Gift Certificates

EditorsPick: Ok, it's official: Salsa Dura is alive and well in New York City. Within a year after the hard salsa releases of George Delgado, Jimmy Bosch, Ralph Irizarry, Ricky Gonzalez (all of whom are featured on this CD), not to mention the pivotal releases of the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, it is pretty safe to say that the genre is, at the very least, experiencing a revival of sorts. And while I'll stop way short of saying that there is a thriving club scene here, the likes of Mr. Nuñez and friends are certainly participant in the possible emergence of one. I, for one, am ready. Nuñez, with pure timbalero muscle, leads here with the focus and intensity of a matador. These arrangements have legs, and the band, always on cue, attacks without mercy. A big tip of the hat is offered to Ray Barretto on the fresh arrangement of "Indestructible." (Listen to Nuñez's timbales sing on this one.) Other dynamic tracks like "Homenaje Al Bailador," sung by Willie Torres and Marcos Bermudez, and the opening number "Aqui Cada Uno Viene Con Lo Suyo," interpreted by Frankie Vazquez, serve to remind us of what is truly indestructible: the very spirit of salsa and the dancers it is made for. But it is the ferocious "Soneros De Bailadores" which is the center of the hurricane. Subtitled "Homenaje a Cheo Feliciano, Pete 'El Conde' Rodriguez y Ralphy Mercado," this number is pure salsa fever. And with singers like Mr. Vazquez, Ray Sepulveda, Ray Viera, Frankie Morales, José "Papo" Rivera and percussionists like Marc Quiñones, Ralph Irizarry, Bobby Allende, George Delgado, Willie Romero and Eric Velez — it would be hard not to be. DJ Alert — a salseros Must-have. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Aqui Cada Uno Viene Con Lo Suyo 2. Ponme A Gozar 3. Soneros De Bailadores 4. La Cintura Quieres Mover (Reggaeton) 5. Asustado 6. Indestructible (Homenaje A Ray Barretto) 7. Siempre Muere Con Ganas 8. Homenaje Al Bailador 9. Un Desconocido 4:42
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EditorsPick: If your looking for that perfect party dance salsa CD, look no further. Singer Espinoza has created a supercharged high energy salsa blast that will guarantee to keep the dancers on their feet. The fiery tempo is set with the opening track "Pura Vida" and continues throughout this fresh testament to salsa explosiva. In fact, the energy runs so high on Pura Vida that the sensibility seems almost salsa Colombiana. And for the dance club, that is a very good thing. Listen to the dynamite-packed "Flauta y Trombon" with a fire-extinguisher nearby. This monster will cause any nearby objects to spontaneously combust. For the old-schoolers there is a well done Héctor Lavoe medley (Espinoza does a pretty convincing Lavoe). And for the new-schoolers there's a bonus reggaeton remix track of the infectious "Yeah! (Como Goza Mi Morena)." DJ Alert. Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Pura Vida 2. Salsa De La Ma Buena 3. Yeah! (Como Goza Mi Morena) 4. Hector Lavoe Medley (La Murga, Ah Ah Oh No, Che Che Colé, Calle Luna Calle Sol, El Cantante, Periodico Del Ayer, Mi Gente) 5. Flauta Y Trombone 6. Asi Fue 7. Mi Viejo 8. Dale Duro 9. Costa Rica Medley 10. Pa' Que Afinque 11. Ultima Llamada (Last Call For Alcohol) 12. Yeah! (Como Goza Mi Morena) - Version Reggaeton
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EditorsPick: Killer dance club salsa with a firing squad coro section that features Primi Cruz, Pedro Brull. Tito Allen, Ramon Rodriguez and Osvaldo Roman. Tight, sizzling, band with veteran bongocero Roberto Roena, Tito De Gracia on timbales, David "Piro" Rodriguez and Angel "Angie" Machado on trompet and many other fine players. This is hot Puerto Rican salsa at its best. Includes two versions of the cover track "Un Instante Y Nada Mas" — a pure salsa version as well as a reggaeton version featuring guest Lisa M. DJ Alert. Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $16.98 / Now Only: $14.43
SONG TITLES:
1. El Chinito De Salinas 2. Sin Experiencia 3. Un Instante Y Nada Mas 4. Bailalo Como Ayer 5. Ella Tiene Un Swing 6. Celos 7. Pensaste Que Habias Ganado 8. Quieres Marcharte 9. Veneno 10. Un Instante Y Nada Mas (Reggaeton Version With Lisa M.)
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EditorsPick: Fiebre De Salsa Y Boogaloo has twelve tracks, seven of which appeared on the earlier (and now discontinued) Salsa y Descarga. Here was how our original review read... Capital "S" Salsa done the Diego Gale way: Hard, fast and furious. This latest incarnation of the Gale orchestra is representative of his best work, with only one goal in mind: Get the dancers moving. Best typified by the electrifying "Levanate Bailador," Gale does whatever is necessary to achieve this aim. And it works. With a touch of Quinto Mayor here, Sonora Carruseles there, Gale has almost single handedly crafted the modern Colombian salsa sound. This is a strong DJ Alert. Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $16.98 / Now Only: $14.43
SONG TITLES:
1. The Percussion (4:37) 2. Cógele El Golpe (5:09) 3. King Bongó (4:38) 4. La Loteria (4:27) 5. El Negro Bembón/Maquinolandera (4:20) 6. Levántate Bailador (4:20) 7. La Rumba Va A Comenzar (4:44) 8. No Te Quedes Sin Bailar (4:47) 9. Aja! Y Qué? (4:33) 10. La Rumba En El Cielo (4:41) 11. Cumbia Boogaloo (4:31) 12. Video Interactivo: La Loteria
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EditorsPick: Here we go ...a feverish red-hot extension of the terrific Los Protagonistas de la Salsa CD "De Puerto Rico Al Barrio" and features many of the same top Puerto Rican players and singers. This one includes heavy hitting vocalists Luisito Carrion, Josue Rosado, Choco Orta, Osvaldo Roman and the amazing Mel Martinez. Produced and directed to near perfection by pianist Willie Sotelo who refuses to include any filler material; what we have here is wall-to-wall salsa gorda. Sotelo has played with Roberto Roena, Ivan Cáceres, Valentin Valdés and Nacho Sanabria in addition to Los Protagonistas, and he knows what works. Puerto Rican salsa does not get better than this: buoyant, dense, deep and infectious. Dancers will not be able to resist the rhythmic tsunami that will pull them onto the dance-floor. A big fat DJ Alert. This one, folks, may turn out to be one of the best salsa releases of 2005. A salsa lovers must-have. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Herencia (Palmieri's Legacy) - Cantan: Mel Martinez, Josué Rosado (voz En Diana) (4:52) 2. Yo Lo Coloco Yella Lo Quita - Canta: Luisito Carrion (4:08) 3. Una Salsita - Canta: Osvaldo Roman (4:26) 4. La Cuenta - Canta: Mel Martinez (4:08) 5. A Martin Santiago: Vasos En Colores; La Bruquena; Fuego A La Jicotea (5:07) 6. Son De La Mundial - Cantan: Luisito Carrion, Osvaldo Roman, Mel Martinez (4:10) 7. El Diviorcio - Canta: Osvaldo Roman (3:56) 8. Mi Cosita - Canta: Luisito Carrion (3:18) 9. Me Saludas A La Tuya - Canta: Choco Orta (3:32) 10. Colombia Prueba De Acero - Canta: Luisito Carrion (3:51)
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EditorsPick: Here's one of the best compilations of live salsa performances I have heard. This 2-CD set is jammed with smoking hot extended salsa jams from Cano Estremera, Willie Rosario, Lalo Rodriguez, José Alberto "El Canario," Ray Barretto with Ray De La Paz and Adalberto Santiago, Tito Puente, Cheo Feliciano, the Puerto Rican Masters, Larry Harlow, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Típica '73 and others. Pretty amazing stuff here. Culled from the archives of AJ records, nearly every track here is should come with a "combustible material" warning tag attached. They are that good. And though most of the cuts are in the 6,7 and 8 minute range, there are several that hover around the 10-minute spot — great for the dance clubs. With sizzling versions of "Cucala," "Indestructible," "Picao," "Ran Kan Kan," "Nicolas," "Guarare," "Trucutu," and "La Cartera," live salsa doesn't better than this. A must-have. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $21.98 / Now Only: $18.68
SONG TITLES:
