EditorsPick: Madera Fina made quite a splash in the '90s. This New York based salsa dura band put out a handfull of albums that featured an all-star cast like pianist Lucho Cueto, conguero Eddie Montalvo, José Peña, trumpeter Charlie Sepulveda, sax player Ricardo Pons. The singers were Tito Gonzalez, Carlos Torres, Cheo Medina, and Chuito De Jesus, and were backed by a coro section consisting of Carlos Santos, Adalberto Santiago and Nestor Sanchez. This is a compilation of the band's best material from that era. Highly Recommended. Here's what DJ Nancy Rodriguez said in our 1994-95 catalog... "This New York salsa band may be 'new' but each member has many years of experience in the salsa circuit. They are a tight group that delivers excellent numbers in a highly enjoyable way. This one is definitely 'i ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Maña's second release picks up nicely where their acclaimed first release (¡Por Fin…Maña! Comenzó La Fiesta) left off. This highly swinging Bronx-based salsa band is led by keyboardist Ramon Rosado (also with Wayne Gorbea's orchestra) and timbalero Victor Maldonado (Gene Hernandez' Orq., Tito Nieves, etc.). This is the sort of essential dance music, made without pretense, that can still be heard in select bars and clubs around NYC. Be sure to check out "Cabio Sile Yeyeo" as sung by powerhouse Awilda Morales -- one of the album's many highlights. Estamos Gozando also features the dynamic vocalists Fernando Fernandez and Pete Rodriguez. With guest percussionist Anthony Carillo and vocalist Abraham Rodriguez (on the trac ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Straight-ahead, no-nonsense power-salsa with titles like "Sabor Mandinga," "Para Los Bravos" and "Verdaderos Soneros" -- you get the picture. Capital "S" Salsa at its best. This is the stuff of danceclub perfection. No pretense here, folks, just the distilled essence of sabor. There's a great version of the classic "Tin Marin" too. Not to be missed. Colombia comes through, once again. This one is Very Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: The real rumba is a miraculous and beautiful Afro-Cuban cultural and religious manifestation that is rarely captured on recording in all its sonic glory. Notable historic recordings of rumba include albums by Patato and Totico, Los Muñequitos, Los Papines, Alberto Zayas, Clave y Guaguancó, Yoruba Andabo, and Festival In Havana by Ignacio Piñero. Now the incredibly talented Pedro Martínez and Román Díaz have joined the pantheon with the best Afro-Cuban rumba recording in recent memory. What makes The Routes of Rumba stand out from the rest is that it is a “concept album” that takes the listener through the entire rumba experience, from the emotional to the physical, from the sacred to the profane. There are moments on this CD where you will go into a trance, and others where you want to get ... continues (Pablo Yglesias)

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EditorsPick: Truth in advertising: this is music for rumberos, hard, hard salsa from the veteran West Coast band, with a big, open sound, deep in the Puerto Rican mold. Led by Mazacote Lopez, a Cuban conguero, the band blasts away with some deep swing and great singing by George Balmaseda, among others. There aren’t any liner notes, but it looks like the album combines a few sessions; the band changes, but the swing and intensity don’t. This is serious dance floor music, blessed with a high level of excellence — everything in time, in tune, all meant to keep the place rocking, hard driving dance music at its best. Really great, no excuses salsa dura. Highly Recommended. ... continues (Peter Watrous)

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EditorsPick: Ismael Miranda, veteran Fania All Star singer, returns with a strong new salsa release with a touch of son flavor, as provided by Luis Garcia and his tres. Make no mistake, this is a salsa record from front to back, and Miranda's clear tenor can penetrate the sound of even the most powerful orchestras. This one features bongocero Richie Bastar, conguero Sammy Garcia, trombonist Morist Jimenez, bassist Pedro Perez and others. Singing coro are Darvel Garcia, Jose Luis "Chegui" Ramos, Wichie Camacho and Juan José. Produced by Miranda and Diego Galé (who is also the timbalero here). Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: The Afro-Cuban conguero Modesto Duran was an important player in the mambo and Latin jazz world of the 1940s and 50s, first for 12 years in Mexico, and then later in the USA. Some say it was his special 3 count golpe (beat) that separated the mambo from the cha-cha-cha, giving Pérez Prado’s music that muscular backbone that changed the face of Latin music forever. Whatever the case, he was essential to Prado’s classic 1950s RCA recordings, and once in the U.S., played a pivotal part in bringing Afro-Cuban rhythms and flavor to Harry Belafonte’s seminal first album and others by the likes of Shorty Rogers, Lena Horne, and Eartha Kitt. He was also behind the scenes of some of Mongo Santamaria’s early dates for Fantasy Records, adding chants and percussion. Sadly, he was not recognized by the ... continues (Pablo Yglesias)

