance hall classics arranged by Ricky Gonzalez and Angel Fernandez. "Juega Billar" features Frankie Vasquez on lead vocals for the most part with Tito Nieves and Domingo Quiñones guesting on "Toro Mata." Tracks: 1. Mi ritmo llego, 2. Siete Mujeres, 3. Pa' Colombia, 4. La Maleta, 5. La Pelota, 6. Esa Prieta, 7. Plantacion Adentro, 8. Vamos a reir un poco, 9. Toro Mata, 10. Para Ray. (JV)
Various: The Rough Guide to Salsa Dura NYC(Music Rough Guides RGNET 1177CD) $14. There is a rose in the New York City neighborhoods of Spanish Harlem and The Bronx and its called Salsa. While the E-musica reissues of the Fania Records catalog remind us of Salsa’s renaissance age, The Rough Guide to Salsa Dura NYC shows us how these hard driving sounds never really went away. Compiled by Pablo Iglesias, aka DJ Bongohead, the eleven tracks open with Eddie Palmieri and La Perfecta II doing “Lo Que Traigo Es Sabroso II.” From there its dancehall mayhem with Wayne Gorbea “Estamos En Salsa,” Los Soneros Del Barrio, Jimmy Delgado, Chino Nuñez, Chico Alvarez, Jimmy Bosch, George Delgado, Las Estrellas Cobo, Ricky Gonzalez and Joe Quijano. Brass and percussion heavy arrangement put the pedal-to-the-metal and are sequenced for a non-stop party that last 61 minutes. My favorite is “Mi Rumba Es Candela,” by Ricky Gonzalez, which features the great Ray Barretto on a driving conga solo. Obvious omissions include the Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Libre but maybe if this collection is a hit there will be a volume two. Tracks: 1. Lo Que Traigo Es Sabroso II - Eddie Palmieri, 2. Estamos En Salsa - Wayne Gorbea 3. Babaila - Los Soneros De Barrio, 4. Naci Rumbero - Jimmy Delgado, 5. Aqui Cada Uno Viene Con Lo Suyo - Chino Nunez, 6. Oigan Mi Rumba - Chico Alvarez, 7. El Embajador - Jimmy Bosch, 8. Mi Ritmo Llego - George Delgado, 9. Don Ramon - Las Estrellas Cobo, 10. Mi Rumba Es Candela - Ricky Gonzalez, 11. I Get A Kick Out Of You - Joe Quijano. (JV)
Johnny Pacheco: Mi Musica Es Para Ti (FUEL-308). In 1960 a young flautist named Johnny Pacheco went into a New York City recording studio with famed Cuban pianist/arranger/composer Rene Hernandez. What resulted was a big band date that would mark his beginnings as a recording artist. Pacheco's playing is strong and shows the keen ear the Dominican-born instrumentalist had for influences like Richard Egues and Jose Fajardo. He was 25 years old when he did this, and perhaps over shadowed by Hernandez, but what resulted would not be released until 1981 on the Coco Record label with the title, “Early Rhythms.” What it features is a big band date jammed packed with Mambos and Cha Cha’s. It is impossible to talk about New York Salsa without recognizing the huge contribution of Johnny Pacheco. From his pachanga past to his leadership as a co-founder of Fania Records, Pacheco is an icon and “Mi Musica Es Para Ti” is a chance to hear the sound of his formative years. Largely instrumental. Great collectors item! Tracks: Nicolasa, El Bodeguero, Cero Codazos, Patricia, Mambo Inn, Cha Cha Rene, Clap Your Hands Cha Cha, Cha Cha Castanetas, Oyeme Mama, Mi Musica Es Para Ti, Sambia, and Corazon De Melon. (JV)