1. Cucala - Cano Estremera & Puerto Rican Masters (6:56) 2. Esa Mujer - Tony Vega (5:45) 3. Indestructible - Ray Barretto & Tito Allen (8:26) 4. Medley Gran Combo: Bugaloo Del Gran Combo; Jala Jala; Ojos Chinos; - Andy Montañez (7:23) 5. Trucutú - Tommy Olivencia (4:40) 6. Ran Kan Kan - Tito Puente (6:19) 7. Historia De Un Condenado - Paquito Guzman & Tommy Olivencia (4:20) 8. La Paella - Jose Alberto "El Canario" (9:12) 9. Nicolas - Willie Rosario (5:03) 10. Amor Artificial - Ray De La Paz & Ray Barretto (7:12) 11. Lobo Domesticado - Hector Tricoche (5:24) 12. Vengo Del Monte - Lalo Rodriguez (7:02) 13. Oye Como Va - Tito Puente (6:01) 14. Quítate La Máscara - Ray Barretto & Adalberto Santiago (7:59) 15. De Barrrio Obrero A La 15 - Willie Rosario (6:25) 16. Anacaona - Cheo Feliciano (4:40) 17. La Cartera - Larry Harlow (6:35) 18. Picao - Jose Alberto "El Canario" (6:23) 19. Mañono - Típica 73 (6:23) 20. Guarare - Ray Barretto (9:17) 21. El Juicio - Cuco Valoy (4:49) 22. Un Verano De Nueva York - Andy Montañez (7:18) 23. Como Sube La Gasolina - Gilberto Santa Rosa (4:56) 24. Plante Bandera - Tommy Olivencia (4:26)
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EditorsPick: Up at bat we have a heavy hitting new uptempo salsa release from producer Pablo Pérez, who has assembled a top notch group of musicians to create a dance-club ready mix of mostly original tracks. Terrific lead vocals by Miguel Orlando Ortiz who keeps this ship moving at top capacity. And mention should be made of the super energized coro made up of Tony Pérez, Edgar Joel and Anthony Colón. Excellent bright arrangements by bassist Michael A. Colón, whose handling of these compositions are assured to keep the dancers very busy. Also with pianist Efrain "Junito" Davila, "Little Johnny" Rivero on congas, Ricky Agron on bongo, trumpeter Raul Agraz, and trombonist Pablo Santaella. DJ Alert. Highly recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. En Mi Soledad (4:02) 2. Quierela Mas Que Yo (4:38) 3. Romantico (4:18) 4. Nuestro Encuentro (3:54) 5. Paciencia (4:06) 6. Negra (4:26) 7. La Respuesta (3:33) 8. Represento (4:18)
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EditorsPick: One of the hottest Cuban experimental hip-hop groups, Orishas has consistently produced thick, complex music that would work perfectly in the dance clubs; the groove is essential here. Produced by Andres Levin and Niko Noki in Belgium and New York, El Kilo is pushing the envelop even further, contrasting its Afro-Cuban soul with intelligent, world-weary nuances. And there's more real music here than your typical hip-hop production. This one features contributions by Conrad Herwig, Yosvany Terry, William Paredes, Orlando Poleo and many others. DJ Alert: Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Naci Orishas 2. Distinto 3. Elegante 4. Elkilo 5. Que Se Bote 6. Reina De La Calle 7. Bombo 8. Al Que Le Guste 9. Amor Al Arte 10. Tumbando Y Dando 11. La Calle 12. Stress 13. La Vacuna 14. Quien Te Dijo
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EditorsPick: Okay folks, it’s finally here -- the salsa release we’ve been asking for, the one that should have been made years ago. Send out the invites, crank this way up and you’ll have the salsa dance party of the year. With his debut release as a bandleader, conguero George Delgado has tapped into the nectar of the Grand Spirit of Salsa, and started a devastating uncontrollable gusher. This boy has been around the block. As the rhythmic timekeeper and groovemaster of Conjunto Libre, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Soneros Del Barrio and so on, Delgado was already proven entity. It was only a matter of time until he called some of his buddies together to lay down some tracks. So, in comes the likes of Jimmy Bosch, Ricky Gonzalez, Frankie Vazquez, Nelson Gonzalez, Herman Olivera, Mario Rivera, Alfredo De La Fé and many others (ok, Delgado has a lot of friends). Special Great-Job-Wink to vocalist Julio Salgado who kicks butt on the New York sessions. So, with a suitcase full of hard-core arrangements by Delgado, José Madera, Louie Cruz, Pablo “Chino" Nuñez, Ricky G, and Julo Alvarado, these guys decided to, once and for all, raise the bar for Salsa Dura. Did they succeed? Stop reading this stupid review and get this CD. Go ahead click Add to Cart. Now. Super DJ Alert. I’m just pissed that George didn’t get me a copy in time for our Best of 2004 list. Oh well. I’ll just have to squeeze it into 2005. Hell, I’m the editor. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Mi Ritmo Llego 2. Tu Guarachita 3. Lo Que Espera El Sonero 4. El Hijo De Obatala 5. Tu Regresaras 6. Todo El Mundo Escucha 7. Fuiste Tu 8. Tus Ojos 9. De Todas Maneras Rosas 10. A Mi Me Gusta
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EditorsPick: That right, folks -- a *new* maestro Johnny Pacheco release, his first solo project in more than a decade (the 1993 “Sima!" was his prior release). And what a great gift from the Prince of Salsa this is! I know of no other who can offer a better blend of machismo and elegance in Latin dance music. This mega blast of salsa magic brings a boat-load of invited guests into the studio: Bobby Valentin, Roberto Roena, Papo Lucca, Nelson Gonzalez, Dave Valentin, Arturo Sandoval, Ricky Gonzalez and others. Did I mention the singers? Listen to this: Gilberto Santa Rosa, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Miranda, Adalberto Santiago, Tito Rojas, Jose Alberto "El Canario," Michael Stewart, Herman Olivera, Ray Viera, Hector Casanova and Johnny Ventura. Need I say more? I will. The best material here conjures the essence of Pacheco’s superlative collaborations with Pete El Conde, Justo Betancourt, Monguito, and, of course, Celia Cruz. Here Pacheco crystallizes the classic New York salsa sound -- and spirit -- the way no one else could have. This one is a must-have. DJ Alert. Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $15.98 / Now Only: $13.58
SONG TITLES:
1. Coco Seco 2. El Exigente 3. Celia...Reina Soberana 4. La Bicicleta 5. Busca Tu Puesto 6. La Mujer De Mi Vecino 7. La Cirugia 8. Que Mareo 9. El Bacaliboro 10. La Mujer Del Paso 11. Yo Falle
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EditorsPick: Back in stock! Now here’s one made especially for the dancers -- a terrific new release by vibraphonist Dorance Lorza, who comes to us from Calí by way of the UK. In the style of, say, Joe Cuba or Son Boricua, Mr. Lorza decided to forgo the metal section in lieu of the inviting, seductive grooves of the vibe. And it works perfectly. If you have any doubts about how hard a vibes based band can rock, you shouldn’t. Listen to to the smoking Louie Ramirez signature “El Titere," with Alberto Gutierrez just about setting his timbales ablaze. Zero filler here, folks, just 100% pure dance salsa. There’s a maturity and intelligence that is woven into the fabric of these arrangements. Even the fuzz-toned electric guitar (Hugo Elizade) on “Salsa Pa’ Ti" is dished with perfect moderation. The concise solos taken by Mr. Gutierrez, and then by bongocero Julio Alarcon are framed with elegance and sophistication. Mr. Lorza states in his liners that he purposefully kept solos down to a minimum so as not to interfere with the dancers. Salsa Pa’ Tí is so damned well considered and conceived that you would think that it was brought down from a mountain by some bizarre sect of salsa monks. The instrumentation and vocals are that well balanced here. And speaking of vocals, they are superbly furnished by by Fernando Alvares who has a near Rubén Blades moment on “Sabroso." An eventual classic. A must-have. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Mango Manque 2. El Titere 3. La Runidera 4. Salsa Pa'Ti 5. Sabroso 6. El Negro Bembon 7. El Barquillero 8. Yo No Tengo Amigos
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EditorsPick: Wow, here's a terrific hard salsa dura CD led by singer/director Luis Centeno. On the best tracks, as on the cover track “Rumba Callejera" and the swinging “A Luchar," Centeno’s reminiscent in style of, say, early Oscar D’Leon sporting a killer coro with a nasal, uptempo ready-for-anything attitude. Most of the compositions are original, but with a few classics thrown in as successful hooks. There’s the great “Plante Bandera" by Tite Curet Alonso and Rubby Haddocks’ “El Amor," for example. More fine vocals provided Daniel Castillo and Martin Padilla. And a great job by timbalero Frank “Cuco" Martinez who helps to make Rumba Callejera rock from beginning to end. DJ Alert. Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Rumba Callejera (6:01) 2. Al Rojo Vivo (4:14) 3. Yo Naci (4:14) 4. El Amor (5:15) 5. A Luchar (4:18) 6. Alma Llanera (7:36) 7. Plante Bandera (4:29) 8. Tino "Guasa" (0:24) 9. Huracan (4:29) 10. El Amor Que Yo Te Di (4:13) 11. Entre Dos Aguas (4:00) 12. La Pinche Amargada (5:39) 13. Melaza De Caña (4:39)