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EditorsPick: Oomph -- just what the doctor ordered! Primo rootsy salsa from a couple of veterans who have been around the block a few times. César Augusto Manuel Morales aka Albóndiga or Gordo Monges Monges was the former director of Los Satélites. Later, his group Swing Moderno featured a young bass player named Oscar D'Leon (originally the group's conga player!). The salsa superband Dimension Latina, with D'Leon upfront, evolved from that group. Monges revived Los Satelites and his new lead singer was Rodrigo Mendoza. D'Leon eventually went solo, of course, and the rest is history. Mendonza went on to become vocalist for the popular Colombian salsa band Grupo Niche, and also produced a ton of hits with Formula Ocho, Octava Dimension, Joe Arroyo etc. In this new production, Cacao reunites two importa ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Supremely swinging and fiery pachangas and cha cha chás by vibist Bobby Montez. A 1960 gem, Montez here perforks mostly original tracks with the addition of a couple of Tito Puente tracks ("Que Sera Cha Cha" and "Titoro") included for good measure. Delicioso. Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: The legendary Rumba Originals are back with a new release consisting of material penned mostly by Rafael Navarro Pujada and Freddy Jesús Alfonso Borges. This is a historically significant recording as it is the last production that was overseen by their longstanding musical director, Jesús Alfonso Miró, also a gifted composer and percussionist, who died in Matanzas, Cuba, on June 3rd, 2009. Review to follow shortly. Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Oomph, brotha-man... here's the beef. You of little faith did not see this one coming, did ya? This is straight-up classic salsa at its pristine best. Puerto Rican trumpeter Edgard Nevárez has done a remarkable job in assembling a first-pick crew of pros here. Tommy Villarini, José Jugo, Quique Doménech, William "Cachiro" Thompson, Edwin Clemente, Charlie Sierra and others. Singer Javier "Javi" Marrero steps up and does an arguably flawless job here. Nevárez ends the project on a high note ...a pumped up plena entitled "No Vale La Pena." Zero filler here, just 100% clave-packed power. Listen to "Mi Fe" to get the faith back, man. Back on the block, where Salsa is king. Very Highly Recommended. Review to follow shortly. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Here is some Serious Salsa, brother. Singer Choco Orta has fanned the flames of the genre, big time. Produced by Gilberto Santa Rosa and Charlie Donato, this one is a salsa dancer's dream record. Orta takes on the classic "Ay José," made popular by Graciela with Machito's orchestra. And on the fiery "Cúcala," the Ismael Rivera classic, she is joined by Moncho Rivera, Ismael's nephew. At times, Orta's energy can only be compared to the legendary La Lupe, and it is no accident that she decides to end the cd with La Lupe's "Por Accidente," a smokin' finale if there ever was one. With Gilberto Santa Rosa, Adalberto Santiago, Charlie Donato and Henry Santiago as coroistas. Luis Marin on piano, bassist Johnny Torres and Sammy Garcia on congas. An instant classic. A big DJ-Alert and... Very Highl ... continues (Pablo Yglesias)

