La Charanga America
The Very Best
CD
(Combo 2042),
Released 1985;
Re-Issued 1998
Editor's Pick:
**Classics Revisited**
After two yet to be reissued albums for Top Hits (TH), Comiendose A Nueva York (1980) and Charanga America (1981), Charanga America continued with two LPs on Ralph Cartagena's Combo label: Y Algo Mas (1983) and The Very Best (1985), both reissued in 1998. Contrary to the impression given by the title, The Very Best is not a compilation but an album in its own right. Three members of the Maysonet clan participated in the session: founder / leader George on conga, his misses Margie on vocals and son Elliot on timbales. Eminent names involved in the project were singer Jorge Maldonado, violinist / arranger Eddie Drennon, violinist Anthony Blea and pianist / arranger Roberto Navarro, taking time out from Grupo Fascinación, of which he was a founder member. Navarro and Drennon shared the arranging chores, with the latter writing the charts for the outstanding cuts "Conquista Mayor" and "Chiquilla Perfecta" as well as nicely reworking The Doors and José Feliciano hit "Light My Fire" for the charanga format. Navarro impresses with his chart for the swinging "Pentagrama De Amor". Fans of Drennon's soloing skills will not be disappointed by his outings on "Corre Pinto" and "Mi Tierra", both arranged by Navarro. While still active, Charanga America currently only have one other album after The Very Best to their name: 1989's Siempre Con Sabor! on El Abuelo, also featuring Elliot Maysonet. In 2005 Elliot fronted The Salsa All Stars on Mi Puerto Rico (Sabrosura Records), which he co-produced with Pablo "Chino" Nuñez.
Highly recommended. (John Child, 2007-01-22)
Song titles include:
Sin Son Ni Ton 4:18
Conquista Mayor 4:37
Light My Fire 4:18
Corre Pinto 4:50
Chiquilla Perfecta 3:37
Pentagrama De Amor 5:28
Diana 4:11
Mi Tierra 4:36
Musicians include:
George Maysonet Conga & director
Margaret Maysonet Vocals
Elliot Maysonet Timbales
Jorge Maldonado Lead vocals
Eddie Drennon First violin & solos
Enrique Orengo Cello
Felo Barrios Güiro & vocals
Gustavo Cruz Flute
Anthony Blea 2nd flute
Alfredo Triff Third violin
Marino Solano Bass
Roberto Navarro Piano
Category: Dance Traditions
=> Charanga
Shipping Value: 1
ORDER TL-16968.10 CD $15.98
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