Newsgroup: it.arti.ballo.lat-americano
Titolo: (cd) Segnalazioni musicali

Eccovi quà le segnalazioni musicali che mi invia il sito 
www.descarga.com
 .
Ve le posto in più mail per alleggerirlo.
Ricordate che quello che potrebbe interessarvi potreste ordinarlo anche a
Pachanga.
Bacetto Corinna
VI
Here are some new and reissued titles of interest:
ACERINA Y SU DANZONERA
Su Majestad El Danzón Con Acerina Y Su Danzonera (CD Musart)
Category: DANCE TRADITIONS; CHA CHA CHA, CHARANGA, DANZON
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19637.10
 ">Details</A>
ALEGRE ALL STARS
Perdido (CD Alegre)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
***EditorsPick: Not a compilation, but one of the original Alegre All
Star LPs to be reissued to CD, this 1977 production led by Al
Santiago and executed by Charlie Palmieri is considered one of the
best.
Basically, Mr. Santiago handed out "sketches" for the intros and
endings -- no written charts were used.  The band, consisting of what
many consider the best that New York had to offer, improvised with
dance music in such a marvelous manner that the free form, descarga
feel became their trademark, their signature sound.
A must-have. Highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19651.10
 ">Details</A>
ALEGRE ALL STARS
They Just Don't Makim Like Us Any More (CD Alegre)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
***EditorsPick: Wonderful compilation of material culled from the
classic records of the legendary descarga-jam band led by Charlie
Palmieri. The first Alegre All Star record was released in 1961, and,
from that point on, connoisseur collectors, top notch musicians and
the best dancers have all understood the importance of these Al
Santiago productions. Perhaps filled with just a tad too much booze,
these superbly talented musicians and vocalists created an atmosphere
and energy where the best of each player was free to shine.
You should have all of the Alegre All Star records in your collection.
Highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19627.10
 ">Details</A>
JULITO ALVARADO
Del Sur Al Norte / Changing Routes (CD Jual Music)
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ; PUERTO RICO
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19641.10
 ">Details</A>
ARNALDO Y LA COSMOPOLITA
Ya Era Hora.. (CD Envidia)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
***EditorsPick: A house rocking record with no excuses. In theory
it's the Orquesta Cosmopolita, founded in 1938 in Havana, but in
reality it's a tough salsa group led by bassist Arnaldo Jimenez, a
veteran of the bands of Paulito, Issac Delgado and Orquesta Reve.
Under the salsa facade, there are a pile of timba bass moves; on top
of it all are a handful of fine singers, young and old, and a couple
of solos by a fine pianist Sergio Norona. A trombone section pushes
things along. The music has the sound of a working band cruising
through the third set Saturday night.
Highly recommended. (Peter Watrous)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19576.10
 ">Details</A>
AZUQUITA
Pura Salsa: Azuquita Y Su Orquesta Melao (CD Vaya)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19652.10
 ">Details</A>
ORCHESTRA BAOBAB
Specialist In All Styles (CD Nonesuch)
Category: WORLD LATIN; WORLD LATIN; AFRICA
***EditorsPick: Yes, a NEW release from one of Senegal's most
prestigious bands with Afro-Cuban influences.
Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19564.10
 ">Details</A>
GATO BARBIERI
The Shadow Of The Cat (CD Peak/Concord)
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19619.10
 ">Details</A>
JUSTO BETANCOURT
Conjunto Borincuba (CD RMI)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; PUERTO RICO
Canta: Tito Rojas & Justo Betancourt
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19649.10
 ">Details</A>
JUSTO BETANCOURT
Conjunto Borincuba Aqui (CD RMI)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; PUERTO RICO
Canta: Tito Rojas & Justo Betancourt
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19650.10
 ">Details</A>
BOBBY RIVAS
Doble Sentido (CD BRP)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
***EditorsPick: Oomph! In what may be the salsa sleeper of 2002,
salsero Bobby Rivers delivers a explosive right hook that will knock
the dancers off their chairs and onto the dancefloor...they will not
know what hit them.
With powerful voice with a timber resembling  something between Ray
De La Paz and Oscar D'Leon, Mr. Rivas throws fireballs left and
right, so watch your hair.
This band is bright, crisp, and finely-tuned to get the most out of
the dancers. The coro has that Colombian nasal twang reminiscent of
Gale or Fruko. It works very well here.
"Fresas Con Chocolate," which opens as a simple Cumbia, turns into a
sizzling salsa. And listen to "Manuela" with a fire extinguisher
nearby.
You have a party coming up? This one's your play list.
DJ alert: Get this one now.
Highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19639.10
 ">Details</A>
ANGEL BONNE
Bonne & Bonne Co. (CD Egrem)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
***EditorsPick: Angel Bonne murmurs when he sings, it's as if he's
whispering his way through a song. Until the coros push him up front,
then he starts laying out melodies that are tough to forget. Bonne
and Bonne is a completely unpretentious timba record, unrepentant,
looking only to its Cuban audience and therefore guaranteeing a
nonstop groove. What makes it special is Bonne's voice, which
insinuates, sounds tragic at times, sounds profound at others, and
give the music a level of seriousness another singer might not have
been able to bring.
Highly recommended. (Peter Watrous)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19579.10
 ">Details</A>
ANGEL CANALES
Historia De Una Leyenda (CD Exclusivo)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19551.10
 ">Details</A>
CLARISSA Y LAS DIABLITAS
Todo Es Meloso (CD Happy Hour)
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ; GERMANY
***EditorsPick: An all German, all woman jazz group playing unknown
Latin jazz numbers like "A Night in Tunisia, "Afro Blue," and "It
Don't Mean a Thing." They're accompanied by Changuito, Tata Güines,
Jesus Rubalcaba, Boniatillo and others. (Peter Watrous)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19596.10
 ">Details</A>
GRUPO LOS CONQUISTADORES
Conquistando El Mundo (CD Guerra)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; COLOMBIA
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19643.10
 ">Details</A>

ORQUESTA CREA CONCIENCIA
Impacto 2000 (CD Crea2000)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; PUERTO RICO
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19642.10
 ">Details</A>
CUBAN DREAMS
A Reunion: The Havana Sessions
A Reunion: The New York Sessions (CD Universal)
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
***EditorsPick: Superlative two-part Cuban son and jam recordings
consisting of many of the Buena Vista musicians. This project was
completed in part in Havana and in part New York with the help of Pio
Leyva, Ibrahim Ferrer, Cachaito, Juan Pablo Torres, Alfredo Valdés,
Richard Egües and many others.
The Cuban and New York sessions are available as separate CDs.
A more complete review to follow shortly.
Highly recommended. (BP)
The Havana Sessions <A href="
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19648.10
 ">Details</A>
The New York Sessions <A href="
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19647.10
 ">Details</A>
CUBAN DREAMS
A Reunion: The New York Sessions (CD Universal)
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19647.10
 ">Details</A>
ADELA DALTO
La Créma Latina (CD Mujeres Latinas)
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
***EditorsPick: Wonderful vocal stylist Adela Dalto -- wife of the
late pianist Jorge Dalto -- has created a terrific album of mostly
jazz standards. With the help of the great Chucho Valdés, David
Sanchez, Jerry Gonzalez, Ray Vega and the late flautist Mauricio
Smith (she used to sing with Mr. Smith's orchestra at New Yorks's
Rainbow Room), Ms. Dalto's sultry voice easily pulls it all together.
Recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19613.10
 ">Details</A>
JUAN CARLOS ALFONSO Y SU DAN DEN
Dale Campana (CD Egrem)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
***EditorsPick: After a few explorations into salsa, Juan Carlos
Alfonso and his band Dan Den have returned to the groove heavy timba
that they helped start. Dale Campana is a hard-core dance record from
beginning to end, recorded in a studio, but with the sort of
relaxation and development one expects from a great Cuban band
playing for dancers. Alfonso's montunos are distinct, and the album
is full of them. He calls perfect tempos that settle into long
distance booty shaking. The coros share space with a trombone section
that's prominent in the mix. And the band has a new singer, a woman,
Barbarita Fernández, who can really sing, and who give the coros a
depth they didn't have before.
Highly recommended. (Peter Watrous)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19580.10
 ">Details</A>
ISSAC DELGADO Y SU GRUPO
Versos En El Cielo (CD BIS)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
***EditorsPick: What's curious about Issac Delgado is that he's not
restricted by his past success. Every new record is different; he's
thinking about the curve of his career, about how to make art along
with commerce. Versos is the next part of the progression and it's a
mostly great record that takes him into the land of the Nueva Trova,
including tunes by Pablo Milanes, Amaury Perez, Pedro Luis Ferrer and
Sara Gonzalez. The record occupies a place somewhere between salsa --
the rhythm section includes New York musicians Ruben Rodriguez and
Ralph Irizarri -- Nueva Trova, pop and timba, and it's a comfortable
place, with no straining. It's fascinating, as well, that while the
material is smoother, more pop, than anything he's done before, Issac
is singing harder than anything he's put on record. Some of the
improvisations are shockingly good, and I'd argue that when the coros
start and he drifts through their clouds of sound, he's singing
better than he ever has, with more passion and intensity, and more
power. At this point in his career, Issac has leapt the boundaries of
style.