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EditorsPick: Okay, folks, here's a *killer* salsa release, with a soul, energy and sound that borrows heavily from the big band mambo era. Trumpeter Mario Ortiz Jr. here pays tribute to his father, the late bandleader and trumpeter Mario Ortiz. And what a tribute it is. If you're ready for a high-voltage interpretation of the *heavy* swing from that bygone era, get this puppy now. Joining Ortiz Jr. for the ride is, ...get ready: Gilberto Santa Rosa, Cheo Feliciano, Tito Allen, Richie Ray, Bobby Cruz, Roberto Roena, Adalberto Santiago, Elías Lopés, Primi Cruz, Anthony Cruz, Ismael Miranda, Papo Lucca, Tony Vega, Bobby Valentín, Ismael Rivera Jr., Pedro Brull and Andy Montañez. Some of the project's highlights, and there are many, are the amazing "Se Acabo El Bembe" as interpreted by Ismael Miranda, Ada ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Terrific gritty, hard driving salsa dura -- old school style. The three lead personalities here, Tino Sanchez (bass), Juan Esteban Rodriguez (singer), and tresero David Rodriguez are cousins who grew up in Puerto Rico listening to classic salsa. Now, thirty years later they decided to make their dream a reality, took to the road, came to New York and that's when producer Luis Dominguez discovered them. Dominguez has successfully captured the essence of "live" music. The result is a dancer's gold-mine. "Mi Tumbao," "La Otra," and the Ray Barretto classic "Guarare" are some some of the hits here. Listen to their "A Tito Rodriguez." A big DJ Alert. With Benjamin "El Pollo" Vega, William Santiago, Victor Velásquez, Tonito Vázquez, Ismael Orta and others. Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: What a great surprise ...a highly FUNKified, folklore-jazz number with inflections of timba, salsa and even a bit of R&B. Yoruba Funk Party music at its best. Whatever you want to call it, it's great stuff that will be sure to get your blood flowing. Superb vocalist and PALO! co-founder Leslie Cartaya pumps life and vitality into every arrangement. With co-founder and keyboardist Steve Roitstein at the helm, PALO! also has saxophonist Ed Calle, timbalero Raymer Olalde, conguero and singer Philbert Armenteros and others. This is funk, Yoruba style, with lots of attitude and ...Very Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: It's finally here ...the DVD that all fans of Timba Cubana have been waiting for: a live performance by the amazing Pupy Pedroso y Los Que Son Son. The former backbone of Los Van Van is joined here by guests Angel Bonne and timbalero supreme Changuito, and perform the songs "Que Cosa Tiene La Vida," "La Bala De Billy," "Azúcar," "De La Timba A Pogolotti" and much more. Concierto de Pupy y Los Que Son Son en la Tribuna del Malecón habanero. Tiempo 54.07 min. Invitados Angel Bonne y José Luis Quintana "Changuito." Full review to follow shortly. Very Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Sparkling dance-club salsa from Puerto Rico that has a lot going for it. The alternating singers are Hector Rey, Jaime "Megui" Rivera, and Mannix Martinez. With timbalero Tito De Gracia, pianist Ceferino Cabán, bari sax player Roberto Calderon, and trombonist Jorge Diaz. A dancer's trove of uptempo swing. Listen to the track "Se Me Ha Metido En La Piel" to feel the power of old-school salsa-power. Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: The beloved salsa orchestra led by Papo Lucca celebrated their 55th anniversary this past at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in Puerto Rico. They performed some of their big hits like "Juana Bayona," "Mi Lindo Yambu," "Busca Una Orquesta," "Ñañara Cai" and many others. They also perform their new hit "Sonrisita Y Chuchillita." The band is fronted by singers Hector "Pichie" Pérez, Danny Davila, Fernando "Wito" Colón, Edwin Rosas as well as guests vocalists Mannix Martinez, Luigi Texidor, and Tito Allen. Master tres player Nelson González makes an appearance too. This is a great celebration of the venerable and timeless band. Available in both CD and DVD formats. Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: The beloved salsa orchestra led by Papo Lucca celebrated their 55th anniversary this past at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in Puerto Rico. They performed some of their big hits like "Juana Bayona," "Mi Lindo Yambu," "Busca Una Orquesta," "Ñañara Cai" and many others. They also perform their new hit "Sonrisita Y Chuchillita." The band is fronted by singers Hector "Pichie" Pérez, Danny Davila, Fernando "Wito" Colón, Edwin Rosas as well as guests vocalists Mannix Martinez, Luigi Texidor, and Tito Allen. Master tres player Nelson González makes an appearance too. This is a great celebration of the venerable and timeless band. Available in both CD and DVD formats. Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Wow! Just in, a new LIVE session by the venerable salsa orchestra. This is the type of performance that builds momentum with each track.  Led by trumpeter Luisito Ayala, the band also includes trumpeter Jorge "Wisin" Pantojas, trombone players Esteban Gonzalez and Jerry Rivas Jr., and pianist Jimmie Collazo. 30 Años features  a whole crew of singers: Josué Rosado, Carlos Vega, Omar Rodriguez, Pedro Sanz, Pichie Pérez (direct from Sonora Ponceña) and Ito Rivera. Listen to the killer "Se Te Fue La Mano" as sung by Pichie Pérez, or the smokin' "Cuando Falta Tu" another killer salsa track sung by Pérez -- this one arranged by Lenny Prieto. Then there's the fiery "Si Pero No" as interpreted by Josué Rosado  — it's a big DJ Alert danceclub track. A nice surprise and... Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: [Editor's Note: We are told this one is particularly hard to find. We do have a limited number of this cd left, so we suggest that you place your order as soon as possible.] One of the great living Puerto Rican soneros comes out singing on Conquistador de Corazones. A big budget, radio friendly production, Quinones is aiming at the romance crowd. While there’s a bunch of singing on the album, he’s in his high voiced, intimate mode, a bit soft, little boyish. When the soneos break out, though, it’s impossible to not hear his total control — check out the harder "Guajiron Guapeton." Pop salsa, well done. Highly Recommended. ... continues (Peter Watrous)

