Various: Live at Jelly's - Club Havana Summer Salsa Series 2008 (Jelly's). The 7 tracks represented on this home spun compilation are a great example of the caliber Salsa being produced in the Bay Area today. Recorded live over the Summer of 2008, the collection opens with Louie Romero & Mazacote doing "Si Tu No, La Otra." It features Manny Martinez on vocals, who leads the band into a high energy spin with a strong and urgent performance. The top notch musicianship reflects in the great solos too from the instrumentalists like Peter Cornell (sax). But it's Romero who takes it over the top with a rhythmically inventive solos demonstrating why he is a legend around these parts.
Of the bands represented, Anthony Blea y su Charanga, Ritmo y Armonia, and Avance, have all recorded and released album projects, but it's those unrecorded bands like Karibali, co-led by Karl Perrazzo and Michael Spiro, that show you the gems of undiscovered talent hee in the SF Bay. Add to that list Eric Rangel y su Orquesta America with Monchi Estevez on vocals, and Rumbache, the band led by percussionist Patricio Angulo featuring Lina Luna on vocals.
Props to Clarice Lacau and Ricci Cornell of Jelly's, a dance cafe located in the piers over the 3rd St. Bridge from Pac Bell Park (home to the SF Giants), for producing this great Summer time aural treat. Engineer Andrew Freid recorded, mixed and mastered the majority of the project and has got to be given props for capturing great audio in an acoustically poor environment. They made it work and shows what a swinging dance scene they have nurtured in the club. (JV)
Luis Acosta: Te Lo Digo Cantando (LA). Luis Acosta is a gifted South Bay singer who is making a name for himself in Christian music. Part of the "Salsa Sagrada" movement coming out of Puerto Rico, Luis follows this path on his debut album, "Te Lo Digo Cantando." Based in San Jose, CA., Luis is a sonero 'de primera calidad' who with faith intact delivers an inspired album that is enlightening but not preachy. The grooves and arrangements are exceptional and much credit is due to the talented producer, Willie Ruiz, a master of the Salsa Dura texture, for creating a swinging musical foundation with super cast of musicians like Chino Nuñez. Luis has a thin contralto voice that he uses wisely by never pushing his range too far but keeping it strong with clear phrasing and diction for his evangelical inspiraciones. "Dime Si Lo Conoces" is a hard driving opener with other stand out tracks like "Carpintero," "Vuelvo A Sentirme Soñador," and "Como Sera." (JV)
Chembo Corniel & Grupo Chaworo: Things I Wanted To Do (Chemboro Records)
Solid NYC Latin jazz is what Wilson "Chembo" Corniel delivers on his 4th album as a leader. "Things I Wanted To Do" gels with a nucleus cast of gifted musicians like Ivan Renta (sax), Elio Villafranca (piano), Carlos DeRosa (acoustic bass), Vince Cherico (trap drums) and Chembo (congas/perc.). The guest stars are impressive too and include Dave Samuels (vibes), Jimmy Bosch, and Pedro Martinez. .
The opener "Buena Gente" sets the tone for the album with a flowing hard-bop melody played over a medium up tempo with an Afro-Cuban 6/8 bridge. The pride Coamo, Puerto Rico, Renta delivers his lines with masterful clarity and fluidity and proves to be a spark for several highlights throughout the album. But its his rendering of the Bobby Collazo bolero, "Tenia Que Ser Asi," that simply is stunning and shows the depth of his talent.
Elio Villafranca's composition, "Habana," features the voice and Bata drums of Pedro Martinez, the extremely gifted Cuban percussionist now in New York, who guests on several tracks. Elio lays down a super solo on the piece showing his panache for utilizing complex jazz harmonies for his melodic invention But it‘s Vince Cherico who takes it home with an energetic trap drum solo demonstrating his multi-limb independence.