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EditorsPick: Pow! This uptempo salsa powerhouse will hit you over the head like a sledgehammer. If the opening track "Suavecito" doesn't pull them onto the dancefloor, it is because they have been rendered senseless. This is Puerto Rican salsa at it's sweatiest, frenetic, most raucous best. "Esa Música" will quickly put dancers in the zone. Truly Pa'l Bailador. With Tito De Gracia on timbales, Elias Lopés, David Rodriguez and Angie Machado on trumpets, and a coro section consisting of Papo Sánchez, Luisito Carrión, Primi Cruz and José "Chegui" Ramos. All of the tracks are composed by Mr. Jesus. A surefire, red-hot DJ Alert. Highly recommended. (BP 10/22/04) Old school salsa, clean and neat. Jesus sings in a slightly hairy voice, and like a lot of MP productions, the tempos are way up, making the music great for the dance floor. Tito Rojas sings on La Formula, and Belinda sings on Contigo y con ella. Jesus sings the way a congero plays, with accents, and he's made one of the better straight-ahead salsa records to have arrived this year. Recommended. (Peter Watrous)
Description: Original Price: $15.98 / Now Only: $13.58
SONG TITLES:
1. Suavecito 2. Ella No Sabe 3. La Fórmula 4. Miradita Y Meneito 5. Uno Se Enamora 6. Esa Música 7. No Te Voy A Perdonar 8. Contigy Y Con Ella
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EditorsPick: It has been five years since Jimmy Bosch's highly acclaimed Salsa Dura, so one can say that El Avión De La Salsa has been five years in the making. And this well produced hard salsa CD, which features a who's who of musicians and singers, does sound like it was crafted, over time, with both passion and intelligence. More focused than his previous releases, El Avión is a dancers dream, with hard driving rhythms that keep the partying going track after track. The opening title, "El Avión De La Salsa," is sure to be a dance club hit. Bosch, who composed all of the tracks here, has his perfectionist's touch all over this production. And, although he brings in some top drawer singers -- Ray De La Paz, Herman Olivera, Willie Torres, and Marco Bermudez, it is the remarkably polished newcomer, Rey Bayona, that Bosch has sing most of the material here. Bosch met him in a local New York club a few years ago and he has been with him since. This boy is good, folks. On "Vengo A Cantar" all of the singers take a turn, Fania-style, and Bayona holds his own alongside the heavy-hitters. Also with special guests Yomo Toro, George Delgado, Marc Quiñones, Bobby Allende, Alfredo De La Fé, Oscar Hernandez, Andy Gonzalez and Dave Valentin. Yes, it has been five years since Mr. Bosch's last release. Listen to El Avión De La Salsa and you will agree it has been way too long. DJ Alert. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $16.98 / Now Only: $14.43
SONG TITLES:
1. El Avión De La Salsa (5:08) 2. Barreras Ninguna (5:31) 3. El Embajador (6:46) 4. Vengo A Cantar (7:17) 5. Medicina No! (4:52) 6. Que Bonito Es Soñar (5:20) 7. Mamá Y Papá (4:31) 8. Mi Cuerpo Tiemba (5:04) 9. Que Alivio (5:50) 10. Cocosito (4:51) 11. Llego La Hora (5:04)
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EditorsPick: Another summer surprise: Y Seguimos Bailando is a hard-hitting, uptempo dance number from Puerto Rico -- the second release from bongocero and bandleader Rigoberto Rodriguez. It's a no-nonsense, in-the-pocket salsa dance party. Borrowing musicians from Gilberto Santa Rosa's latest band (José Lugo, Jan Ducler, Tommy Villarini, Pablo Padin, Sammy Garcia), Rodriguez' crew is connected and fiery. Singers José Casanova and Eddie Meléndez both do the job with confidence and flair. "Dime Tú" and, especially, Ernesto Sanchez' "Para Tí" -- with conguero Jimmy Morales doing overtime, swing big time, and are definite club picks. DJ Alert. Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. El Humilde (4:26) 2. Dime Tú (4:02) 3. Seguiré Sin Tí (3:19) 4. La Gente Quiere Mambo (4:32) 5. Cusi Y Su Trompeta (5:08) 6. Carmelo Y Doña Rosa (4:10) 7. Rigo Cha-Cha (5:44) 8. Para Tí (5:40) 9. Compadre (4:58) 10. Seguiré Sin Tí (instrumental) (3:17)
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EditorsPick: In what may the salsa release of summer 2004, pianist and bandleader Ricky Gonzalez has put forth a high-octane record that will make the dance-floor test the house capacity. He has managed to produce a smart, explosive record which might be impressive if it were his 5th CD as a leader, but for a debut it is quite an achievement -- even with a few forgivable blips of excessive polish and the obligatory infusion of hip hop (introducing FR3SCO). A young veteran in the New York salsa scene Mr. Gonzalez has performed with Ray Barretto, Tito Nieves, Domingo Quiñones, Jimmy Bosch, Son Boricua, Jose Alberto "El Canario" and on and on. In fact, both El Canario and Mr. Barretto are a featured guests on Oasis. Also sitting in are Johnny Pacheco, Orestes ViIlato and Dave Valentin. This, folks, is what's meant by an "All Star" production. Some more name dropping? Here are the featured singers: Ray Viera, Herman Olivera, Jimmy Sabater (with an updated "To Be With You"), Frankie Vazquez, and, as mentioned, José Alberto "El Canario." It doesn't get much better than this. A definite DJ Alert. Listen to "Timbalero" -- with Mr. Vilato battling it out with Luis Quintero, and "Mi Rumba Es Candela" (with Mr. Barretto on congas) -- soon to be sure-fire club favorites. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Ya Era Tiempo (4:42) 2. Quisiera Ser (4:53) 3. Es Mi Nueva York (5:10) 4. La Paga (5:01) 5. Quisqueya Tiene Salsa (4:54) 6. Timbalero (5:01) 7. Pair Of Aces (5:39) 8. What You Won't Do For Love (4:48) 9. La Puerta / To Be With You (5:56) 10. Mi Rumba Es Candela (8:17)
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EditorsPick: Perhaps in part because it was produced by Manolito Simonet (Manolito y Su Trabuco), or perhaps it attests to Félix Baloy's smart, well paced style, this new project by the veteran sonero has a fresh, vital feel that stays the course from the first killer track to the last. Listen to "Lo Otro Lopongo Yo," the Jorge Boulet arrangement of the Félix Rondon son composition. It is a relentlessly fiery track that begs to be played LOUD...perfect danceclub material. Follow it with "Yo Soy El Son," a sparkling Baloy original, and you'll really have the party going. Baloy, who fronted Adalberto Alvarez's band for nearly a decade and then went on to become central to Juan De Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars, has a tremendous charisma and charm which helps to compliment his rich seasoned voice. "Un Poquito De Fé" is Baloy's debut self-produced project utilizing his own hand-picked band of top musicians and special guests including Amado Valdes, Tata Güines, Cesar Hechevarria, Yordanis Ravelo Machado, Manolito Simonet and others. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $18.98 / Now Only: $16.13
SONG TITLES:
1. Ayudame Yemaya (5:03) 2. Lo Otro Lopongo Yo (4:55) 3. Ten Unpoquito De Fe (2:37) 4. El Zorro (5:43) 5. Hay Madresita (4:31) 6. Yo Soy El Son (7:19) 7. Acheremy (6:16) 8. Diez Segundos (5:08) 9. Y No Espera Mas (3:02) 10. Son Para Un Amigo (6:02) 11. De Donde Es El Son (6:17) 12. Mi Guajirita (5:03)
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EditorsPick: Back in stock! One of the hottest Fania All Stars tribute shows on record, period. Recorded live in Melkweg, Amsterdam, Holland in 2003, this spectacular show led by Venezuelan percussionist-bandleader Gerardo Rosales is over an hour of blistering renditions of material originally arranged by Bobby Valentin, Larry Harlow, Johnny Pacheco, Louie Ramirez, Papo Lucca and other salsa luminaries. Features terrific vocals by Alberto Caicedo, Miguel Montenegro and Astrid "La Holandesa." And our good friend, timbalero Lucas Van Merwijk does a great job here. With all of the classics that you might expect from a Fania celebration: "Juan Pachanga," "Bemba Colora," "El Cantante," "El Ratón," "Anacaona" and many others. DJ Alert: A must-have. Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Fania Medley I (12:36): Ponte Duro (1:44) 2. Coro Miyare (2:42) 3. En Orbita (2:18) 4. Congo Bongo (6:32) 5. Juan Pachanga (5:37) 6. Bemba Colora (4:37) 7. Mi Gente (5:21) 8. Presentation (2:17) 9. El Cantante (9:46) 10. Pueblo Latino (5:44) 11. Fania Medley II (11:74): Lamento De U N Guajiro (2:51) 12. Quitate Tu (2:15) 13. El Raton (7:08) 14. Anacaona (8:06)