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EditorsPick: Pete's brother. Big mid-sixties mambo swing from the Cuchifrito Man himself. With "Oye Carmela," "Mi Mambo," "Guaguanco Para Los Pollos" and "Cuchifrito Man." Review to follow shortly. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Ray’s not kidding; here’s a really strong, salsa dura release full of sophisticated arrangements and great playing. It’s all immediately obvious on the first and title track, where the arrangement just makes the music take off, with horn breaks, and solos by Luisito Quintero and Isidro Infante. The band’s pretty amazing, with the bass duties held by Ruben Rodriguez; Infante’s on piano, the singing’s by Jose Davila and Sammy Gonzalez, Jr. and Hector Martignon’s on accordeon, occasionally.  The coro’s by Tito Allen, Joe King and Doris Eugenio; the whole thing adds up to music that’s going to be hard to kick out of the top ten this year. Local New York salsa at its best. Highly Recommended. ... continues (Peter Watrous)

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EditorsPick: The nephew of El Sonero Mayor, Ismael Rivera, has, in a very short time, risen high in the ranks of my personal salsa heroes. Bloodline or not, this guy can really sing in the classic sonero style. While his range is not the widest, it is resonant with soul and sabor and a perfect fit for this repertoire of iconic tracks by Javier Vazquez, Roberto Anglero, Rafael Ithier and, yes, Ismael Rivera ("Amor Salvaje") who, I venture to imagine, would be proud. This is the stuff of great and memorable salsa, and even non-believers are starting to come around. You just have to listen. Take a look at his band here: pianist Luis Marin, percussionists Sammy Garcia, William "Cachiro" Thompson, Richy Bastar and Charlie Sierra, bassist Efrain Hernandez and other top-drawer musicians. Not to mention his c ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: A warm welcome to the new Fania. Here's Codigo's premier release, and it's a good one. The original Fania never really got around to putting together a fitting Tito Rodriguez compilation. We'll, here it is, and it's pretty cool. This is mostly all swinging dance material, with a few tasty boleros peppered in. What makes it extra special is that it includes not only Rodriguez's Tico material (part of the original umbrella of Fania labels) but also the superb United Artists material that was owned by West Side Latino, and now also owned by Codigo. This is big, as it means that Codigo has access to two tremendous pools of Latin gems. El Inolvidable is the first fruit to come from this marriage (or adoption) of the two legendary labels. Compiled by Harry Sepulveda, this set sports crystal clea ... continues (DR)