Willie Rosario: Platino (Universal/Rodven 863 673 167-2). Timbalero-bandleader Willie Rosario is now a living legend having delivered excellent Salsa with a sound all his own. From Coamo, Puerto Rico, he started his first band at 16 before relocating to New York City where he apprenticed with Noro Morales and others. His ascension as a bandleader happened in the early 1960s and there are some fine albums on the Alegre, ATCO and Inca labels that attest to his musical vision. Known for his trumpets and baritone sax combination, Rosario helped launch some of the biggest stars in Salsa today. On "Platino" we hear material from his years with TH-Rodven in the 1980s with great singers on board like Tony Vega, Gilberto Santarosa and Pupy Cantor. This album cooks with steaming Boricua Salsa! Tracks: "Mi Amigo El Payaso," "La Mitad," "El Antifaz," "Ignorante," "A Todo Cuba Le Gusta," "Atizame El Fogon," "Amigo," "El Condenado." (JV)
Truko & Zaperoko: Fusión Caribeña (RykoLatino RLCD 1013) Founded in the 1980s by trombonist Edwin Feliciano and percussionist Frankie Rodriguez, Truko & Zaperoko is an acclaimed ensemble for its fusion of contemporary Cuban Songo with the traditional Boricua beats of Bomba y Plena. This album is the debut outing for this aggregation and released in 1999. 1. Vamonos Pa'l Carnaval, 2. Conchita, 3. El Cuarto De Tula, 4. Te Gusta El Dulce, 5. La Noticia Del Dia, 6. Porque Adore, 7. A Ti Na Ma, 8. Margarita, 9. Brilla El Sol. (JV)
Grupo Caribe: Somos Caribeños (CMS-056). This powerhouse album is a joy for its musicality and swing. Led by pianist Sergio Rivera, with renown percussionist Louis Bauso serving as co-musical director, "Somos Caribeños" is a top notch effort that is both an enjoyable listen and a magnet that will pull you to get up and dance. Paying tribute to the heyday of Salsa with a stellar frontline of singers that includes Luisito Ayala, Herman Olivera, and Tito Allen, the arrangements drip with the percussive brass ideas of Tito Puente and a warm honest audio recording. This is the Summer hit for Salseros y Salseras in the know. Tracks: 1. Saludando 2. El Rey, 3. Homenaje A Los Bailadores, 4. Somos Caribeños, 5. Bobby Capo, 6. Tambo La Rumba, 7. Negro De Sociedad, 8. Bongo, 9. A La Buena De Dios, 10. La Comparsa De Los Rumberos. )
Ray Martinez & Sabor Criollo: Alto Nivel (TNP Records TNP-818495). For decades, the arranging work and bass playing of Ray Martinez has propelled the music of countless artists. From the Dominican Republic, he has performed and recorded with lumionaries like Mongo Santamaria, Celia Cruz, Johnny Pacheco, Ray Barretto, Dave Valentin, Hector Lavoe, Ismael Rivera, Tipica 73, Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez, and others. Founder of Conjunto Tipico Criollo, Ray has produced three well recieved albums. Unfortunately most of his earlier work is out-of-print but this fourth outing, "Alto Nivel" (High Quality), shows how this NYC-based band has evolved into a hot ensemble with the likes of Ralph Irizarry (timbales) and an illustrious cast of special guests. To listen or dance, you won't be disappointed. Tracks: 1. La Diosa, 2. Amor Pa' Que, 3. Fantasia, 4. Nuestra Musica, 5. Ella, 6. Sonero y Clave, 7. Mujer Perjura, 8. Los Curiosos, 9. Mambo Show, 10. Vecinita. (JV)
Black Sugar Sextet: Estamos Azucar....(Latin Sound Records) $11. The Latin vibe sound is back! Currently a revival of Salsa combos using the vibraphone as its principal melodic instrument is gaining ground. Son Boricua, New Swing Sextet, Grupo Latin Vibe and now the Black Sugar Sextet remind us of the sweet vibes flavors honed by Tito Puente, Cal Tjader and Joe Cuba that crossed over to Latino audiences. Led by pianist Lucho Cueto, the core group features Mike Freeman on vibes and Luis Quintero on timbales. Special guests abound and include singers Tito Allen, Jose Mangual Jr. and Kim De Los Santos along with instrumentalists Dave Samuels and Dave Valentin. Hailing from Lima, Peru, Cueto has paid serious dues on the NYC Salsa scene and delivers an album that is dance-oriented and superbly arranged. His original compositions - "Pa' Colombia Entera," "El Muñeco De La Cuidad," "My Funny Zule," "Estamos Azucar," " Scape," - point to his gifted songwriting skill but the two (English and Spanish) versions of Barry Manilow's "Copacabana" is a bit much. Versions of "Anacaona" and "El Condor Pasa" though are outstanding. Saludos to Lucho on his debut as a leader and hope there is more to come! (JV)