“Descarga Patato” features trombonist Jimmy Bosch, who wails ala Barry Rogers on the Latin jam dedicated to conga icon, Carlos “Patato” Valdes. Jimmy, Ivan and Helio shout out with short-but-sweet solos before Chembo bats clean up. With a chorus edging him on, he proves why his name is on the cover of this album. Clean, fast and perfectly in clave, Chembo shows that he is now the new conga hero carrying the torch of his mentors Tommy Lopez, Louie Bauzo and Ray Barretto.
Beautiful to the date is how Chembo selected a superb repertoire of original music by gifted but unsung composers like Hector Martignon, Marty Sheller, John Walsh, Zaccai Curtis, John DiMartino and several others. He makes the pieces his own though by exploring new textures using strings and accordion. This is Chembo’s best album to date and proves that with every new recording he releases he moves up the ladder as an extremely important force for the advancement and appreciation of Latin jazz. (JV)
Bobby Sanabria & The Manhattan School of Music Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra: Kenya Revisited Live!!! (Jazzheads).
Professor Bobby delivers a marvelous tribute to the 1957 Machito Orchestra "Kenya" sessions by re-working the landmark Latin jazz album with his Manhattan School of Music Afro-Cuban Orchestra. While repertoire renderings can sometimes fall short of the original classic recorded versions, it does not happen here. The distinguishing factor is the vibrant energy and superb musicality the young musicians bring to the performance. The up tempo mambo, "Frenzy," unleashes the pack of young lions who quickly set out to establish a qualitative standard of improvisational prowess that makes you go WOW! Candido Camero guests on "Kenya," "Wild Jungle," and "Tururato" and swings delightfully with the orchestra. But its the hits from the original "Kenya" album like "Holiday Mambo," "Cannonology," "Blues ala Machito," and "Tin Tin Deo" that make you savor the genius of the compositions and arrangements with a smile of enjoyment. Meticulously presented with a nuance of experience beyond the ages of the band members, "Kenya Revisited Live" is testament to Bobby Sanabria's exceptional teaching and musical abilities that shows that the art of the Latin big band is setting a foundation for the next generation. (JV)
Bobi Cespedes: Patakin (BCP) At 60, Bay Area singer, Gladys "Bobi" Cespedes, is now a regional legend of Cuban Son and Afro-Cuban folklore. The once shy girl who began singing with her family as part of Conjunto Cespedes in the 1980s, is now a diva whose voice has been seasoned by the years and shaped into a deeper huskier timbre but incredibly sensitized by the deepened wisdom and intuition of how to present a verse or story. "Sabor A Mi" opens the twelve song album with a soft and sweet bolero rendering of the Mexican classic by Alvaro Carillo. "Patakin," the title track, stands out as a gem that draws from the liturgy of Santeria for its story. It begins with a Bata drum intro by Sandy Perez before transitioning into a medium slow Son. Bobi articulates the theme beautifully and then gets into some wailing improvisational pergones about the tale. "En El Balcon Aquel," she slows it back down with this bolero but picks it back up with "Mensaje A Lola," a tune reminiscent of the old Conjunto Cespedes. Marco Diaz is a bad-ass cat who is renown around the SF Bay for his many piano stints but he is also a gifted trumpeter y le hecha metal dulce a la cancion. "Drume Negrita" is the artistic marvel here and delivered with all the elements a great singer possess like intonation, phrasing, resonance and passion. Beautiful! (JV)
The Fania All Stars: San Juan 73 (Fania). The legacy of The Fania All Stars was built on uniting the most innovative and exciting Latin musicians and singers in New York City at the time to perform before a live audience. It was the infancy of Salsa and the magnetic electricity between audience and performer captured on tape at the Red Garter, The Cheetah and Yankee Stadium put you aurally in front of the stage and captured the spirit of an era when there was still an innocence to music and dance. The experience made international stars out of artists virtually unknown outside NYC. Now, this long lost concert of the Fania All Stars sheds light once again on a flashpoint in Latin music history that serves as a reminder of the quality and youthful vigor of this stellar ensemble. What I like about this album is the raw funkiness of the recording which has a pretty decent mix balance with all the quirks of live outdoor concert from feedback to the applause and enthusiasm of the attendees. The playful candor of Hector Lavoe ("Mi Gente"), the swinging inspiraciones of Ismael Quintana ("Mi Debilidad"), the suave Cheo Feliciano ("El Raton"), the Africania of Manu Dubango ("Soul Makossa") and the hard-hitting Ray Barretto and Mongo Santamaria ("Congo Bongo") are all highlights of an exciting show at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente Stadium in San Juan when the group debut in Puerto Rico. This is a must-have for lovers of Latin music as it shows The Fania All Stars in a great light and proves they are the anvil of Salsa Dura. (JV)
Coto Pincheira. The Sonido Moderno Project (MSP).