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EditorsPick: Wow. This is Tito Rojas' first recording, from '72 (originally on Mavi Records), with Pedro Conga's orchestra. With conguero Pedro "Conga" López, bassist Johny Rodríguez, pianist Luis A. Cruz "Cha," bongocero César Cruz and others. Highly recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Check out salsero Osvaldo Román's resumé you'll wonder why this guy doesn't already have 20 records under his own name. Román's been around the block: he's sung either lead or power-coro for Grupo Niche, Bobby Valentin, Tito Nieves, Kim de Los Santos, Puerto Rican Power, Luisito Carrion, Willie Rosario, etc., etc.. Get the picture? This high-voltage salsa project is a Colombia-Puerto Rico collaboration. Produced by Diego Galé, who is also on percussion here, Asi Soy Yo features the heavy-hitters Tito de Gracia (timbal), Sammy Garcia (congas), Richie Bastar (bongo), José Lugo (piano), Morist Jimenez (trombone) and others. Listen to the hard-driving force of "Viviendo Pa' Trabajar" — one of the pure, four star, danceclub tracks on the album. Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Those house-rockin' guys with the New York attitude — those "La Peluca" guys, Dave Santiago and Latin Affair, are back and keepin' it real with their long-awaited, outrageously fresh and more-heavy-duty-than-ever second production! (I'm not kidding you — as I sit here writing while listening to this CD, I find I'm typing in clave!) "Rumbambeo En El Solar" delivers hard-driving authenticity, sparkling musicianship and dazzling originality throughout. Seven of its nine tracks were penned by Dave Santiago., Sr. and members of Latin Affair... Rumbambeo En El Solar elegantly bridges the past, present and future, as well as generational divides... "After all is said and done," concludes the bandleader, "Dave Santiago & Latin Affair never forgets its Bronx roots, and represents that Latin music w ... continues (Vicki Sola)

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EditorsPick: Yes, folks, PR is in the house! Here's a power-packed capital "S" Salsa project led by perussionist Charlie Sierra. Mr. Sierra is a top-pick timbaleroand bongocero, and has performed with a who's-who of the best salsa orchestras: Mulenze, Plena Libre, Descarga Boricua, Hector Tricoche, Cano Estremera and on and on. For this new project, he's brought along some of his special friends: Andy Montañez, Cheo Feliciano, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Ismael Miranda, Louis Garcia, Luis"Perico" Ortiz, and Tito De Gracia. Also with, among many others, Lenny Prieto, Eric Figueroa, Angie Machado, Pedro Perez and first-class singers Efrain "Pichu" Gaetán and Hector "Tito" Perez. Coro? Primi Cruz and Darvel Garcia. Not too shabby! DJ Alert... Highly Recommended. Review to follow shortly. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Power-packed high-octane salsa collaboration between top Puerto Rican singers Paquito Guzman, Andy Montañez Jr., Mel Martinez, Pupy Cantor and Cuban musicians Jesus "El Niño" Chappottin, Orestes Vilado, Pello El Afrokan Jr., Joaquin Pozo, Jose Miguel Melendez and many others. Also with help from PR salsa super-hero Willie Sotelo "Mundial" who offers direction and plays piano and timbales on some parts as well. Review to follow shortly. Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Ohmagod, what a great thing in which to immerse yourself in the middle of economic destruction, fatal freezing, and the fantastic relief of the coming inauguration. Pure unmitigated joy, a blast off of deeeeeep salsa dura from of all places, Havana. Los Soneros are a new group, made up of a bunch of studio all stars of a certain generation — they’re mostly not timberos — and the music is so great, relaxed in a way that reminds me of the Arieto All-Stars, but much more organized, no descargando. For those of you Cuba-phobics, this is a treasure, harder hitting than most salsa dura from this side of the mango curtain, fine coros, a tight horn section, clean slapping percussion, fine soneoando, good material, and perfect tempos. Sometimes sessions are just blessed with perfection, and this o ... continues (Peter Watrous)