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EditorsPick: If you were among the many who wished Amar Sin Mentiras, Marc Anthony's recent pop effort, was a salsa release, do not fret. Only one month later comes Valió La Pena, a fresh, Salsafied reconstruction of most of the same tracks as Amar Sin Mentiras. To be exact, seven of the eight tracks on this salsa project come from Amar. There's a track, "Lamento Borincano," that's exclusive to Valió. Very well done production and arranging by Sergio George -- listen to "Se Esfuma Tu Amor." It's one of many danceclub ready tracks that sizzle. And the title track "Valió La Pena" is a most definite DJ Alert -- a killer track. Now that's more like it. Highly recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Valio La Pena 2. Escapemonos (con Jennifer Lopez) 3. Ahora Quien 4. Tu Amorme Hace Bien 5. Volando Entre Tus Brazos 6. Amigo 7. Se Esfuma Tu Amor 8. Lamento Borincano
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EditorsPick: It has been eight (yes, eight) years since Van Lester's last release, the now out-of-print "My Way (A Mi Manera)." Mr. Lester, whose reputation as a superb salsa singer - who sounded a heck of a lot like Héctor Lavoe - was such that Fania had asked him to complete unfinished Lavoe tracks on The Master & The Protege, still has the Lavoe sensibility, but rocks on his own terms. Listen to his range and power on the dance-club ready "Te Estoy Mirando." Mr. Lester, who is known to jam with some of the best New York players, has brought many of them into this project: Papo Pepín, Edwin Sanchez, Pablo Chino Nuñez, Ralph Figueroa and many others. These salsa tracks are a dancers pleasure, but also check out "Un Rico Son (It's A Cool Thang)," an updated salsa-boogaloo clearly borrowing from Pete Rodriguez' "I Like It Like That." With his typical tenor nasality, Mr. Lester proves to be likeable on every track, and Estaba Para Mi ends with "Sonero," a fiery gift to dance clubs everywhere. Great coro, great metal. Folks, this one here's a DJ Alert! Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $16.98 / Now Only: $14.43
SONG TITLES:
1. Se Encontro El Amor (4:21) 2. Lo Que Me Pasa A Mi (5:01) 3. Secreto (4:21) 4. Te Estoy Mirando (4:18) 5. Que Suerte La Mia (4:34) 6. Un Rico Son (It's A Cool Thang) (4:12) 7. Sonero (3:49)
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EditorsPick: Killer dance club salsa with fiery covers like "Vamanos Pa'l Monte" and "Moliendo Cafe," as well as crisp original tracks like "Y Se Llama Peru" which features special guest Melcochita. These are highly combustible, get-on-the-dancefloor tracks with zero filler material. I love Cambalache's handling of Joe Arroyo's classic "Rebelión." DJ alert. Highly recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Vamonos Pa'l Monte (Descarga) 2. Y Se Llama Peru (con Melcochita) 3. Dale Otro Toque (Salsa & Timba) 4. Chan Chan (Son Montuno) 5. Crueldad (Salsa & Funk) 6. Cambala-cha (Guajira-cha) 7. Rumbera Mayor (Salsa) 8. Moliendo Cafe (Salsa) 9. Rebelion (Salsa)
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EditorsPick: Exciting blend of no-nonsense salsa and timba. This debut release from Vission Latina should be at the top of your list -- a great party/danceclub record. Features Eduardo Herrera (Jesús Diáz y QBA, Orquesta La Moderna Tradición) as well as Fito Reinoso on vocals. Also with superb timbalero Carlos Caro (Avance, Cubanacan, QBA). These are some of the west coasts best salsa players, and, on this CD, it's easy to hear why. DJ Alert. Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Tema VL. 2. A San Francisco 3. Dale 4. La Mujer Que Tengo Ahora 5. Dejate Querer 6. El Kitikimba 7. Olvida El Pasado 8. Por Ser Mala 9. Muñeca De Cristal 10. El Timbal Se Queda
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EditorsPick: White-hot salsa -- dangerously close to the way the salsa gods planned it. Conguero/timbalero Bonilla is back with some more get-ya'-butt-on-the-dancefloor-NOW music that burns from the first track to the last. With smart, crackling arrangements by Sergio Cruz, Carlos Infante, Alfredo Pérez, Oscar Hernandez and Jorge Sosa, this one, folks, is a must-have: DJ Alert. Simply terrific vocals by Jesús "El Niño" Pérez, Juan "Cheito" Quiñones, Nelson Llompart. Bonilla never seems to disappoint. His last two releases on SAR were killers, and this one raises the bar even further. La rumba esta buena. Very highly recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $14.98 / Now Only: $12.73
SONG TITLES:
1. Busca Quien Fue (4:30) 2. Rico Mi Son (5:31) 3. Que Cansancio (5:51) 4. Ahora Si (5:55) 5. Yo Me La Llevo (4:51) 6. Se Le Ve (6:35) 7. Basta Ya Con Tu Mentir (5:45) 8. La Rumba Esta Buena (6:58)
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EditorsPick: Back in stock! Wow! What an amazing compilation of Cuban music -- and certainly the most comprehensive that we have ever come across. Spanning 60 years and digging deep into the archives of Cuba's preeminent recording label, Egrem, this huge 8-CD set is essentially the history of Cuban music from its early roots material to son to jazz to modern timba, and all of the nuances in between. A must-have for every student or collector of Cuban music. Very Highly Recommmended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $99.95 / Now Only: $84.96

Disc One: Linda Cubana - Antonio Maria Romeo Y Su Orch Rompiendo La Rutina - Paulina Alvarez Y Orquesta Tipica A La Loma De Belen-Septeto Habanero Mama, Son De La Loma - Miguel Matamoros Y Conjunto Maisi Ay, Que Sospecha Tengo - Rita Montaner Cuidadito, Compay Gallo - Nico Saquito Porque Me Siento Triste - Maria Teresa Vera Santa Cecilia - Duo Hermanas Marti El Fiel Enamorado - Guillermo Portabales Olvido - Rio Hermanas Lago Rico Melao - Orq. Arcaño Y Sus Maravillas Mariposa - Maria De Los Angeles Santana La Comparsa - Felo Bergaza Alborada - Orlando Vallejo Y Orq. A La Caridad Del Cobre - Celina Gonzalez Villancico Guajiro - Compay Segundo Y Su Grupo El Madrugador - Orlando Contreras Y Orquesta Enrique Jorrin Ya Usted Lo Ve, Ya Usted Lo Sabe - Radeunda Lima Y Evelio Rodriguez Rico Vacilon - Orq. America De Ninon Mondejar Ritmo En La Habana - Laito Sureda Y Conjunto De Senen Suarez Blanca Paloma - Arsenio Rodriguez Traigo Mi Coco Seco - Orq. Anacaona Soy Hijo Del Siboney - Raul Planas Y Banda Kubavana El Marañon - Manuel Licea "Puntillita" La Conga Del Casino - Conjunto Casino Disc Two: En Guantanamo - Abelardo Barroso Y Orq. Sensacion El Vive Bien - Grupo Afrocubano De Alberto Zayas No Volvere A Enamorarme - El Jilguero De Cienfuegos Y Conjunto Los Sonoros Los Carnavales De Oriente - Ajo Y Su Organo Oriental Sabor A Guaguanco - Caridad Cuervo Y Conjunto Severino Ramos Lo Dice Mi Abuelito - Rolando Laserie Y Orq. Cosmopolita En Las Tinieblasj - Jose Tejedor Y Conuunto Musicuba Amor Y Olvido - Blanca Rosa Gil Y Orq. Cosmopolita Loco De Amor/Ya No Alumbra - Miguelito Valdes Y Orq. Hermanos Castro Imagenes - Miguel D' Gonzalo Y Orq. De Humberto Suarez Sabor - Bebo Valdes Y Ritmo Tu Me Acostumbraste - Frank Dominguez No Me Niegues El Amor - Ernesto Lecuona Una Cierta Sonrisa - Amado Borcela "Guapacha" Oye Mi Tres Montuno - Nino Rivera, Cachao, Barreto, Tata Guines Vamo' Jose - Bola De Nieve Y Orquesta De Armando Orefiche Pa' Gozar - Pedro Justiz "Peruchin" Y Su Grupo Ogguere - Merceditas Valdes Y Orq. I.N.C. A La Quimbamba - Rolo Martinez Y Orq. De Ernesto Duarte Juana Bacallao - Juana Bacallao Y Orq. De Obdulio Morales Yayabo - Tito Gómez Y Orquesta Riverside Bodas De Oro - Chepin Y Su Orq. Oriental El Jamaiquino - Hermanos Bravo Me Lo Dijo Adela - Chico O'Farrill Y Su Orq. All Star Como Arrullo De Palma - Benny More Y Su Banda Gigante Disc Three: Año Del 61 - Cachao Y Su Tipica Gigante La Lupe - Amelita Frades Despertar - Esther Borja Debi Llorar - Gina Leon Volvi A Querer-Barbarito Diez Y La Orq. De Antonio Maria Romeu Noche Cubana - Grupo Cubano De Musica Moderna La Caminadora - Los Zafiros La Guarapachanga - Conjunto Chappottin Aqui De Pie - Elena Burke La Ultima Rumba - Celeste Mendoza Y El Coro Folklorico Cubano Otro Amanecer - Cuarteto De Meme Solis Maria Caracoles - Pello El Afrokan Y Su Ritmo Mozambique Taska Taska - Los Papines Perdoname Conciencia - Moraima Secada Que Te Pedi - Rosita Fornes Que Bonita Es Cuba - Septeto Nacional "Ignacio Pineiro" El Manisero - Orq Cubana De Musica Moderna No Puedo Ser Feliz - Bola De Nieve Las Cositas Que Tiene Cuba - Roberto Faz Y Su Conjunto El Bodeguero - Orq. Aragon Dirigida Por RafEl Ley Quiereme Mucho - Conjunto Caney Dirigido Por Benitico Llanes Asi Quiero, Corazon - Cuarteto D'Aida Disc Four: Rita La Caimana - Duo Los Compadres Dame La Mano Y Caminemos - Pacho Alonso Y Sus Pachucos Ay, Candela - Ibrahim Ferrer Y Los Bocucos El Recuerdo De Aquel Largo Viaje - Farah Maria Si Me Pudieras Querer - Ela Calvo Con Frank Emelio Al Piano Valle De Picadura - Grupo Irakere Dirigido Por Chucho Valdes El Secuestro De La Mujer De Antonio - Luis Carbonell Cuenta Conmigo - Clara Y Mario La Celosa - Nancy Casanova Hasta Siempre - Carlos Puebla Y Sus Tradicionales Sabor A Caney - Caridad Hierrezuelo Y El Conjunto Caney Siguelo Ahi (A Lo Cortico) - Conjunto Los Latinos Yo Bailo De Todo - Orq. Ritmo Oriental Vuelvete A Mi - Fernado Alvarez Acuerdate De Abril - Amaury Perez Mariposa - Miriam Ramos Negro Bembon - Coro Nacional De Cuba El Son De Adalberto - Conjunto Rumbavana Es Mas, Te Perdono - Noel Nicola Deuda - Roberto Sanchez Y El Conjunto Gloria Matancera A Duo Con Fernando Alvarez Vereda Tropical - Tito Gomez Y La Orq. Enrique Jorrin Disc Five: Glorias Cubanas - Los Munequitos De Matanzas Cuba, Que Linda Es Cubaramon Velez Y El Grupo Campo Alegre Creeme - Vicente Feliu Y Silvio Rodriguez Preludio-Vision-Nueva Vision - Emiliano Salvado Y Su Grupo Convergencia - Pablo Milanes Mejor Concluir - Beatriz Marquez Vida Consentida - Lino Borges Mujer, Si La Distancia Es Esa Huella - Grupo Mnanguare A Bayamo En Coche - Conjunto Son 14 Lo Que Me Queda Por Viviromar Portuondo Drume Negrita - Leo Brouwer Es Mejor Vivir Asi - Manolo Del Valle Dame Un Traguito - Grupo Sierra Maestra Los Tamalitos De Olga - Estrellas De Areito Un Amor De Millones - Sara Gonzalez Con El Gruypo Guayacan Son Al Son - Elena Burke Y La Orq. Aragon Yo Soy El Punto Cubano - Celina Gonzalez Lacho - Merceditas Valdes Para Barbara - Santiago Feliu Disc Six: Por Encima Del Nivel "Sandunguera" - Juan Formell Y Los Van Van Las Mujeres De Bayamo - Faustino Oramas "El Guayabero" Y Su Grupo Por Que Me Guaras Rencor - Carlos Embale Y Los Roncos Chiquitos Mario Ague - Pedro Luis Ferrer Y Su Grupo Imaginada - Silvio Rodriguez Y Los Van Van Y La Negra Bailaba - Frank Fernandez Opatereo - Grupo Sintesis Francisco Guayabal - Pio Leyva Y Los Kimbos Mi Gatico Vinagrito - Teresita Fernandez La Gloria Eres Tu - Jos Antonio Mendez Contigo En La Distancia - Cesar Portillo De La Luz Quien Ha Visto Por Ahi Mi Sombrero De Yarey? - Orq. Original De Manzanillo Ikiri Adda - Lazaro Ros Y El Grupo Mezcla Danzon Flora - Sergio Vitier Y Su Grupo Que Cuento Es Ese - Orq. Reve Rondo - Jose Maria Vitier Y Su Grupo Los Sitios Entero - NG La Banda Tu No Sospechas - Marta Valdes Que Manera De Quererte, Que Manera - Grupo Raison Disc Seven: Tu No Me Calculas - Paulo FG Y Su Elite Te Amare - Silvio Rodriguez Y Anabell Lopez Y Que Tu Quieres Que Te Den - Adalberto AlvRez Y Su Son Cachita - Grupo Jelengue Mambo Influenciado - Gonnzalo Rubalcaba Que Me Haces - Septeto Turquino Hagamos Un Trato - Carlos Ruiz De La Tejera Pare Cochero - Juan Carlos Alfonso Y Su Dan Den Chan Chan - Compay Segundo Indestructible - Ruben Gonzalez El Reloj De Pastora - Adriano Rodriguez Y Edesio Alejandro Magica - Grupo Moncada El Cuarto De Tula - Eliades Ochoa A Mi Manera - Augusto Enrique Balada A Caridad Y Emilio - Chucho Valdes Ritmo De La Pequeña Suite Cubana - Orq. Sinfonica Nacional Malanga Amarilla - Peruchin Jr. Tirame La Pelota Maria - Estudiantina Invasora Disc Eight: Lola - Moneda Dura Adriana - Kiki Corona Deja Que Te Coja - Roberto Fonseca No Juegues Con Mi Soledad - Buena Fe El Baile Del Suavito - Habana All Stars El Poder De Las Mujeres - Sur Caribe La Balada De John - Gerardo Alfonso A Moverse - Triangulo Oscuro Que Cosas Tiene La Vida - Pupi Y Los Que Son Son Con Tu Luz - Dayhani Acelara'o - Arnaldo Y Su Talisman No Son Del La Loma - Habana Sax Soy Cubano, Soy Popular - David Calzado Y Su Charanga Habanera Soy Lo Prohibido - Alfredo Rodriguez Y El Trio Los Embajadores Locos Por Mi Habana - Manolito Simonet Y Su Trabuco Bacalao Con Pan - Chucho Valdes Y Irakere
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EditorsPick: One of the best hard-driving salsa bands working in Colombia, Diego Gale's Quinto Mayor consistently delivers crisp, in-the-pocket club-ready dance grooves. "Montuno Al Piso" will not disappoint. With swinging montuno riffs from Ostwald Serna's tres, and Morist Jimenez' funky trombone moñas, this one, folks, is a clear DJ Alert, and is one of my picks of the month. In your face, no nonsense, capital "S" salsa. Let the party begin. Highly recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $16.98 / Now Only: $14.43
SONG TITLES:
1. Que Viva La Salsa 2. Son Sonero 3. Yenguele Maria 4. Montuno Al Piso 5. Turcutu 6. Yo Te Dije 7. Sarabanda 8. La Basura 9. Son Para Un Sonero 10. Pica, Pica 11. Fanfarron 12. Mi Santo Angel
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EditorsPick: All right, now we're getting serious, folks. Here is some take-no-prisoners Salsa direct from Colombia that should send the kiddy singers straight to bed feeling like they've got no future. Fronted by ex-Grupo Niche vocalists Javier Vazquez and Willy Garcia (who wrote every track with the exception of "Vida Consentida.") every track here is a potentially lethal explosion. If this one doesn't get them dancing, they should be listening to jazz. A DJ alert, and a salseros must-have. Very highly recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Ta Loca 2. Por Haberme Alejado 3. La Sospecha 4. Que Falto 5. Vengo 6. Ay Ay Ay 7. Vida Consentida (version Salsa) 8. Vida Consentida (version Bolero) 9. Lo Que Te Sobre
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EditorsPick: Salsa -- great, big, breathing, sweaty salsa, is alive and well and living in Guaynabo and Carolina, PR. That's where this powerful argument for the vitality of Puerto Rican salsa was recorded. Released on the Envidia label, known mostly for their growing catalog of Cuba's sidemen, session players, and lesser-known singers, this 20th anniversary celebration of Orquesta Puertoriqueña may, surprisingly, be the salsa release of 2004. Sporting a roster of Who's Who in salsa singers and players, these 11 individual tracks are put forth with such singular force and strength that, for 53 minutes, this listener completely forgot about the sad state of affairs salsa music has been in. Here is close to an hour of undiluted salsa at its purest. Luisito Carrion, Pedro Brull, Osvaldo Roan, Victor Manuelle, Josue Rosado, Pupi Cantor, Henry Santiago, Miguel Mendez and Andy Montañez, all heavy hitters, each step up and do their job with a professionalism that seems close to being supernatural. The arrangements are smart, and mostly stay clear from cutesy cheap hooks. This is salsa for real salsa listeners and dancers. If your not sure were you stand, check it out. It is a near-perfect rarity. Pick of the Month. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Celebrando - Cantan: Todos (5:01) 2. Demuestrame Que Sabes - Canta: Luisito Carrion (4:58) 3. En Mi Despedida - Canta: Osvaldo Roman (4:31) 4. La Familia - Canta: Josue Rosado (4:51) 5. De Boca Hacia Fuera - Canta: Victor Manuelle (4:28) 6. Fue En Santiago - Canta: Pedro Brull (3:47) 7. Inalcanzable - Canta: Pupi Cantor (4:56) 8. Bien, Bien Mejor - Canta: Andy Montanez (4:27) 9. Tumba, Tumbador - Canta: Henry Santiago (4:42) 10. Esa Chica - Canta: Miguel Mendez (4:59) 11. Invitation - Instrumental (5:57)
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EditorsPick: Salsa -- great, big, breathing, sweaty salsa, is alive and well and living in Guaynabo and Carolina, PR. That's where this powerful argument for the vitality of Puerto Rican salsa was recorded. Released on the Envidia label, known mostly for their growing catalog of Cuba's sidemen, session players, and lesser-known singers, this 20th anniversary celebration of Orquesta Puertoriqueña may, surprisingly, be the salsa release of 2004. Sporting a roster of Who's Who in salsa singers and players, these 11 individual tracks are put forth with such singular force and strength that, for 53 minutes, this listener completely forgot about the sad state of affairs salsa music has been in. Here is close to an hour of undiluted salsa at its purest. Luisito Carrion, Pedro Brull, Osvaldo Roan, Victor Manuelle, Josue Rosado, Pupi Cantor, Henry Santiago, Miguel Mendez and Andy Montañez, all heavy hitters, each step up and do their job with a professionalism that seems close to being supernatural. The arrangements are smart, and mostly stay clear from cutesy cheap hooks. This is salsa for real salsa listeners and dancers. If your not sure were you stand, check it out. It is a near-perfect rarity. Pick of the Month. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Celebrando - Cantan: Todos (5:01) 2. Demuestrame Que Sabes - Canta: Luisito Carrion (4:58) 3. En Mi Despedida - Canta: Osvaldo Roman (4:31) 4. La Familia - Canta: Josue Rosado (4:51) 5. De Boca Hacia Fuera - Canta: Victor Manuelle (4:28) 6. Fue En Santiago - Canta: Pedro Brull (3:47) 7. Inalcanzable - Canta: Pupi Cantor (4:56) 8. Bien, Bien Mejor - Canta: Andy Montanez (4:27) 9. Tumba, Tumbador - Canta: Henry Santiago (4:42) 10. Esa Chica - Canta: Miguel Mendez (4:59) 11. Invitation - Instrumental (5:57)