Latin Giants of Jazz: Trip To Mamboland (Gigante) $11. The Latin Giants of Jazz salute the beauty and musical complexity of the Latin Big Band on this sophomore outing on Gigante Records. From driving Afro-Caribbean rhythms to the textures and counterpoint of the horn sections weaving flawlessly through songs made to inspire dancers, the masterful leadership of Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez and Jose Madera, two of the greatest Latin percussionists on planet earth, is preserving a sound by exposing it to a new generation of salseros y salseras. Featuring veterans of the Latin big bands of the Big 3 - Machito, Tito Rodriguez and Tito Puente, the special guests include Randy Brecker, who takes a smoking hardbop trumpet solo on “Alex Mambo,” Tom Harrell and Bobby Porcelli. Frankie Vasquez’ vocals are a highlight particularly on the opener “Cuero Na’ Ma.” A brass-rendering of the classic Orquesta Aragon cha-cha, “No Me Molesto,” with an arrangement by Sonny Bravo, rolls into the old Joe Cuba hit by Nick Jimenez, “Trip To Mamboland.” As you keep listening, the sequencing, repertoire bear the stamp of the Palladium Ballroom era when the big bands ruled and the music was made to give people a swing to keep them spinning on the dance floor. (JV) 
Various: Son Cuba y Puerto Rico (Producciones E Mi Geba EMG-04) $14. This extraordinary cultural exchange between Puerto Rican and Cuban musicians is an artistic feat worthy of award-winning acclaim. Executive producer Geño Acosta has achieved a quality and creativity that demonstrates the cultural bond between the two Caribbean islands and the musical possibilities. Acosta began his bridge project in the mid-1990s with, "De Aqui Pa'lla," and other the subsequent releases. "Son Cuba y Puerto Rico" is an inspiring continuation that from start-to-finish treats us to a caliber presentation of Salsa, Timba, Son and Latin jazz. "Son Cuba y Puerto Rico" opens the eleven song collection with Cuban singers Jenisel Valdes, Coco Freeman and Tony Cala delivering a tidy dance number composed by Eugenio Acosta Ithier and arranged by Jose Luis Cortes, flutist and bandleader of NG La Banda. Issac Delgado and Tony Cala continue on "Barriste con el," a song written by Samuel Formel and Boris Luna of Los Van Van. The first instrumental is "Hurcá n" featuring Cortes on flute and NG with its famed "metales del terror." The boricuas arrive with the superlative singer-trumpeter Jerry Medina joining Tony Cala on "Manicero," a trumpet happy arrangement by Jose Lugo. Andy Montañez stars on the Bobby Capo classic, "Soñando con Puerto Rico," with the great Chucho Valdes arranging and accompanying on piano. "Sanchez Blue" highlights saxophonist David Sanchez with NG. Giovanni Hidalgo, and Jose Luis Quintana "Changuito," close out the album with "Regalo a Eleggua," a monster Latin jazz instrumental. Tracks: 1. Son Cuba y Puerto Rico, 2. Barrieste con el, 3. Huracan, 4. Manicero, 5. Sonando con Puerto Rico, 6. Sanchez Blue, 7. Bilongo, 8. Cachita, 9. Quiero Llenarte, 10. Canto a mi madre, 11. Regalo a Eleggua. (JV)