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EditorsPick: The party disk of choice. This new Carruseles release is a burning hot mix of non-stop boogaloo and salsa Colombiana. Opening with the Dante Vargas version of Joe Cuba's classic "Bang Bang," Masters of Hard Salsa goes on to prove the title is justified. Listen to the insane "Quinto Y Trompeta" to taste this particular brand of salsa. Trumpeter Vargas is joined by bassists Alex Duque and Sergio Munera, pianists Pablo Grajales and Cristian Cuevas, percussionist Fabian Picón and many others. Carruseles never fails to provide the goods. DJ Alert, and Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: For beginners, or anyone needing a solid foundation in conga drum technique. This will become the standard conga drum instructional DVD for years to come, because it is the first thorough and comprehensive DVD designed to help the beginning conga player get started playing the conga drum properly. Two hours of world-class instruction by Grammy-nominated percussionist, author, recording artist and professor, MICHAEL SPIRO. Beautifully photographed from three different camera angles, and divided into easy-to-find chapters for convenient replay. PART I - Easy to follow, step-by-step approach to learning all the basic strokes and sounds on the conga drum, regardless of the style of music you want to play. PART II - Dozens of exercises to help you combine the basic strokes into patterns that ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Born Pedro Gutierrez to Puerto Rican parents in NYC in 1927, band leader and vibraphonist Pete Terrace went through several musical styles including Latin jazz (check out his albums on Fantasy and Tico), mambo, pachanga, and boogaloo, during a career that lasted thirty years, after which he gave up music and moved to Puerto Rico to practice medicine. Terrace also founded the tiny label Mio in the later half of the 60s, putting out Hawaiian music as well as several highly collectible Latin soul/proto salsa albums. This particular CD features the “Sabroso y Caliente” album, a highly sought after collectors’ item originally out in the mid-60s on the small Colpix label (more well known for their Nina Simone records). The sound is of a very hyped up Orchestra Aragon, quite bouncy and youthful, ... continues (Pablo Yglesias)

