Review: Short Cuts: Rafael Cortijo & Ismael Rivera

Introduction:

In 1953 the singer Ismael Rivera joined musical forces with folkloric percussionist Rafael Cortijo and a new era was born in Puerto Rican salsa. The 1950’s and 60’s were graced with this perfect combination — El Sonero Mayor Ismael Rivera (known also as Papa Maelo) whose lead vocals and rhythm attack were pure energy, and Rafael Cortijo, whose intense rhythm and folkloric feel would go on to create classic dance music ranging from Bombas and Plenas to Mambos and Boleros. This partnership, which lasted until 1962, had internationalized and contributed to the development of the Plena — a popular Afro-Puerto Rican rhythm native to the island of Puerto Rico. The traditional Plena is played on panderetas, a tambourine-like instrument without jingles. The scope of their recordings are contained here in these 5 volumes.

Fiesta Boricua opens with the hot plena Y Pedro Flores. Once the congas, timbales and guiro establish that incredible dance beat (which the Combo demonstrates throughout the recording) you have to get up and move your feet. Check out the tune "Oriza" and the uptempo "Bomba Que Le Paso" — derived from the Ritmos Y Cantos Callejeros de Puerto Rico. But the tune that stands out is a salsa arrangement entitled "Volare." Remember the car commercial? Featured is some fine trumpet work and nice piano solos.

Bueno, Y Que...?. More fine Bomba, Plena and Salsa. Listen to "Ramona" or the uptempo salsa cut "Dime La Verdad" with it’s great trumpet and sax work. The quinto (high pitched conga drum used for solos) playing of Cortijo on "Tumbar La Caña" is a percussionist’s drum lesson in itself. Ismael Rivera is in fine form throughout, inventing and creating using his special rhythmic vocal style. The only problem? Some of the songs are too short!

Quitate de la Via Perico. The recording swings with Bomba, Plena, Salsa and Mambo’s like "Ensillala." What a great job on the vocals on this tune! The saxophone and trumpet really stand out on the Bomba "El Trompo." Check out the timbale riffs on "Carambomba." Hot stuff!

Danger No Trespass (w/Rolando LaSerie). This recording was originally re-issued in 1983. Along with Rivera and Cortijo it features Rolando La Serie, a fine vocalist. There are several vocal duets which are tremendous, such as the boleros "En Mi Viejo San Juan and Los Carreteros." The Sonero's dramatic vocal abilities shine on the salsa tune "El Pescador." La Serie is dynamic on "Mentirosa." Cortijo’s Combo supports both the vocalists brilliantly and keeps the salsa hot!

Lo Mejor Y Lo Ultimo. The opening cut "Moliendo Cafe" is a fiery salsa tune and Ismael’s vocals rise to the occasion, just as he does on "Serera" — one of his big hits. The tune "Yayabo" is a mozambique that features the talented Cortijo on Quinto. There are some fine trumpet solos on "Druma" and "Oriza." These sessions are mixed very well are a vehicle for Ismael Rivera’s vocal talents, and he is in superb form throughout. The Combo is tight and play pure dance music from start to finish.

In late 1967 Ismael Rivera, a native of Santurce Puerto Rico, formed his own group, Los Cachimbos, and went on to record many more hit albums before his death on May 13th, 1987. Check out the CD Eclipse Total if you can find it (1975 Tico #1400). Great stuff.

Note: In 1980 Ismael Rivera and Rafael Cortijo joined forces once again to record El Sueño Del Maestro which also features Fe Cortijo on vocals and contains the world famous plena Elena, Elena. More on that later...