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.

EditorsPick: Oomph! Cue up the first track "A Bailar Con Avance" and you know right away that here's a winner. High-impact timbafied salsa, West Coast style. Led by percussionist Karl Perazzo (of Santana), Avance is a dance club dream band ...and this new release is, hands down, a big DJ Alert. Brash, bright, and brimming with timba energy, Incontrolable is pure pumped-up salsa. Crafted to get the dancers up and not sitting back down. Listen to the title track, or the deeply frenetic "Viuda Nega" and see if you can resist. And "Shaky Shaky," the highly memorable final track, is the perfect exclamation point to a bold dance statement. Terrific vocals by Jeff Cordoba and Luis Morales. This new project is a DJ must-have. With special guest Anthony Blea. Very Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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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 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: 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: 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: Here's the latest offering by pop salsa superstar Victor Manuelle. It's a fine mix of uptempo salsa with a couple of baladas (including the lavish "Como Te He Querido Yo"). One particular salsa track, "Lo Que Me Hiciste," is infused with a bit of vallenato accordeon flavor. The track features guests Jorge Celedón and Jimmy Zambrano. Manuelle knows how to pick his musicians. For this session he's got pianists Luis Marin and José Leni Prieto, timbalero Rafael "Tito" De Gracia, trombonists Antonio "Tonito" Vazquez, Jorge Diaz, Eliud Cintron and James Hernandez. On coro we have Johnny Rivera, Ismael Miranda, Ramón Rodriguez, Henry Santiago Fernandez, Yanira Torres Soto and others. Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: I really like the old-time conjunto feeling Zaa achieved here. This is something of a concept album, a study in the Cuban bolero-chá feel. And it's really good. This has an abundance of the maraca-bongó component that is often lost in today's salsa. Well done, indeed. And Zaa's singing feels just right. With trumpeters Carlos Acosta and Wilfer Fajardo, percussionists German Villareal and Javier Ortega, Mauricio Daltaire on maracas (great job), guitarist Franco Carlos and bassist Juan Carlos Garcia. Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: The Panama! series continues with Volume 3, and features more treasures dug up by compilers Roberto Ernesto Gyemant, Miles Cleret and Will Holland. The depths of Panamanian Latin swing and soul is thoroughly impressive, and, from this series, one gets the feeling that there is this universe of material of which we are just scratching the surface. Labels like Gussy, Lou, Panix, Onda Nueva, Artelec and Padisco are just a few who recorded bands like Lord Panama And The Stickers, Little Francisco Greaves, Ralph Weeks With The Telecasters and Black Czar. The material ranges from pure roots (Yin Carrizo's "20 De Enero En Ocu") to acid boogalo and everything in between. It's an amazing ride that you gotta take. Thanks to Sound Way for providing the platform for these superb compilations. great packaging and liners, too. Very Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Terrific compilation of late '60s and '70s material by Conjunto Universal, a salsa band started in 1967 by Cuban pianist Jaime Garcia. With "Oyelo Bien," "Guaguanco Sabroso," "Coco Ricoco," "Sabroseao," "Ay Macalunga" and many others. Features singers Manuel Santayana and Jorge Hernandez "Arana." Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Highly swinging Puerto Rican salsa from the '60s and '70s by leader and timbalero Agustin Arce. With tracks like "Sangrando Por La Herida," "Cabio Sile Ye Yeo," "Paseando Por La Calle," "Canto A Los Santos," and many others. Arrangements by Bobby Valentin, Carlos Rioc and Papo Lucca. Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: "My father Chico had a daily listening time - classical, Latin, jazz, pop, no distinctions. He loved all good music. This recording is for him and for those like him. It is a Latin/jazz/funk/classical listening session. If you want a neatly categorized jazz moment, bypass this product, go to the jazz institutions instead. There you can have your music, temperature-controlled, sanitized and explained.
However, if you have a comfy chair, a sweet pair of speakers, the time to invest, then please let this music, made with love, respect and awe, lead you where it will. Every composition is a short story. The important thing is that you sit still, open your ears and receive musical offerings and blessings. This recording is a family affair, literally, my wife, pianist Alison Deane, my sons Zachary and Adam O’Farrill, and some of my best friends all taking part. The musicians are all equally brilliant, not full of themselves, instead giving of themselves fully. They represent the Caribbean, the Midwest, Latin America, Russia, India and every hue and skin tone imaginable. This record was made in Brooklyn by a consortium of non-elitists, preferring to work hard for the art instead of the big record conglomerate paycheck, music made by people, for people, for listening."
— Arturo O'Farrill ... continues (DR)