Highly recommended. (Peter Watrous)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19583.10
 ">Details</A>

BARBARITO DIEZ
Album De Oro: 2 CD Set (CD Egrem)
Category: DANCE TRADITIONS; CHA CHA CHA, CHARANGA, DANZON; CUBA
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19611.10
 ">Details</A>
LA DOMINANTE
La Dominante (CD Performance)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; PUERTO RICO
***EditorsPick: New release from this popular dance band from Puerto
Rico who has been making powerful no-nonsense salsa since the '70s.
Willie Rodriguez does a fine job on vocals, and he is backed by a
hard-driving orchestra.
Special guest vocalist Nadja Santamaria.
Highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19565.10
 ">Details</A>
GLORIA ESTEFAN
Que Siga La Tradicion (DVD Sony/Epic)
Category: DVD; TROPICAL/OTHER
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19635.20
 ">Details</A>
  MARIO FELICIANO
Nuevos Horizontes (CD B & B)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; PUERTO RICO
***EditorsPick: Crackling dance-club style salsa top to bottom in
this debut release from this young Puerto Rican salsero. No new
ground is broken here, with arrangements that offer few surprises,
but Mr. Feliciano hits the mark enough times to get even the most
reluctant dancers off their chairs. He can rock, and his band is
sharp -- with one of the better coro sections I've heard lately.
Listen to the explosive "Que Hago Contigo."
Recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19618.10
 ">Details</A>
DIEGO FLORES "TIBIRI"
Salsa Ritmo Caliente (CD Tibiri Records)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
Cantan: Diego Flores, Jose Mangual Jr., junior Gonzalez, Melcochita,
Watussi.
***EditorsPick: Great early '90s salsa is back in stock.
Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/12573.10
 ">Details</A>
CHICO FREEMAN & GUATACA
Oh, By The Way... (CD Double Moon)
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
***EditorsPick: Latin jazz with Hilton Ruiz on piano.
Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19561.10
 ">Details</A>
LA GLORIA MATANCERA
75th Aniversario (CD Envidia)
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
***EditorsPick: If you are looking for a smoking son montuno CD that
can hold it's steam to from beginning to end, look no further. This
75th anniversary celebration of the birth of La Gloria Matancera is a
clear testament to the Cuban ability to breathe fresh life into the
traditional vocal based son style. Bárbaro López, Israel Díaz and
Daniel Rosique all do an exceptional job here. Listen to "Yo No Soy
Guapo" and hear their stunning handling of lead vocals and coro. Play
it loud, wake your neighbors. Dance with them.
Originally founded in 1927 by Juan Manuel Diaz Clemente and his
brothers in Matanzas, they changed from septet to conjunto format in
1931 and brought in timbalitos for a richer rhythm section -- great
for the dancers. Some great vocalists have fronted this orchestra:
Celia Cruz (called "La Guarachera de Cuba" at that time), Stanislao
Sureda "Laito" and Felo Martinez. Their current director is güiro
master Arístides Díaz "Tillo."
Highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19575.10
 ">Details</A>
JUNIOR GONZALEZ
Lo Pasado Pasado (CD EMI/Capitol)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
***EditorsPick: A record made in 1990, featuring the fine singer
Junior Gonzales tackling, in English, "Lady In Red." The rest of the
album picks up a bit; it's pure '80s salsa. (Peter Watrous)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/5890.10
 ">Details</A>

RUBÉN GONZÁLEZ
Rúben Gonzalez And Friends (CD Contacto Latino/Egrem)
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
***EditorsPick: Very good compilation of Mr. González' work with some
of the best Cuban orchestras and vocalists. Contains the incredible
nearly nine minute track of "Papines En Descarga," the amazing 1987
all star jam session featuring Los Papines, Cachao, Richard Egües and
others. A track to die for.
Highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19625.10
 ">Details</A>
JUAN LUIS GUERRA Y 4:40
Fogaraté (CD Karen)
Category: MERENGUE/BACHATA; MERENGUE
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/13364.10
 ">Details</A>
LARRY HARLOW
Larry Harlow's Latin Jazz Encounter: Live At Birdland (CD Latin Cool)
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
***EditorsPick: Wow! Was that an earthquake or did Larry Harlow's
Latin jazz band just explode on the scene at Birdland? This monster
of a performance is pure Harlow: Extravagant, loud, upbeat, in your
face, and a total pleasure to hear.
One of Larry's great qualities is his ability not to take it too
seriously. Not that he isn't true to the Afro-Cuban form, he is. It's
just that he knows how to have fun with it, stretch it, bend it. And
the fun is contagious. His Latin jazz has captured the
Puente-Palmieri bigger-than-life essence, but with an extra helping
of funk. The grooves are deep, brown and tasty, Szechuan style.