Spanish Harlem Orchestra: United We Swing (Six Degrees) $14. If Salsa bliss is your desire, this highly anticipated new album by the SHO will spin you into dancehall ecstasy! The 13 selections drip with the elements of classic NYC Salsa. The date opens with the "SHO Intro," an upbeat Mambo-Cha Cha Cha that serves as a vehicle for bandleader Oscar Hernandez to introduce the members of this stellar ensemble. “Llego La Orquesta,” co-written by Hernandez and Gil Lopez, follows and sets up a sizzling scenario for dancers and listeners alike. “En El Tiempo Del Palladium” pays tribute to the legendary “home of the mambo” - The Palladium Ballroom. Willie Torres’ tune, “Se Forma La Rumba” is insatiable with its potent swing and Oscar advises “Sacala Bailar” on the follow up. A re-make of Justo Betancourt’s hit, “Ahora Si” is a delightful throwback to the 1970s Fania Records era. “Que Bonito” and “Salsa Pa’l Bailador” are pura Salsa Dura. “Mujer Divina” is a retro-cha-cha-cha done in a doowop three-part vocal harmony. “Soy Candela” burns and leads to the smoking “Plena Con Sabor.” “Danzon For My Father” is an instrumental Hernandez wrote for his dad, Emilio Hernandez, and features his superb piano chops. SHO ends the party with special guest Paul Simon and re-work of his 1980 hit, “Late In The Evening/Tarde En La Noche,. from his “One-Trick Pony” album. Hernandez, who collaborated with Simon on his Broadway musical, “Cape Man,” arranged the piece. Savory five star Salsa! Tracks: 1. SHO Intro 2. Llego La Orquesta 3. En El Tiempo Del Palladium 4. Se Forma La Rumba 5. Sacala Bailar 6. Ahora Si 7. Que Bonito 8. Salsa Pa’l Bailador 9. Mujer Divina 10. Soy Candela 11. Plena Con Sabor 12. Danzon For My Father 13. Late In The Evening/Tarde En La Noche (JV)
Roberto Roena: Sr. Bongo (Roan) $11. The court jester of the Fania All Stars, Roberto Roena entertained millions by dying his hair, dancing on stage with choreographed showmanship and taking amazing bongo solos. Now at the age of 67, the Mayaguez-born percussionist is a respected elder who leads his own orchestra in Puerto Rico and still plays like a twenty year old. As "Sr. Bongo" shows, the years have not dimmed his lights but only brightened its glow as he showcases ten highly danceable numbers. Hector "Tempo" Alomar sings lead for the most part and delivers inspired verses on "Sr. Bongo," "Cantar Con Un Amigo," and "Tin Tin Ton Ton." He also contributes two original pieces, "Por Siempre Anibal" and the Mambo big band closer, "Por Siempre Big Band." If you're a fan of Boricua straightahead Salsa, you'll throughly enjoy this album from start to finish! Tracks: 1. Sr. Bongo, 2. No dejes de sonreir, 3. Cantar con un amigo, 4. Tin Tin Ton Ton, 5. Deja que te toque Roberto, 6. Abre Tu Corazon, 7. Canto a la amistad, 8. Por siempre Anibal, 9. Sin rencor, 10. Por Siempre Big Band. (JV) 
Mel Martinez: Pa' La Calle (Envidia A70 7167) $10. A protege of Tommy Olivencia, Salsa singer Mel Martinez first came to international attention a few years ago as part of "Protagonistas De La Salsa." Today, this talented artist shows he is his own man with a style that is polished and distinct. Born in Connecticut (but raised in Puerto Rico), Martinez cites Frankie Ruiz as a major influence. Paying dues singing with Olivencia, La Solucion, Roberto Roena and others, he busts out with an impressive debut on "Pa' La Calle" that will add new fans to his entourage. Tracks: 1. Como Tu No Hay Dos, 2. Llego lo que esperabas, 3. Amor de aquella noche, 4. El Comentario, 5. Mi Vecina, 6. Mucho cuidado conmigo, 7. Aquel vestido, 8. Yo necesito compartir contigo, 9. Mas de ti, 10. Dicen que amor. 