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EditorsPick: Terrific compilation of material by singer Johnny "El Bravo" featuring '60s and '70s tracks such as "Construyendo Un Proyecto," "Yo Soy De Los Bravos," "Se Formo El Bochinche," "Sasin Sazon," "Bongo Bongosero" and one of my favs, "Celeste." Many others ...21 tracks in all. Compositions by Roberto Anglero, Tite Curet Alonso, Rafael Cepeda, Hugo Gonzalez and others. Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Mmm, tasty dance numbers from the late '50s in Cuba. The Duarte orchestra as well as some terrific interpreters like Celeste Mendoza, Tata Ramos ("Sabor De Guapacha") y Fernando Gonzalez, Salvador Levy, Raul Panas and Rolo Martinez. Good stuff. Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Duo Contrastes are Miami based Julito Martinez and Jorge Maury, who decided the world could use some beautiful music. With Serenata Suite, they have perfected vocal harmony against a backdrop of gorgeous guitar, tres and laúd strings. This is Los Compadres for our times. As simple or sophisticated as you like. With compositions by Manual Corona, Miguel Matamoros, Sindo Garay, and some original work by Mr. Martinez. Also with trumpeter Carlos Puig and percussionist Pedro Cruz. Dim the lights, mix up some rum and coke, and enjoy. Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Originally released as a DVD only. Now available here as a DVD and CD package set.
This live performance for 50,000 fans at the Plaza España in the Dominican Republic demonstrates the explosive party atmosphere that can be created by a dynamic bachata band like that of Mr. Peralta. Turn this one up loud and join the party. Features special participation of the Dominican Drum Ensemble, Grupo De Coro Folklorico de Enerolista, Orquesta Sinfonica de Santo Domingo and others. Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Here's a 3 DVD set of mostly salsa from artists like Maelo Ruiz, Hansel Camacho, Tito Gomez, King Bongo, Grupo Gale, Orquesta Canela and others. Disk three seems to include a selection of Vallenato tracks as well, including Los Diablitos, Los Gigantes del Vallenato and Miguel Morales. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Back in stock! Import title.
A jazz oriented outgrowth of the Grupo Folklorico experiments, Jerry's ensemble has evolved into a tightly knit quintet sound that in its early years was a much larger ensemble. This 1989 release, dedicated to the Yoruba deity 'Obatalá,' is a live date in Europe that captures the raw energy and virtuosity of the players involved. Jerry is a sensitive trumpeter and very musical conguero with a unique style. His brother Andy carries Cachao's legacy on bass, but with his own unique perspective as a jazz musician. 'Nuff said.
(Bobby Sanabria, 98/99 Catalog) ... continues (Bobby Sanabria)

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EditorsPick: Back in stock. Limited quantities. Salsa German style. This band is extremely fined tuned musically. Liner notes by Larry Harlow.
"This swinging band from Germany turned more than just heads with this recording. Their great charts and tight sound firmly established the authenticity of Latin jazz and salsa from Europe." (Alfredo Cruz, 94/95 Catalog) ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Back in stock: Very Limited Quantities... Percussionist Alberto Naranjo's Imagen Latina is considered by many to be a salsa classic. With Gerardo Rosales, and a whole host of singers: Canelita, Trina Medina, Carlos Daniel Palacios, Wladimir Lozano, Cecilia Todd and mano others. Very Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Back in stock!
One of the most sought after rumba CDs listed in our database. Take a listen and hear why. This production from 1996 has been very difficult to come by. We have a very limited supply.
Highly recommended. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Ms. Tañon's latest release, a Cd and DVD set, is a mix of salsa, merengue and pop. It includes tracks "Amor Entres Tres," "Pasion Morena," "Navidad Boricua," and a series of medleys as well. ... continues (BP)