The long awaited debut album by Bay Area pianist/keyboardist, Coto Pincheira, is a marvel of synthesized electric fusion blending with Afro-Cuban percussion and rhythm. From Chile originally, Coto moved as a teen to Cuba to study music. His journey led him to a variety of gigs including a steady job playing at the Tropicana. It was a time in Cuba around the late 1970s when Chucho Valdes and Emiliano Salvador were integrating synthesizers into the Cuban mix. It served as a profound influence for Coto as this album shows. With some of the SF Bay's best, Coto delivers intriguing music with high caliber musicality. "Suite 301" opens and contains three distinct parts that evoke different moods and texture. One minute Coto is grooving on keys ala Return To Forever style and pouring cascades of electrified melodic lines and the next he is playing on a acoustic grand with jazzy classical feel. Dave McNab rocks out on guitar on "Postive Influences" for the first part before Coto digs in for another great acoustic piano solo, this time over an upbeat straight-ahead hard bop beat. "Danzon For A Night" (featuring special guests Alfredo De La Fe and Orestes Vilato) and "Wendy's Ballad" slow things down beautifully for an intimate portrayal of Coto's musical gifts. "Tribute To A Generation" should have been called Tribute To Irakere as the tune gets terrific treatment from the horn section who impeccably perform the complicated syncopated melodies with precision and swing. "A Chileno In Havana" is a funky backbeat boogaloo that is highlighted by a blistering trumpet solo by Mike Olmos and closes out a remarkable album by a remarkable musician. (JV)
Bebo & Chucho: Juntos Para Siempre (Calle 54 Records)
This intimate two-piano album by Bebo and Chucho Valdes is testament to the state-of-the-art of Cuban piano. The acclaimed father and son are both innovators, who within their respective generations advanced Cuban music using their piano skills to lead bands and develop technique and possibility for their instrument. Here they are naked to their emotions and intuition and they let it all out as the album radiates with cohesion and love. "Descarga Valdes" takes the montuno from "Dile A Catalina" as a vehicle for their improvisational forays y te pone a guarachar! Bebo's "Rareza del siglo" is a delight with a melody based on "I Got Rhythm" changes that is pretty and upbeat and leads perfectly to their rendering of "Tea For Two." "Son De La Loma" comes next and the fun continues. There are boleros galore that are romantic and jazzy too. But perhaps the most intriguing of the twelve pieces presented are the compositions that Bebo and Chucho wrote for each other. "Preludio para Bebo" is a stunning piece that opens the album with incomparable virtuosity that says 'hey dad, thanks for teaching me, here's what I've learned.' "A Chucho," by Bebo, is full of personality and bright confident chords that beam a father's pride in the accomplishment of his son. The album closes with "La Conga Del Dentista" and leaves us grooving with a glow of happiness from a rare joyous reunion of a virtuosic father-and-son piano duo. (JV)
Black Sugar Sextet: Estamos Azucar....(Latin Sound Records) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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)
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)
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)
Black Sugar Sextet: Estamos Azucar....(Latin Sound Records) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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)
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)
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)