Harlow, an important figure in salsa -- he was at the core of the
'70s Fania All-Star salsa explosion, has kept the salsa sabor in his
jazz. In fact, he includes as an encore, a sizzling rendition of one
of his big hits from his classic "Salsa" LP, the Arsenio Rodriguez
composition "La Cartera."
Along with terrific players like Ronnie Cuber on sax, Bobby Sanabria
on drums, Eddie "Guagua" Rivera on bass and Chembo Corniel on congas,
it is clear that, after all these years, Larry is still having fun
with it. And that's a good thing for us all.
Highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19578.10
 ">Details</A>
KEVIN HAYNES & GRUPO ELEGUA
Ori Ire (CD Egbe Oduniyi Productions)
Category: FOLKLORIC; AFRO-CARIBBEAN FOLKLORE/JAZZ
***EditorsPick: Very good debut release from Kevin Hayes, who, on
this experimental jazz project, plays batá drums, alto sax, and sings
lead vocals. Incorporating Afro-Latin Lucumí percussion with jazz
structures as well as spoken word material, Mr. Hayes brews a
spiritually powerful, batá driven stew. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19577.10
 ">Details</A>
MIMI IBARRA
A Una Mujer Como Yo (CD Musical Productions)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19615.10
 ">Details</A>
INDIA
Latin Song Bird: Mi Alma Y Corazón (CD Sony)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
***EditorsPick: Salsa diva India sounds more relaxed and in control
than ever before...she has grown into that huge voice, and uses it's
lethal-weapon quality with more discretion and wisdom.
Complete review to follow shortly.
Highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19638.10
 ">Details</A>
JUANITO'S KARIBA ALL STARS
Salsoca Beat (CD Happy Hour)
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ; GERMANY
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19597.10
 ">Details</A>
JIMMY LE M & LA CLAVE LONDRES
Salsa Feeling (CD International)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA INTERNATIONAL
***EditorsPick: Unpretentious salsa from London played by English and
American musicians. Reminds me of a Jimmy Bosch or Wayne Gorbea
album. Helped along substantially by Tito Allen's presence on two
tunes. (Peter Watrous)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19546.10
 ">Details</A>

LP RUMBA ENSEMBLE
Montvale Rumba (CD Latin Percussion)
Category: FOLKLORIC; RUMBA and/or SANTERIA/LUCUMI
***EditorsPick: In what may be the rumba release of the year,
Montvale Rumba is a pure percussion explosion. Produced by Martin
Cohen and recorded partly in his home in Montvale, New Jersey (the
project grew, and quickly moved to a studio setting), and originally
conceived as a Latin jazz record, Montvale Rumba developed into a
grand celebration of traditional rumba with rhythms and elements from
Latin America and the world. Simply put, if you are a student of
percussion, or a connoisseur of folkloric voice and percussion music,
get this CD now. The engineering is first rate, so turn it up loud
and be ready to be moved on both physical and emotional levels. This
one is a killer -- a must have.
A side note: I have just heard that Mr. Cohen has recently sold his
company, Latin Percussion (LP), after 38 years at the helm. The
Montvale Rumba project is an apt and powerful statement, a bold
exclamation mark that defines his unique love, respect and devotion
to this music and the incredible percussionists that he has worked
with over the years. Good job, Martin.
Very highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19545.10
 ">Details</A>
LUCRECIA Y SU ORQUESTA
3 Generaciones De Musicos Cubanos: Patato Valdes, Lucrecia And
Paquito D'Rivera (CD Rumor)
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
***EditorsPick: This live performance in El Palau de la Música
Catalana in Barcelona, Spain, 1997,  should have been titled
"Lucrecia En Concierto" as it is, essentially, a Lucrecia
tour-de-force. Yes, Paquito is tremendous, especially on the
instrumental "Tributo A Lecuona." And, yes, Patato's melodic
percussion sounds more amazing than ever. However, with all due
respect to these musical giants, Lucrecia is so luminous, so full of
spirit and grace on this performance, that her voice eclipses all
else. I have never heard a "Lagrimas Negras" with more inspiration
than Lucrecia's rendition here. Stunning.
Lucrecia can rock too. This smart performance builds momentum as it
progresses, starting off with a few heartfelt boleros and ballads.
Midway, however, right after "Lagrimas," the fire begins to build,
and she starts to burn down the house with "Me Debes Un Beso," (the
title track of her debut CD which is, unfortunately, not available at
this time). The fire continues through the nearly fourteen minute
last track, "La Bola," which has built-in versions of "Guantanamera"
and "El Manicero" and a bit of "Drume Negrita" done Lucrecia style.
For those of you who shy from live recordings because of potentially
poor sound quality, fear not. The engineering here is superb.