8 y Mas: Juega Billar (Q&A Productions) $10. Forget about it! This album is a no-brainer for lovers of NYC Salsa! This impressive cast is led by percussionist Bobby Allende and present a repertoire of dance hall classics arranged by Ricky Gonzalez and Angel Fernandez. "Juega Billar" features Frankie Vasquez on lead vocals for the most part with Tito Nieves and Domingo Quiñones guesting on "Toro Mata." Tracks: 1. Mi ritmo llego, 2. Siete Mujeres, 3. Pa' Colombia, 4. La Maleta, 5. La Pelota, 6. Esa Prieta, 7. Plantacion Adentro, 8. Vamos a reir un poco, 9. Toro Mata, 10. Para Ray. (JV)
Various: The Rough Guide to Salsa Dura NYC (Music Rough Guides RGNET 1177CD) $14. There is a rose in the New York City neighborhoods of Spanish Harlem and The Bronx and its called Salsa. While the E-musica reissues of the Fania Records catalog remind us of Salsa’s renaissance age, The Rough Guide to Salsa Dura NYC shows us how these hard driving sounds never really went away. Compiled by Pablo Iglesias, aka DJ Bongohead, the eleven tracks open with Eddie Palmieri and La Perfecta II doing “Lo Que Traigo Es Sabroso II.” From there its dancehall mayhem with Wayne Gorbea “Estamos En Salsa,” Los Soneros Del Barrio, Jimmy Delgado, Chino Nuñez, Chico Alvarez, Jimmy Bosch, George Delgado, Las Estrellas Cobo, Ricky Gonzalez and Joe Quijano. Brass and percussion heavy arrangement put the pedal-to-the-metal and are sequenced for a non-stop party that last 61 minutes. My favorite is “Mi Rumba Es Candela,” by Ricky Gonzalez, which features the great Ray Barretto on a driving conga solo. Obvious omissions include the Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Libre but maybe if this collection is a hit there will be a volume two. Tracks: 1. Lo Que Traigo Es Sabroso II - Eddie Palmieri, 2. Estamos En Salsa - Wayne Gorbea 3. Babaila - Los Soneros De Barrio, 4. Naci Rumbero - Jimmy Delgado, 5. Aqui Cada Uno Viene Con Lo Suyo - Chino Nunez, 6. Oigan Mi Rumba - Chico Alvarez, 7. El Embajador - Jimmy Bosch, 8. Mi Ritmo Llego - George Delgado, 9. Don Ramon - Las Estrellas Cobo, 10. Mi Rumba Es Candela - Ricky Gonzalez, 11. I Get A Kick Out Of You - Joe Quijano. (JV)
Johnny Pacheco: Mi Musica Es Para Ti (FUEL-308). In 1960 a young flautist named Johnny Pacheco went into a New York City recording studio with famed Cuban pianist/arranger/composer Rene Hernandez. What resulted was a big band date that would mark his beginnings as a recording artist. Pacheco's playing is strong and shows the keen ear the Dominican-born instrumentalist had for influences like Richard Egues and Jose Fajardo. He was 25 years old when he did this, and perhaps over shadowed by Hernandez, but what resulted would not be released until 1981 on the Coco Record label with the title, “Early Rhythms.” What it features is a big band date jammed packed with Mambos and Cha Cha’s. It is impossible to talk about New York Salsa without recognizing the huge contribution of Johnny Pacheco. From his pachanga past to his leadership as a co-founder of Fania Records, Pacheco is an icon and “Mi Musica Es Para Ti” is a chance to hear the sound of his formative years. Largely instrumental. Great collectors item! Tracks: Nicolasa, El Bodeguero, Cero Codazos, Patricia, Mambo Inn, Cha Cha Rene, Clap Your Hands Cha Cha, Cha Cha Castanetas, Oyeme Mama, Mi Musica Es Para Ti, Sambia, and Corazon De Melon. (JV)