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EditorsPick: Wow, here's a superb salsa release direct from Venezuela. Bassist Julito Fernandez Antillano has some pristine gems here. Check out "Maribel," "Traigo Salsa" and, of course, the spectacular cover track "Pa'l Bailador," here offered in two versions. Fernandez has surrounded himself with some of the area's best musicians: pianist Joel Uriola, trombonist David Gonzalez Jr., sax player Oswaldo Lezama, singers Angel Flores, Oscar Arriaga, Rey Armas and Angel Degado, as well as coroistas Rodrigo Mendoza, Wilmer Lozano, and veteran Cesar "Albondiga" Monges.
Highly Recommended. ... 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 nearly 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 clear sound and terrific packaging with liner notes by Sepulveda and Ned Sublette.
Very Highly Recommended.
Here are some press release notes...
Fania Records has released a deluxe 2-disc, 30-track box set of the greatest of the mambo kings, Tito Rodriguez. Tito Rodríguez: A Man and His Music El Inolvidable includes some of the legendary singer/bandleader’s greatest numbers, including his career-defining hit “Mama Güela,” as well as “Blen, Blen, Blen,” “Cara de Payaso,” and many others.
With the best musicians in New York City (including on some tracks the legendary bassist Cachao and pianist / arranger René Hernández), the sheer quality of this timeless music will remind longtime fans of his astonishing work and will also attract a new generation of listeners. This compilation, selected by the well-known New York discographer Harry Sepúlveda, focuses on years when Rodríguez’s dance band starred at the legendary Palladium (where many of the tracks were recorded), as well as the high points of his mega-successful international career as a chart-topping singer of romantic songs.
Born in Puerto Rico, Tito Rodríguez came to New York as a teenager in the 1930’s.  After stints singing wit ... continues (DR)

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EditorsPick: Here's this year's Christmas release by salsa superstar Gilberto Santa Rosa. There are collaborations including duets with Tony Vega, Victoria Sanabria, Milly Quezada and Melina Leon. Also included is "La Cabeza del Lechón" that features El Gran Combo.
Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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LATIN MUSIC U.S.A. 2-DVD SET
PBS/$39.99
Originally released: 2009
Category: DVD; DOCUMENTARY

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 legendary Fania Records with famed artists Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, and Rubén Blades.
• THE CHICANO WAVE: From Ritchie Valens and Freddy Fender to Linda Ronstadt, Los Lobos, and Selena, a new generation of Mexican Americans raised on rock, rhythm and blues, and country music expresses their cultural identity through Chicano rock, Latin rock, and Tejano.
• DIVAS & SUPERSTARS: Latin pop explodes with the success of artists like Ricky Martin, Shakira, and Gloria Estefan. But as studios concentrate on star-driven pop, Latino youth gravitate toward the urban fusions of reggaetón artists like Daddy Yankee and rapper Pitbull, while rock en español star Juanes becomes a global phenomenon.
• Printable Viewing Guide in English and Spanish (PDF)
• Two bonus videos with producer essays (PDF)
• Spanish audio track (narrated by Leila Cobo)
• Widescreen Anamorphic
Specifications
Color : Yes
Stereo : Yes
Production Year : 2009
Length : 240 minutes on 2 Discs
Closed Captioned : Yes
Number of Programs : 1
Country Of Origin : United States
Very Highly Recommended.

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ALBERTO BARROS
Tributo A La Salsa Colombiana 2 - DVD & CD Set
Talent Beach/Sony /$18.98
Originally released: 2009
Category: DVD; SALSA COLOMBIA; COLOMBIA

EditorsPick: Here's a fitting follow-up to band-leader, arranger and trombonist Alberto Barro's 2007 Tributo A La Salsa Colombiana (Vol. 1). The first one won rave reviews, including mine...

"If you had any doubts about Colombia being the new epicenter of salsa, the DVD-CD combo Tributo A La Salsa Colombiana will be sure to set you straight. The power and intensity of a grand-scale production has been concentrated to accommodate a smaller venue, and the resulting effect is that you feel like you are part of the dynamics of this show. And, man, what a show."