A live recording that I wish I had attended.
Highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19562.11
 ">Details</A>
LUCRECIA Y SU ORQUESTA
Mis Boleros (CD Rumor)
Category: BOLERO; BOLERO; CUBA
***EditorsPick: It's been out of print for a while, and we're glad
it's back, because Mis Boleros is one fine album. Recorded live in a
studio, in front of an audience and with just bass, guitar and
percussion backing Lucrecia up, the album has an intimacy and honesty
one doesn't always find on recordings of boleros. There are no
hysterics, only a cool, intense emotional openness. Includes "Dos
Gardenias," "La Gloria Eres Tu" Nostalgia" and a few originals;
Lucrecia is in really, really good form. It's her material, and you
can feel that she owns it.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/15853.10
 ">Details</A>
MANOLIN EL MEDICO DE LA SALSA
El Puente: 2-CD Set. Live In The USA (CD Ciocan)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
***EditorsPick: Hot item!
Long awaited new 2-CD release by Manolin El Medico De La Salsa,
post-defection. Recorded live at Rancho Gaspar in Miami.
In stock.
Full review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19537.10
 ">Details</A>
VICTOR MANUELLE
Le Preguntaba A La Luna (CD Sony Discos)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
***EditorsPick: When Victor Manuelle burst on the scene in the early
1990s he was as hard as salsa got, a gifted young sonero with a tough
voice that was instantly identifiable. With the help of Sergio George
he made some of the best records of the time. Then his output got
soggy, erratic. Le Preguntaba is a lot more consistent than his
previous few records, the energy a bit higher. He's walking his way
through a formula (even some of the melodies sound borrowed from his
old records) but it's as good a formula as there is in salsa
nowadays, meant to get people moving, and the distress in his voice
stands for deep passion and emotional anguish. You can ask for more
-- a break in the formula, a bit more humor, a bit more improvisation
and descarga -- but you're not going to get it. Recommended. (Peter
Watrous)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19617.10
 ">Details</A>
ORQUESTA LA MASACRE
Mamey: Julio Castro Y Orquesta La Masacre (CD Fania)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19640.10
 ">Details</A>

ANDY MONTAÑEZ
100 Años: Live En Concierto, 2-CD Set (CD AJ Records)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; PUERTO RICO
***EditorsPick: A two CD set capturing a live performance that took
place at Bellas Artes, San Juan in July of 2002. It's well produced,
and swinging and Montanez, gruff and raw, sounds in good shape,
squeezing his voice through a series of hits, including "Jala Jala"
and "Chango Ta Veni." He brings out his kids for a medley that
includes "Vagabundo," and he sings "Gracias A La Vida."
Solid. (Peter Watrous)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19574.10
 ">Details</A>
BENY MORÉ
El Barbaro Del Ritmo (CD Discuba)
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
***EditorsPick: El Barbaro returns.
Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19572.10
 ">Details</A>
LOS MUÑEQUITOS DE MATANZAS
50 Aniversario (CD BIS)
Category: FOLKLORIC; RUMBA and/or SANTERIA/LUCUMI; CUBA
***EditorsPick: Los Muñequitos de Matanzas is the group of rumberos
against which all other are judged. It's not that there are no others
that are equally respected -- Afrocuba De Matanzas, Yoruba Andabo, as
well as others, are indeed supreme rumberos as well. However, since
their inception in 1952 Los Muñequitos (who were, at that time,
called Guaguancó Matancero) have been considered the premier Cuban
folkloric voice, percussion and dance troupe.
Fifty years of leading the rumba path is no small feat and, like all
great Cuban groups, they have continued to evolved by incorporating
fresh ideas and new young members. This incredible CD celebration of
percussion and vocals is an immense effort that does justice to their
legacy.
Wonderful liner notes and discography by Cary Diez. Includes some of
the best photos of Los Muñequitos that we have seen.
Highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19646.10
 ">Details</A>
TITO NIEVES
Muy Agradecido (CD WEA Latina)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
***EditorsPick: Mr. Nieves best effort in years. Smokes.
Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19549.10
 ">Details</A>
LITO PEÑA Y SU ORQUESTA PANAMERICANA
El Nuevo Sonido De Lito Peña Y Su Orquesta Panamericana (CD Trio Records)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19645.10
 ">Details</A>
LA PLAYA SEXTETTE
La Playa Favorites (CD Mardi-Gras)
Category: DANCE TRADITIONS; TROPICAL DANCE: VARIOUS
***EditorsPick: Originally released in 1958, this La Playa Sextet
reissue features great sound.  With La Playa, the guitar takes care
of the montuno grooves -- not piano, offering a unique surf flavor to
the tropical dance rhythms.
Recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19585.10
 ">Details</A>
TITO PUENTE
King Of Kings: The Very Best Of Tito Puente (CD BMG)
Category: DANCE TRADITIONS; BIG BAND MAMBO JAZZ
***EditorsPick: This extraordinary compilation of the historic late
'50s RCA recordings is a must have. This is a Puente explosion. And
since BMG has shortsightedly discontinued most of their terrific
Tropical Series line (which included most of the Puente original
album reissues) this compilation may be the only way for you to hear
some of these frenetic mambo dance tracks.
Highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19557.10
 ">Details</A>
LOUIE RAMIREZ - RAY DE LA PAZ
Exitos (CD Cobo)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
***EditorsPick: Terrific compilation from the four albums that this
highly respected salsa team produced for Caiman records in the '80s.
Include the classics "Mentirosa," "Presumida," and "Noche de Salsa."
In fact, every track here is killer salsa with maximum swing.
Listening to this CD simply hammers home what a tremendous loss the
death of Mr. Ramirez was to this music. As a vibe player, arranger,
composer and timbalero, there was nobody like him. If you don't have
all of the original albums, or if you simply want the cream of the
crop, this is a must have.
Highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19552.10
 ">Details</A>

JIMMY URBINA Y SU ORQUESTA REVOLUCION 70
Revolucion En N.Y. (CD WS Latino)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA: CLASSIC 1960s or 1970s NEW YORK
***EditorsPick: Yet another salsa gem, this time from 1973, from Mr.
Urbina (leader, baritone sax and flute) and his orchestra. Nice,
clean sounding reissue features guests Luis "Perico" Ortiz on trumpet
and Charlie Rodriguez on tres. Terrific coro section too: Roberto
Torres, Yayo El Indio and Jimmy Sabater. "Yo Soy La Rumba" sizzles.
There is a bonus track, "Asi Es La Humanidad," that was not included
on the original LP. Here arranged by Louie Ramirez, this great song
written by Pedro Hernández Sánchez was interpreted later by Manny
Oquendo and Conjunto Libre.
Highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19573.10
 ">Details</A>
TITO RODRIGUEZ JR
Eclipse (CD TTH)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
***EditorsPick: Great salsa release by the legend's son.
Unavailable for years, now back in stock!
  (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/13371.10
 ">Details</A>
TITO ROJAS Y SU ORQUESTA
Tito Rojas Live: Auténticamente En Vivo (DVD Musical Productions)
Category: DVD; SALSA/SON
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19634.20
 ">Details</A>
RUMBANTELA
Let's Go To The Rumba (CD AJ Records)
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ; PUERTO RICO
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19644.10
 ">Details</A>
LA SABROSURA
Magnetic Salsa: Canta Saulo Sanchez (CD Fuentes)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA COLOMBIA; COLOMBIA
***EditorsPick: Very good dance club style good salsa Colombiana.
Although a few tracks open with a short  intro of keyboard cheese,
hang in there. They then kick respectably into gear. No stretching
the envelope here, but solid salsa within the box. Especially
"Historia De Un Amor."
Vocals by Saulo Sanchez.
Recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19626.10
 ">Details</A>
PONCHO SANCHEZ
A Night At Kimball's East (DVD Image Entertainment)
Category: DVD; LATIN JAZZ
Color, 60 minutes.
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19653.20
 ">Details</A>
PONCHO SANCHEZ
Ultimate Latin Dance Party: 2-CD Set (CD Concord Picante)
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ / SALSA
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19620.10
 ">Details</A>
JOHN SANTOS AND THE MACHETE ENSEMBLE
La Mar: John Santos And Omar Sosa (CD Machete Records)
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
***EditorsPick: An experimental record that veers from Santeria
chants to the intense dissonances of the jazz pianist Cecil Taylor.
The instrumentation changes, running between the duets of Sosa and
Santos, to groups that include singers and a bassist. Recorded
between 1998 and 2001. Still sounds fresh. (Peter Watrous)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19568.10
 ">Details</A>
JOHN SANTOS AND THE MACHETE ENSEMBLE
S.F. Bay (CD Machete Records)
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
***EditorsPick: Percussionist John Santos formed the Machete ensemble
in 1985 with musicians from his former band Batachanga and members of
the Pete Escovedo orchestra. They have been a West Coast mainstay,
performing funky, hard edged Latin jazz and dance music ever since.
The Machete Ensemble is known for its collaborative relationships,
utilizing many top choice special guests.  On this project, the late
Cuban flautist José Fajardo is heard on what may possibly be his
final recording. Other guests of note are percussionist Dafnis Prieto
and bassist Carlos Del Puerto.
