Cheo Feliciano
Cheo
CD
(Fania Codigo 509082),
Released 1976;
Re-Issued 2010
Produced by C. Curet Alonso & Jerry Masucci
Arranged by Bobby Valentin & Nick Jimenez
Editor's Pick:
"A comeback album Cheo recorded after taking 3 years off for various reasons. And what a comeback! Has the standard Fania mix of 3 or 4 boleros mixed in with dance numbers, but this is no fresh off the assembly line Rosie the Robot kind of salsa we hear today. Olvídate de eso-with Orestes Vilató on timbales, Louie Ramírez on vibes, Larry Harlow on piano and none other than Johnny Pacheco on conga, this album has that rough, groove-heavy flavor that characterizes 70s salsa. Anacaona opens the CD, and is a classic, a huge hit in its day. Cheo dips into the bolero bag on the next tune, Pienso en Ti, but you won't mind too much. Even if you aren't a bolero fan, Cheo's smooth delivery may make you fonder of the genre. Then Cheo and crew hit us hard with a tough son montuno, Pa' Que Afinquen, another classic, next comes more lovey-love with Mi Triste Problema, then some energizing old-school salsa with Este es el guaguancó. Of course, this song isn't actually a guaguancó, but as good as it sounds, we'll let that slide.
Next up is Si Por Mí Llueve, which, although the lyrics are not philosphically profound (to say the least), has a catchy chorus that will ring in your head like tinnitus for weeks and maybe even years. Cheo really smokes through his vocals on this tune, showing us some hip, joyful phrasing and witty soneos. Of course, he smokes through all of his vocals on this one. Even the boleros have a smolder to them. The playing is strong but relaxed, allowing Cheo to shine. Other standout tunes include Mano Caliente, Franqueza Cruel and Medianoche y Sol. Basically, this one should fly into your shopping cart at warp speed." (Abel Delgado, 98/99 Catalog)
Much to his surprise, Cheo Feliciano's 1971 solo debut Cheo was a runaway success, because he was off the scene in drug rehabilitation at the time he signed with Fania's subsidiary Vaya label. Witness to the contract was Catalino "Tite" Curet Alonso, who co-produced and wrote most of the project, including the hits "Anacaona" (the single sold over 140,000 copies) and "Mi Triste Problema" (the single was no. 1 in New York and a top 5 hit in Puerto Rico). "Every tune on that recording was a hit. It is still my biggest album in appreciation and in sales," said Cheo in Mary Kent's book Salsa Talks! (2005).
Very highly recommended. (DR, 2011-04-10)
Song titles include:
Anacaona 4:15
Pienso En Ti 4:41
Por Que Afinquen 4:18
Mi Triste Problema 3:46
Esio Es El Guaguanco 3:47
Si Por Mi Llueve 3:20
Franqueza Cruel 2:57
Mano Caliente 2:58
Medianoche Y Sol 3:16
Pocma De Otoño 3:26
Musicians include:
Johnny Pacheco Conga
Larry Harlow Piano
Bobby Valentin Bass
Louie Ramirez Vibes
Orestes Vilato Timbales
Johnny Rodriguez Bongos
Ismael Quintana Maracas, clave
Vinnie Bell Electric guitar
Charlie Rodriguez Tres
Category: Salsa/Son
=> Salsa: Classic 1960s Or 1970s New York
Shipping Value: 1
ORDER TL-2402.10 CD $14.98
|