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EditorsPick: Remember Frederico y Su Orquesta? Well, here’s his son, Frederico Jr., a timbalero who has produced a sizzling, up-tempo pan-Caribbean salsa. Warning: some of these tracks will have wood dance floors in flames in no time at all. Listen to the salsa version of “Rosa, La Peligrosa." It’s fast and hard. DJ alert. Highly recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Te Lo Pido Por Favor (version En Vivo) (5:39) 2. Rosa, La Peligrosa (version Salsa) (4:10) 3. Me Quede Con Ganas (4:08) 4. Y Si Tengo Que Olvidarla (5:24) 5. El Amor Que Buscaba (3:50) 6. Te Llevo Grabada En Mi Piel (5:02) 7. No Le Digan (4:53) 8. Seremos Dos Enamorados (4:34) 9. Quisiera (4:18) 10. Yo No Se Que Me Paso (4:21) 11. Te Quiero (4:17) 12. Por Amor A Ti (4:21) 13. Hasta Que Me Olvides (5:02) 14. Rosa, La Peligrosa (version Merengon) (3:47) 15. Te Llevo Grabadda Enmi Piel (3:41) 16. Y Si Tengo Que Olvidarla (4:19) 17. Seremos Dos Enamorados (4:42)
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EditorsPick: Limited quantities! Although it is nowhere to be stated on the outside of this 3-CD box set, this is actually the famed late '50s Cuban Jam Sessions, from the Panart studios, featuring the orchestras of Julio Gutierrez, Israel Cachao López, Niño Rivera, and José Fajardo. These stellar recordings have been available separately, on and off, for some time under their original Panart titles: Cuban Jam Session Vol. 1 (Julio Gutierrez and Niño Rivera), Cuban Jam Session Vol. 2 (Julio Gutierrez and Cachao), and Cuban Jam Session Vol. 3 (Fajardo). They are each absolute classics in their own right, and are still the reference point for all Afro-Cuban dance-jam records that followed. These legendary sessions are among a handful of Cuban recordings of that era to have paved the way for modern salsa and Latin jazz. Las Estrellas Areito, The Alegre All Stars, and the Fania All Stars all owe a huge debt to these three sessions. They sizzle and swing. With Peruchin on piano, Tatá Güines on congas, Guillermo Barreto on timbales, Richard Egües on flute, El Negro Vivar on flute, and many others. A must-have. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $29.98 / Now Only: $25.48
SONG TITLES:
1. Introduccion (0:28) 2. Theme On Perfidia (8:26) 3. Theme On Mambo (3:31) 4. Cimarron (6:26) 5. Montuno Guajiro (9:20) 6. Cha, Cha, Cha Montuno (8:49) 7. Theme On Cha, Cha, Cha (4:46) 8. Opus For Dancing (10:18) 9. Theme For Conga (3:41) 10. Trombon Criollo (3:05) 11. Controversia De Metales (3:11) 12. Estudio En Trompeta (2:16) 13. Guaseo De Saxos (2:19) 14. Oye Mi Tres Montuno (2:40) 15. Malanga Amarilla (3:19) 16. Jam Session (16:14) 17. Rumba Theme (5:01) 18. Bata Rhythm (5:51) 19. Pamparana (2:39) 20. Cogele El Golpe (2:35) 21. Descarga Cubana (3:02) 22. Goza Mi Trompeta (2:56) 23. A Gozar Timbero (2:58) 24. Juaniquita (6:21) 25. Pa' Coco Solo...plus Six More Tunes!!! (3:55)
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EditorsPick: We receive promos of debut releases all the time, and I listen to them all. Well, most. Some of them are good, many of them are fair, and some shouldn’t have been made. Every now and then, however, there is the BIG surprise -- a truly great release. Iván Cáceres y Su Bongolandia’s “Roots of Acid Salsa" is such a release -- a slammin’, well orchestrated, beautifully arranged, funky, hard-core salsa CD where each individual track is important to the overall whole. Mr. Cáceres, a fiery, talented bongocero, has acknowledged many influences in the liner notes including Frankie Dante and Orquesta Flamboyán, to which he pays tribute to on “Medley La Flamboyán (Para Frankie Dante)." Lead vocalists Luisito Carrion, Rubén Román and Mr. Cáceres do remarkable work here, raising the level of sabor even higher. ‘El Merecumbe,’ a terrific number, is being touted as *the* hit on this CD. But there are a lot of fine tracks here: any number of them could be used to vastly raise the level of radio airplay quality. This is a DJ smorgasbord. Hands down, my vote for pick of the month -- and will, most probably, make my top ten list for 2003. A must have. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Campana Mayoral 2. Vous Le Vous Dancer 3. No Pare El Carnaval (Don't Stop The Carnival) 4. Esclavo De Amor 5. Medley La Flamboyan 6. Changui Compay 7. Merecumbe 8. Ni Pito Ni Flauta 9. Okere
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EditorsPick: Boom! Pianist and composer Bill Wolfer returns with his second Mamborama release: an explosive hybrid of timba, salsa, and Afro-Cuban jazz. Recorded in Cuba and L.A., Mr. Wolfer brought in some very special guests like El Indio, Manolito Simonet, Giraldo Piloto, Cesar "Pupy" Pedroso, Jimmy Branly and Julio Padron. Wolfer has managed to harness the energy of these monster Cuban musicians and inject it, pure and undiluted, into "Entre La Habana Y El Yuma," a multifaceted, funky dance masterpiece that helps to define this new era of Cuban dance music. It's club-ready, dance floor-filling plutonium. This, folks, just may be the sleeper hit of the Summer of 2003. Not to be missed. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Desde El Yuma (4:06) 2. La Gata Loca (4:39) 3. Oye Mamborama (4:19) 4. Ven A Bailar (4:24) 5. ¡En Cada Barrio, Música! (4:09) 6. Estar En Cuba (4:46) 7. Un Perro De Las Calles (4:12) 8. Entre La Habana Y El Yuma (3:54) 9. Esperando La Luz (4:31) 10. La Lucha (5:36) 11. Nos Vemos (4:48)
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EditorsPick: Colombia's Sonora Carruseles new release is a well crafted high-energy salsa dance project that throws sparks left and right. This caffeine infused roller coaster of fiery grooves will be sure to make the dancefloor explode. Borrowing phrases from classic Fania era salsa, and owing a great debt to Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, this band makes its mark in a way that embraces the spectacular... straddling -- and often crossing into -- the boundaries of chintz. Just how many hooks can be squeezed into a song? With the Carruseles, never too many. Like an over anxious cover band, the Carruseles crackling musicians create quite a lot of polish, but there's little essence at the core. The fast riffs and over-the-top references make for a perfect salsa for folks with Attention Deficit Disorder. And, sometimes, more often than not, that is just what's needed. The killer 'La Salsa La Traigo Yo" and "Lo Que Pide La Gente," with Harold Peláez' near perfect Héctor Lavoe timber, make this one a hard to avoid DJ Alert. Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $16.98 / Now Only: $14.43
SONG TITLES:
1. La Salsa La Traigo Yo 2. Cocinando La Salsa 3. La Comay 4. Vengo Caliente 5. Pachanga Pa Oriente 6. Repica El Tambo 7. Lo Que Pide La Gente 8. Coquetona 9. Rumba De Mulatos 10. Me Goce El Bongo 11. Puras Mentiras 12. Este Es Mi Son 13. Amor Mexicano
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EditorsPick: Are you ready to dance? This superb New York salsa orchestra, led by musical director and pianist Ricky Gonzalez and fronted by vocalist Frankie Vazquez, is known for their sizzling interpretations of classic 1970s salsa hits. This release, their third, features some very special guests like the legendary pianist Sonny Bravo and tresero Nelson Gonzalez. It may be their best release yet -- every track swings, and simply begs for the dancers. On this project, they make some very smart selections such as "Canuto" (Típica '73), "Babaila" (Pete "El Conde") , "Evelio Y La Rumba" (Tommy Olivencia), "Las Mujeres Son" (Ismael Miranda with Larry Harlow), "Noche Como Boca 'E Lobo" (Sonora Ponceña), and "Juana Peña" (Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón). This, folks, is a clear DJ Alert...a salseros must-have. Very highly recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $16.98 / Now Only: $14.43
SONG TITLES:
1. Canuto 2. Ahi Na' Ma 3. Babaila 4. Evelio Y La Rumba 5. Las Mujeres Son 6. Noche Como Boca E Lobo 7. Timboro 8. Juana Peña 9. Soneros De Siempre 10. Gandinga
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EditorsPick: On the heels of his critically acclaimed La Perfecta II CD comes Eddie Palmieri's red hot Ritmo Caliente, which begins with the Perfecta premise that great Latin dance music is alive and well, and pushes it beyond what Perfecta II had accomplished. The opening track, "La Voz Del Caribe" says it all. Sung by Hermán Olivera, this killer dance track will render you helpless as it pulls you onto the dance-floor. You'll stay there, too, for "Granpa Semi-Tone Blues," which features an Oquendo-esque timbale improvisation by José Claussell. Plainly stated, there is no post-Puente Latin dance machine on the level of Palmieri's. He has parlayed his 40+ years of Palladium-pumped grooves into this must-have release. Includes a superb re-interpretation of the 1964 classic "Lo Que Traigo Es Sabroso." Very highly recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. La Voz Del Caribe (5:21) 2. Grandpa Semi-Tone Blues (6:00) 3. Billie (3:29) 4. Lazaro Y Su Microfono (8:34) 5. Ritmo Caliente II (4:09) 6. Tema Para Renee (8:15) 7. Leapfrog To Harlem (6:26) 8. Gigue (Bach Goes Bata) (8:56) 9. Dime (4:45) 10. Sujetate La Lengua (6:11) 11. Lo Que Traigo Es Sabroso II (5:22)
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EditorsPick: Okay folks, get ready to embrace the future. Quite frankly, this timba powerhouse CD will do nothing if not blow you out of your sneakers. Roughly half are brand new tracks, with the other half being revised (and longer) versions of tracks that appeared on "Timba - The New Generation Of Latin Music." Mr. Pedroso, former pianist for Los Van Van, has released one superb project after another, and this one is clearly the modern masterpiece to reckon with -- a new definition of salsa Cubana, using the best elements of timba and young vocalists (José "Pepito" Gómez and Armando "Mandy" Cantero) who could sing fresh life into the dead. Pianist Pedroso ("Pupy") has never sounded more volatile -- his piano on the verge of exploding. He comes off as a man refusing to be sidetracked, a zealot of sorts -- as if he is making up for lost time. He penned the ten white-hot compositions on this album, and he leaves no room for filler material...it is all 100% pure Cuban rocketry. "Que Cosas Tiene la Vida" is currently the top CD in Cuba. Elsewhere, it has proven very hard to find. This is the timba release of the year (so far), so it is no surprise. With Changuito on pailas. Get it. Very highly recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $18.98 / Now Only: $16.13
SONG TITLES:
1. Que Cosas Tiene La Vida (5:08) 2. El Vecino Se Mudó (5:49) 3. El Gato Amaga Y No Araña (5:09) 4. Mamita Portate Bien (5:57) 5. La Bomba Soy Yo (5:30) 6. Ay Papa (5:39) 7. El Pregonero (5:05) 8. Juegala (6:02) 9. Te Molesta Que Sea Feliz (5:06) 10. Hoy Se Cumplen Seis Semanas (6:15)
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EditorsPick: Back in stock! Comprised of a DJ, a pianist, a percussionist, a rap singer and a son singer, this young Cuban hip-hop group became popular in Cuba with their underground hit “Quien Tiró La Tiza" (Who Threw The Chalk), three versions of which are included here. This is a funky, gritty sound with a strong rhythmic foundation and excellent vocals. DJ Alert: Clan 537 would be a fine addition to the club mix. Recommended. And if you are into the urban hip-hop sound, make that Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $16.98 / Now Only: $14.43
SONG TITLES:
1. Mi Religión (5:02) 2. Si No Eres Tú (3:55) 3. Corazón De Hielo (4:24) 4. Bim Bom (4:04) 5. La Piña (3:55) 6. Mulato (4:20) 7. Mi Nacimiento (3:14) 8. Qué Te Pasa? (4:00) 9. Romerillo (5:08) 10. Sé Que Te Va A Doler (3:34) 11. Fiesta Hasta Que Amanezca (4:00) 12. Quién Tiró La Tiza (4:05) 13. Quién Tiró La Tiza (Club Edit) (4:51) 14. Quién Tiró La Tiza (Salsa Edit) (5:06)
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EditorsPick: Boom! Featuring heavy hitters Chucho Valdez, Tatá Güines, Changuito, Papi Oviedo and others, this exciting, fresh new son/salsa-Cubana release by Los Jovenes Clásicos del Son is a slamming in-your-face explosion of new generation son. Formed in 1994 with the idea of rescuing the Cuban son from obsolescence, Los Jovenes, led by bassist Ernesto Reyes Proensa “Palma," have not only invigorated the genre, but raised it to a level of vitality not heard before. The enthusiastic lead singer “El Nene" Pedro Lugo Martinez is a force that cannot be contained -- a young, boisterous singer with the soul of a sonero. Incorporating a few classics like their dynamic interpretation of “Ahora Tú vera Se Baila El Son" with original material, this one is a non-stop Cuban fireworks. Join the party, you will not want to go home. Very Highly recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $18.98 / Now Only: $16.13
SONG TITLES:
1. Tambo En El Alma (3:54) 2. Colgado En La Pared (4:21) 3. Romance De Amor (4:50) 4. Ahora Tú Veras Como Se Baila El Son (4:40) 5. Toitico (3:37) 6. La Perorata (5:07) 7. Café De Juanita (4:03) 8. Guajira En Descarga (6:06) 9. Canción Al Mejor (5:04) 10. Bembelegua (6:01)
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EditorsPick: This superb retrospective of Ruben Blades salsa has been culled from the cream of his output from the last ten years. Age had done nothing but add a luster, a fine patina to Mr. Blades compelling voice. He has the ability to be a vocal powerhouse when he chooses to turn up the heat. Mr. Blades’ band has always been hand-picked from the best of the best, and even a superficial listening clearly demonstrates the professionalism and soul that separates the men from the boys. The arrangements in this package never rely on cheep effects or formula. There is little to detract from the pure strength of the musicians and, of course, the power of Mr. Blades’ delivery and compositions -- most were penned by him. Listening to this CD it appears evident why Blades is deserving of his superstar status. As a compilation, the album is very cohesive and big, powerful statement. The irony is that this CD, containing no new material, may very well be the best salsa release of the year. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $16.98 / Now Only: $14.43
SONG TITLES:
1. Caminando 2. Camaleon 3. Prohibido Olvidar 4. Adan Garcia 5. Amor Y Control 6. Creo En Ti 7. Tras La Tormenta 8. La Rosa De Los Vientos 9. Sin Querer Queriendo 10. Un Son Para Ti 11. Eres Mi Cancion 12. Vida (Radio Edit) 13. Sicarios 14. Dia A Dia 15. Estampa (Radio Edit)
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EditorsPick: The purest of pure Cuban son flows from the eleven tracks performed by this latest incarnation of the legendary Septeto Nacional. Formed in 1927 by Ignacio Piñeiro, this septeto is known for its exemplary performances of traditional Cuban dance musical styles. Here they offer a range from son to rumba via afro, guaracha, pregón, bolero, guajira and son montuno. They do an Arsenio Rodriguez tune, “Pucho Marquez," and material Chappottin was known for. Impeccably mixed with every crack of the bongo and string of the tres crystal clear -- the funk and pop are up front. Turn it up, baby. The liners attributed Piñeiro as saying “Son is the most perfect thing for entertaining the soul." Listen to this CD and you won’t be able to disagree. Impossible. Very highly recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $18.98 / Now Only: $16.13
SONG TITLES:
1. Cuatro Palomas (5:23) 2. En El Tiempo De La Colonia (4:44) 3. Siento Muy Dentro De Mi (3:33) 4. Tu No Tienes Problema (3:52) 5. Poetas Del Son (5:01) 6. Llego El Dulcerito (4:13) 7. Longina (4:42) 8. Pucho Marquez (3:48) 9. Madre Santa (4:30) 10. Trompeta Querida (3:24) 11. El Quiquiriñao (4:21)
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EditorsPick: Superlative, modern and unconventional effort from the main force that was behind Conjunto Céspedes. Ms. Céspedes' voice is supreme: powerful, full of strength even when she whispers. These arrangments, some involving Santeria orishas, are deeply rooted in both Afro Cuban and R&B traditions, what producer Greg Landau calls the "funkloric" approach. Ms. Céspedes, with her rich bottom range, and the band, featuring seasoned pianist/flautist Oriente Lopez, make it work. This CD has become one of my personal favorites. It pushes, artfully, outside the box...without losing its core. Very highly recommend. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Rezos (5:32) 2. Obatala (4:29) 3. California (4:28) 4. Como Te Extraño (4:14) 5. Lenu (3:59) 6. Yambu Rock (4:21) 7. Anoche (6:17) 8. Awoyo (4:09) 9. Nuevo Milenio (4:51) 10. Ogun (3:38)