Willie Rosario: Platino (Universal/Rodven 863 673 167-2). Timbalero-bandleader Willie Rosario is now a living legend having delivered excellent Salsa with a sound all his own. From Coamo, Puerto Rico, he started his first band at 16 before relocating to New York City where he apprenticed with Noro Morales and others. His ascension as a bandleader happened in the early 1960s and there are some fine albums on the Alegre, ATCO and Inca labels that attest to his musical vision. Known for his trumpets and baritone sax combination, Rosario helped launch some of the biggest stars in Salsa today. On "Platino" we hear material from his years with TH-Rodven in the 1980s with great singers on board like Tony Vega, Gilberto Santarosa and Pupy Cantor. This album cooks with steaming Boricua Salsa! Tracks: "Mi Amigo El Payaso," "La Mitad," "El Antifaz," "Ignorante," "A Todo Cuba Le Gusta," "Atizame El Fogon," "Amigo," "El Condenado." (JV)
Truko & Zaperoko: Fusión Caribeña (RykoLatino RLCD 1013) Founded in the 1980s by trombonist Edwin Feliciano and percussionist Frankie Rodriguez, Truko & Zaperoko is an acclaimed ensemble for its fusion of contemporary Cuban Songo with the traditional Boricua beats of Bomba y Plena. This album is the debut outing for this aggregation and released in 1999. 1. Vamonos Pa'l Carnaval, 2. Conchita, 3. El Cuarto De Tula, 4. Te Gusta El Dulce, 5. La Noticia Del Dia, 6. Porque Adore, 7. A Ti Na Ma, 8. Margarita, 9. Brilla El Sol. (JV)
Grupo Caribe: Somos Caribeños (CMS-056). This powerhouse album is a joy for its musicality and swing. Led by pianist Sergio Rivera, with renown percussionist Louis Bauso serving as co-musical director, "Somos Caribeños" is a top notch effort that is both an enjoyable listen and a magnet that will pull you to get up and dance. Paying tribute to the heyday of Salsa with a stellar frontline of singers that includes Luisito Ayala, Herman Olivera, and Tito Allen, the arrangements drip with the percussive brass ideas of Tito Puente and a warm honest audio recording. This is the Summer hit for Salseros y Salseras in the know. Tracks: 1. Saludando 2. El Rey, 3. Homenaje A Los Bailadores, 4. Somos Caribeños, 5. Bobby Capo, 6. Tambo La Rumba, 7. Negro De Sociedad, 8. Bongo, 9. A La Buena De Dios, 10. La Comparsa De Los Rumberos. ) 
Ray Martinez & Sabor Criollo: Alto Nivel (TNP Records TNP-818495). For decades, the arranging work and bass playing of Ray Martinez has propelled the music of countless artists. From the Dominican Republic, he has performed and recorded with lumionaries like Mongo Santamaria, Celia Cruz, Johnny Pacheco, Ray Barretto, Dave Valentin, Hector Lavoe, Ismael Rivera, Tipica 73, Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez, and others. Founder of Conjunto Tipico Criollo, Ray has produced three well recieved albums. Unfortunately most of his earlier work is out-of-print but this fourth outing, "Alto Nivel" (High Quality), shows how this NYC-based band has evolved into a hot ensemble with the likes of Ralph Irizarry (timbales) and an illustrious cast of special guests. To listen or dance, you won't be disappointed. Tracks: 1. La Diosa, 2. Amor Pa' Que, 3. Fantasia, 4. Nuestra Musica, 5. Ella, 6. Sonero y Clave, 7. Mujer Perjura, 8. Los Curiosos, 9. Mambo Show, 10. Vecinita. (JV) 