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EditorsPick: From 1962, here are some swingin' cha cha chás, mambos and mambos by Pete Terrace and his Orchestra. Terrific sound quality graces these compositions by Echavarria, Pérez Prado, José Curbelo, Chano Pozo, Marty Sheller, and Terrace himself. Listen to his killer "Humo (Smoke)." Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Here's a super-hot timba orchestra led by trombonist Bayron Ramos who also penned and arranged some of the intense tracks you'll find on this new release. The band is based in Miami, and much of it was recorded there. Parts were also done in Cuba, and I assume that accounts for some of the heavy-hitter guests like singers Mayito Rivera, Pedrito Calvo, Alex Abreu and El Mola. And if that's not enough, other guests include Issac Delgado, Manolin "El Medico de la Salsa," Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Amaury Gutierrez. This is a timba-fan's timba - no filler material here, folks. And watch out for singer Yezi Gonzalez ...she's the real deal. Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Back in stock! What a beauty this is! From the superlative opening cut "Ariñañara" through "Hot & Heavy" this is a dancers dream record. New York's Eddie Torres, dancer with Tito Puente's band for years — and one of the world's most recognized mambo dancers, along with Oscar Hernandez, put together a very exciting band that exudes the lush mambo dance band sound of yesterday. No pyrotechnics or synthesizers here, only the swing that's required for the dance floor. Get it. Lead vocals by Jimmy Sabater, Sammy Gonzalez, Luis Rosa, and Ray Rico. "Great dance music in the big band tradition, with brilliant players and Jimmy Sabater, Sammy Gonzalez and other singers. 'Wow, what a feeling!'" (Nina Lenart, 98/99 Catalog) "Superlatives are inadequate in describing the libidinous sounds which shou ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: In celebration of its ten years as the premier salsa dance instructional, Eddie Torres Teaches Salsa Nightclub Style has just been released as a 2-DVD set. As one of salsa's first professionally produced dance instructionals, this package created quite a stir when originally released on video in 1995. Now, a decade later, this much sought after learning tool is made even better with its availability in convenient, crisp, DVD form. This 2 DVD set will equip you with all of the necessary elements to help turn you in to the dancer you always wanted to be. Eddie and his crew of top-notch dancers reveal all the secrets of his award winning dancing technique. Mr. Torres is an articulate, enthusiastic, and nuanced teacher who exudes style. On these DVDs the couples demonstrate their moves togeth ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: A two-fisted power-punch of folkloric and dance material. The opening tracks establish the folkloric roots of Truco & Zaperoco, a blending of Puerto Rican and Cuban traditions. That said, the record proceeds to transform into an unabashed celebration of dance material that underscores the common threads of salsa, plena, rumba and more. This orchestra knows its stuff, each track is an individual gem. Listen to the sizzling salsa tracks "Que Chula" and also "No Se Lo Diga A Papá" ...a perfect piece that leads into the beautiful trombone-wrapped bomba "Que Suene Ahora." And "Sigan La Clave" should not be missed. With leader and trombonist Edwin "Zaperoko" Feliciano; co-leader, puntero Hector "Truco" Valentin; another co-leader and percussionist Mike Maysonet; pianists Manolo Navarro and Leni ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: What an amazing talent, amazing sound, and, thanks to the folks at Cacao Music, an amazing package worthy of it's content. Pristine salsa dura, with Venezuelan pianist Uriola at the helm. The steel-clad singers are Wilmer Lozano, Edgar "Dolor" Quijada, Jorge Arellano, Angel Berroterán and Juan José Conde. These guys are further enabled by the high-octane arrangements of Uriola's first-class compositions. This is salsa for true aficionados of the genre. Listen to the artful handling of the coro in "No Vengas A Decirme." Just wonderful. Packaged in a finely printed spiral-bound case that includes a mini-book with great note and photos. A no-brainer. Get this one now. Very Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: ***Best of 2008 Editors Pick Award*** It's in! The highly anticipated new project by the veteran bassist has the earmarks of a classic. Valentin knows exactly who he is and where he came from, at ease taking on past gems in a manner that is neither nostalgic or kitsch: with a purity of vision he makes them his own. With Evolution, an apt title indeed, he has produced one of the most intriguing and well-balanced salsa records I have heard in a long time: a class act that's smart, stylish, and packed with four decades of salsa know-how. The former Fania All Star brought in some special friends like Ray De La Paz, Luis Marin and Paoli Mejias to help give life to some savory new compositions and a crop of exemplary cover renditions like Silvestre Mendez' "Clotide," Enrique Bonnet's "Que Me Dig ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Just in! The latest release from the legendary Cuban dance band Los Van Van is fronted by the singers Mario Rivera, Yenisel Valdés, Roberto Hernández, Abdel Rasalps and guest Vanessa Formell — and Angel Bonne on coro. Other great guests too: brilliant guitarist Elmer Ferrer, bassist Arnaldo Jimenez, trombonist Ulises Benavides "El Mulo" and many others join Juan Formell and son Samuel. Highly Recommended. Review to follow shortly. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: More great salsa from Puerto Rico. The classic salsa spirit is alive and well, thanks to bassist Mario Velez. He's joined by conguero Alvaro Maldonado, pianist Rolando Cappas, bongocero Angel Ramos, trumpeters Rudy Prats and Maguelo Sanchez. Check out the pristine "Sujétate La Lengua" to hear what I'm talkin' about here. It's followed by the classic Willie Colon track "La Banda." With guests Domingo "Cuco" David Santiago, Carlos Brandy, timbalero Edwin Clemente and others. Very Highly Recommended. Big DJ Alert. Review to follow shortly. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Whoa, hold the press! Like the perfect chess move, this one comes out of nowhere, sliding into prime position for best of 2009. Legendary timbalero Orestes Vilató (Fania All Stars, Novel, Cachao, Frankie Dante, Ray Barretto, Los Kimbos etc., etc...) debuts here as a leader, and what a killer project it is! Salsa, infused with rich Afro-Cuban grooves and catchy hooks made real by bassists René Camacho and Carlitos Puerto Jr., pianists Rebeca Mauleon and Alberto Salas, bongocero Johnny "Dandy" Rodríguez (Alegre All Stars, Tito Puente !), conguero Joey De Leon, flute/sax player Justo Almario and outstanding lead vocals by Adonis Puentes. Includes "Remembering Ray," a sublime and infinitely cool salute to Ray Barretto. It's About Time is *the* musical definition of "sabor." Certainly one of th ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: ***Best of 2008 Editors Pick Award*** Ms. Mimata, who Chino Nuñez called the Japanese Salsera, is making waves and turning heads. She’s got a great voice, sounds authentic, and sings with much joy and power. A native of Osaka but living and performing in NYC since 1997, Yoko majored in Spanish language studies, and originally sang in Japan with several orchestras, including Las Estrellas, a popular group put together by former members of the ground-breaking Orquesta De La Luz. In 2004, Yoko hooked up with her current musical director, Willie Ruiz (of Conjunto Imagen fame), and soon after cut the hit track “Hoy les cantemos”, a duet with Ray Sepulveda, on Nuñez’s second CD, Dr. Salsa. Now she and Ruiz have recorded a t ... continues (Pablo Yglesias)