This is a smart, well produced CD that covers a lot of ground:
mambo-descarga, plena, straight-ahead salsa, comparsa, mozambique and
jazz-rumba. Each is finely crafted track is engineered with explosive
percussion right up front, where it belongs. Listen to the nearly 8
minute "Chano Pozo," the Mongo Santamaria composition to get a sense
of the rhythmic intelligence of this ensemble. The inclusion of Omar
Sosa's marimba adds a deep, warm dimension to this superb rumba
tribute.
Highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19567.10
 ">Details</A>
SON DE CALI
Estilo Propio (CD Univision)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA COLOMBIA; COLOMBIA
***EditorsPick: Red, red, red hot salsa, Colombian style. This is
virtually Grupo Niche with both Niche vocalists Willy Garcia and
Javier Vasquez making themselves available to help burn up your
dancefloor. In this sleeper release, nearly every track is uptempo
and radio-ready.
The track "Son de Cali" is so fine they named the band after it. Turn
it on, make it loud, and watch the sparks fly. This smoker of the
moment is a DJs delight. Capital "S" salsa, with no filler.
Highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19544.10
 ">Details</A>
OLGA TAÑON
Exitos En Video (DVD Warner Music)
Category: POP/OTHER; POP LATIN
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19633.20
 ">Details</A>

JUAN PABLO TORRES
¡Como Pica! (CD Univeral)
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
***EditorsPick: With this, arguably his best -- and certainly his
most contemporary -- release to date, Mr. Torres' new release packs a
suitcase full of Cuban fire. With his son-on-steroids approach (is
that something like timba I hear on "Rumba y Son"?) to this project,
this CD marks a pivotal landmark for this trombonist and arranger. He
seems to have unshackled himself from the weight of traditional Afro
Cuban styles, but not of the forms themselves, which he uses
playfully, in earnest. The result is Afro Cuban music that  builds
upon its own formal strength -- a  more personal music with many
flavors and nuances. "(El Sonero Necesita) Solamente La Claves" is a
potent, funky track where Mr. Torres solos his 'bone and throws down
a gritty rap. And it works.
Vocalists Israel Kantor and Yordi Megret are in top form here. And
turn the volume way up on the sparkling descarga "Quimboró" which
allows each band member to shine.
Highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19621.10
 ">Details</A>
LOS TUPAMAROS
La Calle De La Rumba: 25 Años De Salsa (CD Fuentes)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA COLOMBIA; COLOMBIA
***EditorsPick: A compilation of a fine, hard grooving Colombian
salsa band. Good singing,
  lots of Colombian styled coros, and a notable lack of fluff. They
aim to have a good time, and clearly they do. Recommended. (Peter
Watrous)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19614.10
 ">Details</A>
CHUCHITO VALDÉS, JR.
La Timba (CD Sony/J&N)
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
***EditorsPick: The son of esteemed Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés has
been trying to cut a space for himself in the world of Latin jazz.
With a father of such notoriety and critical acclaim (the younger
Valdés is almost the spitting image of his dad), Chuchito's efforts
to get out from under the old man's shadow and to define himself may
prove to be a life-long effort.
It is not a hopeless endeavor, however. First of all, he's talented.
This a very good CD, and the young Valdés does a remarkable job --
listen to "La Comparsa," the Lecuona classic, and then to Chuchito's
own composition -- the groove-driven "Montuneando." They are back to
back on this CD, and he handles both with finesse. Additionally, he
has pulled off the most explosive version of "El Manicero" (here
retitled "Descarga Cubano") on record.
Finally, consider Chucho's relationship with his own father, the
great pianist, bandleader and composer Bebo Valdés. Enough said.
Recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19563.10
 ">Details</A>
LOS VAN VAN
33 Años Con Los Van Van (DVD Marakka 2000)
Category: DVD; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
El 4 de Diciembre de 1969 surge en Cuba una las orquestas que
llevaría la música Cubana por el mundo entero: Los Van Van.
Con su director Juan Formell, ex-integrante de la Orquesta Revé, Los
Van Van llegaron para quedarse y ser durante 33 años, una de las
imágenes de la música Cubana de ahora.
En este DVD, se recojen momentos inolvidables y conciertos de esta
banda, en su trayectoria por todos estos años y por todos partes del
mundo. La mayoría de los conciertos ofrecidos, son en Puerto Rico y
Los Estados Unidos. Tambien presentaciones de la TV Cubana.
Color. 119 minutos. Zona 1, NTSC.
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19586.20
 ">Details</A>
JOHNNY ZAMOT Y SOCIEDED 76
El Hulk De La Salsa (CD Fania)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
***EditorsPick: Johnny Zamot's 1980 salsa classic, produced by Louie
Ramirez, features Ray Ramos and PeeWee Fernández on vocals. With
musicians like Paquito Pastor, Hector Zarzuela and Sammy Pagan, could
you ask for more? Yes you say? How about Yomo Toro, Ray Maldonado and
Louie Ramirez? An all star cast. Special guest Bobby Capó.