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EditorsPick: Wow, in what may be the party CD of the year, the producers at Dimelo have taken the best tracks from the Tabaco Y Ron repertoire and infused them with an extra dose of sabor, then stir fried ‘em in a wok of spicy salsa. The result is a blast of remixed dance tracks that will keep the party going until the sun rises. “Coquetona," a killer track, is worth the price alone. This brand of CD is a true rarity, nearly every track is slamming. DJ alert: The one is a must-have. Highly recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $16.98 / Now Only: $14.43
SONG TITLES:
1. Coquetona Super Coquieta Remix/Dimelo! Dee Jay 2. Sabor A Melao - Con Las Palmas Remix/Deimelo! Dee Jay 3. Salsa Pa' Los Triunfadores - Manteca-Montuno Remix/DJ Cubanito 4. Prestame Tu Mujer - Cuanto Cuesta Remix/Dimelo! Dee Jay 5. Dime Lo Que Se Siente - Baron Lopez Remix 6. Avisale A Mi Contrario - Ven, Ven Eroco Remix/Dimelo! Dee Jay 7. El Son Te Llama (Guajira) - Que Viva Santana Remix/Dimelo! Dee Jay 8. Lloraras - Sigo Llorando Remix 9. Guaguanco Margarito - From The Forthcoming Orq. Tabaco Y Ron Album Entitled "Te Lo Dije" 10. Mulatica Mia - Performed By The Tao Of Groove Feturing: Orquestra Tabaco Y Ron 11. El Son Te Llama (Guajira) - Davidson Ospina Remix 12. Coquetona - Fernando "G" Gonzalez Ragga Muffin Dub
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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)
Description: Original Price: $16.98 / Now Only: $14.43
SONG TITLES:
1. Natalia Isabella (4:02) 2. Ay Ay Ay (4:27) 3. A Bailar (4:19) 4. Manuela (4:04) 5. Fresas Con Chocolate (4:31) 6. Lindas Caderas (4:55) 7. Miedoso Baboso (3:54) 8. Jugo De Tomate (4:31) 9. Victima No (4:52) 10. Soy Guanaco Salvadoreño (5:23)
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EditorsPick: Somos Amigos is the perfect blending of tasty Cuban son with elements of jazz-descargas. The ensemble consists of top players like pianist Jesús Rubalcaba, Frank Rubio on bass, J.J. Oliveros on flute, and Imanol Ortiz on congas. Simply put, it sizzles. Compositions by Chucho Valdez, Israel Lopez “Cachao," and Juan Pablo Torres, as well as original material by Mr. Rubalcaba and Imanol Lopez, are performed. “El Hombre Que Yo Amé" is so infectious, the breaks so inviting, that you can’t help but dance. I also loved their rendition of “El Ratón," the tune popularized by Cheo Feliciano and the Fania All-Stars in the ‘70s. Special mention must be made of the vocalist, Kalunga, who does a remarkable job on this project. Very highly recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. El Hombre Que Yo Amé (7:45) 2. Mambo Influenciado (5:59) 3. Rumba De La Vida (6:17) 4. Bella Melodía (7:34) 5. Chanchullo (7:01) 6. El Ratón (6:42) 7. Como Fue (7:23) 8. Rumba De Cajón (6:05)
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EditorsPick: What a gem of a release this is! Much of this project is in the spirit of the '50s Panart Cuban Jam Sessions. (see the original here) in which his father, Pedro Justiz "Peruchin" was piano player. Guitar player Peruchin Jr. has created a perfect update to some of those Afro-Cuban classics -- a few of the songs, including the exhilarating title cut, "Malanga Amarilla," actually appeared on the original Jam Session records. There are a few softer cuts that act to clear the palette (like the soothing jazz "Retorna"), but overall, this CD smokes. Special guest conguero Tata Güines, a veteran from the original Jam Sessions, makes an appearance on "Montunero." Very highly recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Malanga Amarilla (4:17) 2. Montunero (6:34) 3. Montuno Clasico (3:55) 4. Quiero Bailar Ahora (4:50) 5. Guajira Melodica (3:51) 6. Valle De Picadura (6:47) 7. Mi Linda Guajira (5:29) 8. Retorna (6:06) 9. Oye Mi Tres Montuno (4:40) 10. Summer Time (5:09)
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EditorsPick: Back in stock. Limited quantities. The is a "best-of" compilation of great tracks from the venerable and near legendary New York dance band, and it's a great one. It combines the best of the early Libre material, some of which is not available elsewhere. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $17.98 / Now Only: $15.28
SONG TITLES:
1. Goza La Vida 2. Bailala Pronto 3. Que Humanidad 4. No Me Hechen La Culpa 5. Lo Que Se Da No Se Quita 6. Por Que Tu Sufres 7. Suavecito 8. Yo No Vuelvo Contigo 9. Bamboleate 10. Libre Y Su Son 11. Vengo Sabrosa
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EditorsPick: Superb compilation of the best early Conjunto Libre material. With Manny Oquendo, Andy Gonzalez, Jerry Gonzalez, Jimmy Bosch, Oscar Hernandez, Nestor Torres, Alfredo De La Fe, Nelson Gonzalez, Herman Olivera, Hector "Tempo" Alomar, Pupy Torres, Milton Cardona and Felo Barrios. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $15.98 / Now Only: $13.58
SONG TITLES:
1. Que Humanidad 2. Bamboleate 3. Goza La Vida 4. Imagenes Latinas 5. Suavecito 6. El Son 7. La Salsa 8. Por Que Tu Sufres 9. No Critiques 10. Alabanciosa 11. Estoy Como Nunca
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EditorsPick: Back in stock after a year of being out of print, I happened to notice that this gem was never reviewed by Descarga when it was originally released in 1997 (it’s the second Estrellas Cobo release). What an oversight! Besides the superb core band including pianist/director Alfredo Valdes Jr., Chocolate Armenteros, José Mangual Jr., Andy Gonzalez, Mike Collazo, Pupi Legarreta et al, Descarga Del Milenio also features guest conguero Ray Barreto, and legendary flautists José Fajardo and Eddy Zervigon. Terrific vocals by Jimmy Sabater, Frankie Morales, and Melcochita. This is simply one of my favorite descarga-jam dance records. “Chismoso Tu," “Montuno Swing," and “Cimarrón" are all right on the money. A must-have. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $15.98 / Now Only: $13.58
SONG TITLES:
1. Montuno Swing (5:32) 2. Borinquen Como Te Quiero (6:05) 3. Pa' Chismoso Tu (5:04) 4. Cuban Fantasy (4:14) 5. La Vida En Un Sueño (4:10) 6. Cimarron (7:07) 7. Alemendares Se Botó (5:16) 8. Rumba Quimbumba (6:01) 9. T.J. Way (4:22) 10. Caimán Jam II (5:50)
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EditorsPick: **Classics Revisited** Salsa's beatific duo, Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2003. After making their earliest recordings for Seeco Records, Ray signed with Fonseca Records. The five albums his orchestra made for the label during the mid-'60s contain some of the duo's strongest recorded work. Ray's Fonseca follow-up, On The Scene With Ricardo Ray, has a more restrained feel to it than its predecessor Ricardo Ray Arrives / Comején. Richie's ingenious piano soloing is again very much to the fore, as is his younger brother Ray Maldonado's trumpet playing. The jala-jala "Yenyere", co-written by Richie, is the most boisterous track with blistering trumpet pyrotechnics from Maldonado. Richie gives the Rafael Hernández standard "Cachita" a jazzy makeover. The extended cha-cha bembé "La Cuchara" features a funky solo from Richie - during which the coro shout "El Piano de Brooklyn" - followed by a brief bass solo from Russell "Skee" Farnsworth. The gem of the date for me is a delightful version of Bud Powell's "Parisian Thoroughfare", which changes midway through from a cool Latin jazz piece to a driving mambo. On The Scene is a solid gold classic. Very highly recommended. (John Child)
Description: Original Price: $13.98 / Now Only: $11.88
SONG TITLES:
1. Yenyere 2. Mirame 3. Cumbaja 4. Cachita 5. La Cuchara 6. El Dia Que Me Quieras 7. Parisian Thouroughfare
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EditorsPick: Back in stock! Terrific 1984 release featuring Paquito Pastor, Chocolate Armenteros, Daniel Ponce, Andy Gonzalez, Ignacio Berroa, Mario Rivera, Tito Puente, Felo Barrios, Adalberto Santiago and other super heavies. Very Highly Recommended. (BP)
Description: Original Price: $15.98 / Now Only: $13.58
SONG TITLES:
1. Francisco Guayabal (4:25) 2. El Platanal De Bartolo (4:22) 3. Tres Lindas Cubanas (4:40) 4. Ban-Con-Tim (3:50) 5. Alto Songo (4:58) 6. Malanga Na Ma (3:48) 7. El Sopon (4:15) 8. La Cáscara (4:49)
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