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EditorsPick: That’s one talented Cuban family, the Valles, and between Yumuri and Maraca, it covers some ground. Yumuri, a fine pianist and singer, has always had his eye more focused on the salsa world than on the timba world of Cuba. He makes fantastic straight-ahead salsa that fits perfectly on play lists around the world, from Madrid to Caracas to Cali, high energy, enthusiastic, and like his brother’s music, meticulous in its arrangements and no fooling in its dance impulse. It’s almost strange to hear a track like Cubano Cubano, celebrating the virtues of being Cuban, set to a piece of music that could have been recorded in Puerto Rico. Yumuri keeps the tempos way up, and varies the rhythms of the tunes — it’s great dance floor music, and well recorded, too. Candido Fabre sings on one tune. Hig ... continues (Peter Watrous)

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EditorsPick: Sizzling Afro-Cuban salsa, guajira, montuno and Latin jazz has been packed into this terrific compilation of Envidia artists. With Habana Express, Rumbavana, Peruchin Jr & J.J. Oliveros, Orlando Canto, Puly Hernandez, Gregorio Laza "Cordovi," Max Gonzalez "La Araña" and many others. Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Whoa, what do we have here? A piece of Cuban folkloric history. The thirty-eight tracks that comprise this two-cd set account for what many believe to be *the* pivotal recordings of early sessions from three influential folkloric rumba ensembles: Los Muñequitos De Matanzas, Papín y Sus Rumberos (Los Papines), and Grupo Afro Cubano de Alberto Zayas "El Melodioso." Recorded between 1955 and 1960, this pristine package sports detailed liners by musicologist María Teresa Linares. Very Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: As seen on PBS: LATIN MUSIC USA highlights the great American music created by Latinos, and celebrates the Latin rhythms at the heart of jazz, rock, country, and rhythm and blues. It's a fresh take on American musical history, reaching across five decades to portray the rich mix of sounds created by Latinos and embraced by all. Narrated by Jimmy Smits. • LATIN MUSIC USA DVD includes: • BRIDGES: See the rise of Latin jazz with the great Machito and the explosion of the mambo with Pérez Prado. Watch as Latin music infiltrates R&B and rock throughout the 1960s, from the Drifters to Santana and beyond. • THE SALSA REVOLUTION: Puerto Ricans and other Latinos in New York reinvent Cuban and Puerto Rican rhythms, adding elements from soul and jazz to create salsa. Follow the rise and fall of le ... continues (DR)

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EditorsPick: Ahhhhh. Such pure pleasure. Damn, more weird keyboards, bring ‘em on, like on Boogaloo Sabroso-Guantanamera, yes, boogaloo from Peru with outer space keyboards, yes, give me more, which is exactly what MAG has done with this, the third installment of prime strange Outpost Afro Cuban music from the ‘50s through the ‘70. Some of the tracks are repeated (Machupicchu is on Vol II and on the Melcochita album “Extra: Acabo Con Lima Huyo Pa' New York”), but so what. There’s even a track called Boogaloo Boogaloo, and it also has some weird sonics on it. There’s a Latin version of Jumping with Symphony Sid, and a song called Peruvian Guaguanco. It’s all worth the voyage into that other world of Peruvian salsa. Highly Recommended. ... continues (Peter Watrous)

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EditorsPick: Panama is a unique crossroads of cultures, a country created by colonial powers to suit their ambitions of empire building, told by a history drenched in blood, but vibrant with a creative mix of Latino mestizo natives, and immigrants from everywhere from China and India to Jamaica and the Middle East. Roberto Ernesto Gyemant has done exhaustive research into this little-known and incredibly exciting world where cumbia, funk, soul, bugalú, salsa, calypso, samba (!), reggae, and folkloric chants and drumming all co-exist and intermingle with a beguiling and graceful fusion. Along with trailblazer Miles Cleret and the always fabulous Soundway label, Gyemant has given us every collector’s wet dream: obscure Latin music that is hard to categorize, and is as great as we’d hoped it would be, and ... continues (Pablo Yglesias)

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EditorsPick: Terrific high voltage salsa compilation with material from Don Perignon & La Puertorriqueña, Orquesta Mulenze, Estación Candela, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Luisito Carrión, NG2, Estrellas De Envidia, Oscar D'Leon and others. A perfect party CD for non-stop dance material. Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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