"La Música Es Mi Vida" and "La Salsa Ahora,"La Humanidad" and the
Paquito Pastor arrangement of "Yo Soy Boricua," featuring Mr. Toro on
cuatro, are all salsa gems.
Highly recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19538.10
 ">Details</A>

VARIOUS ARTISTS
14 + 1! Cañonazos Bailables (DVD Fuentes)
Category: DVD; TROPICAL/OTHER; COLOMBIA
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19631.20
 ">Details</A>
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Album De La Revolucion (CD Cuba Soul)
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19556.10
 ">Details</A>
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Dinamitazos Tropicales: 15 Super Exitos Tropicales De Cumbia Y
Vallenato (DVD Fuentes)
Category: DVD; CUMBIA, VALLENATO; COLOMBIA
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19632.20
 ">Details</A>
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Encuentro: Robi Draco Rosa, Juan Luis Guerra & Ruben Blades (CD Banco
Popular)
Category: POP/OTHER; TROPICAL
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19636.10
 ">Details</A>
VARIOUS ARTISTS
La Rumba Del Siglo (CD Cuba Soul)
Category: FOLKLORIC; RUMBA and/or SANTERIA/LUCUMI; CUBA
***EditorsPick: A really fine recording that never gives way to the
dullness rumba records sometimes drift into. The project brings
together the best rumba groups in Cuba, including Clave Y Guaguanco,
Los Muñequitos De Matanzas, Yoruba Andabo and Los Papines and a bunch
of singers - Haila, Ines Carbonell, and the percussionists Changuito
and Tata Güines. There's some mixing and matching-Changuito plays
with Los Papines--but mostly it's the groups doing their thing, and
doing it at an extremely high level. Haila does "Quimbara," Tata
Güines takes a long solo, and there's a nearly ten minute CD Rom with
interviews with the musicians and concert footage. Good deal.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19560.10
 ">Details</A>
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Latin Jazz: The Perfect Combination / La Combinación Perfecta (CD
Smithsonian Folkways)
Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ
***EditorsPick: Released in tandem with the Smithsonian Institute's
traveling exhibition of the history of Latin jazz, this near perfect
compilation walks you through the history of the genre from it's
exciting early roots to it's fiery contemporary manifestations.
Machito and His Afro Cubans with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie with
Chano Pozo, Tito Puente, Jerry Gonzalez, George Shearing, Paquito
D'Rivera and Chucho Valdés are but a part of this extraordinary
package.
Includes extensive liner notes with contributions by Leonardo Acosta,
Ira Gitler, Max Salazar, John Santos, Willard Jenkins, Vicki Solá and
Danilo Lozano.
Also available is the book of the same name.
Highly Recommended. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19547.10
 ">Details</A>
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Me Gusta Así: Temas De Juan Almeida (CD BIS)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA
***EditorsPick: A sleeper with some amazing cuts. The Haila Mompie
interpretation of "Una Manera" is alone worth getting this CD.
Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19584.10
 ">Details</A>
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Old School Salsa Classics, Vol. 2 (CD Universal)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
***EditorsPick: Good compilation comprising of straight-ahead
no-nonsense salsa culled from the archives of Rodven. Late eighties,
early nineties. Frankie Ruiz, Tommy Olivencia, Hector Tricoche,
Paquito Guzman and others. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19599.10
 ">Details</A>
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Pa' La Rumba, Vol. 3 (CD Exclusivo)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
***EditorsPick: Here's the third in a line of very good dance
material. Cano Estremera, Pedro Conga, Jose Bello, Lebron Brothers,
Angel Canales and others. Includes a killer live version of "Señora
Ley" by Conjunto Classico. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19628.10
 ">Details</A>
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Salsa Al Piso: 2-CD Set (CD FM)
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA
***EditorsPick: Well done 2-CD set compilation of popular
straight-ahead salsa tracks from the '70s through the '90s, and
originating from New York, Puerto Rico and Colombia. 28 tracks in
total. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19571.10
 ">Details</A>
VARIOUS ARTISTS
The Rough Guide To The Cuban Music Story: Dance Crazes From The Cuban
Dynasty (CD World Music Network)
Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA; CUBA
***EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP)
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/19539.10
 ">Details</A>
And lastly, don't forget...
CONGA DRUMS
See our entire line of available drums here:
<A href=" 
http://www.descarga.com/cgi-bin/db/drums
 ">Drums</A>
_________________________-
Direi che ne avete per tutti i gusti! ^____^
Bacetto Corinna
VI