We'll here's Part II, a *great* surprise that features singers Cali Aleman, Carlos Mario, Saulo Sanchez, Daniel Silva, Alvaro Granobles, Carlos Guerrero, Harold Peláez, Jairo Andrade, Arnold Moreno, Luis Lambis Jr., Marlon Betancur, Mirabays, and Paola Fernandez.
The excellent quality, multi-camera, DVD production captures the excitement of this power-packed salsa performance. Terrific on-stage dancers, too. Do not miss "En Barranquilla Me Quedo," one of the shows brilliant highlights that features the amazing singer-bassist Daniel Silva (Grupo Niche, Fruko) who does a remarkable job with Joe Arroyo's composition. Another highlight is the killer "Descarga Colombiana" that features multiple fiery timbale solos (Diego Camacho, Husein Abdala, Alexandra Alban, Caliche Sabogal). There's also a special featurette that includes interviews with Diego Gale, Arabela, Joe Arroyo, Diana Varga. Alexis Lozano, Julio Estrada (Fruko) and others.
In short, this one will sure to bring on a fit of salsa euphoria. A big DJ Alert and Very Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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LA SONORA PONCEÑA
55 Aniversario - Parte 1 DVD
Pianissimo /$23.98
Originally released: 2009
Category: DVD; SALSA/SON; PUERTO RICO

EditorsPick: The beloved salsa orchestra led by Papo Lucca celebrated their 55th anniversary this past May at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in Puerto Rico. They perform 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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LA SONORA CARRUSELES
Maestros De La Salsa Dura
Fuentes /$14.98
Originally released: 2009
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA COLOMBIA; COLOMBIA

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: Concha Buika, the supremely soulful singer best known, perhaps, as the first lady of Afro-Flamenco jazz interpretation, here joins with Cuban master pianist and patriarch of Afro-Cuban jazz, Chucho Valdés. Filmaker Pedro Almodóvar writes in the liners "...Her voice reminds us of La Lupe's frenzy with sometimes a hint of Olga Guillot..." Backed by Chucho and his band (with bassist Lazaro Rivero Alarcón, percussionist Yaroldy Abreu Robles, trumpeter Carlos Sarguy and others) there is a definite Afro-Cuban feel, and the singer "brings the flavors of copla, tango, bulería, bolero, Cuban music and jazz, mix(es) them together with such grace and spontaneity..." In short, this is a gem of a project with dimensions that unfold with each track. Highly Recommended. ... continues (BP)

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LOS SONEROS BORICUAS & ESTRELLAS DE ENVIDIA
De Un Pájaro Las Dos Alas
Lujuria /$16.98 (original import)
Originally released: 2009
Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA

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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CELIA CRUZ
Celia The Queen - The Documentary Film
Eventus /$15.98
Originally released: 2009
Category: DVD; DOCUMENTARY

EditorsPick: Celia: The Queen is a documentary about the life and legacy of a stellar performer who brought the sound of salsa to the whole world.  She erupted onto the Cuban music scene as the front woman of  ‘La Sonora Matancera’, and soon became Cuba’s most adored.  singer. Her trademarks cry ‘Azúcar’ became known across Latin America.  And when she fled Castro's Cuba in 1960 and eventually arrived in the United States, she started a second even more successful career fueled by her partnerships with salsa greats Tito Puente, Willie Colon, and Johnny Pacheco.  Ironically, while she became known as the voice of Cuba around the world, her once beloved music was banned in her home country.  Up until the time Celia died in 2003, she was still performing.
Directors Joe Cardona and Mario de Varona use original photography they captured while following Celia during the last five years of her life as well as archival footage of both Celia and her loving husband, Pedro Knight, to tell the inspiring story of a little girl from Havana who became an international diva. Celia: The Queen shows the diversity of the people whose lives she touched, from the big stars of music, literature and film like Quincy Jones, Andy Garcia and Wyclef Jean to fans all over the world.  Foremost, this is the presentation of Celia as the warm, strong, free spirit who adored her fans and earned without question her title: "the Queen."
[liners]
Interviewees | Andy Garcia | Quincy Jones | Wyclef Jean | Betty Wright | Gloria Estefan | David Byrne | Cristina Saralegui | Luxor Tavella | Eddie and Maria Torres | George Watabe | DJ Papa Q | Nora | Larry Harlow | Alex Massucci | Johnny Pacheco | Oscar D'Leon | Tato Rodriguez | Edel Rodriguez | Cheo Feliciano | Alexis Rodriguez-Duarte | Edwin Rosa | Victor Manuelle | Omer Pardillo-Cid | Lucrecia | La India | Pitbull | Izzy Sanabria | Ralph Mercado | Willie Colon | Maritrini | Cristobal Diaz Ayala | Ned Sublette | Marvette Perez | Maria Elena Pacheco | Rolando Doremi | Neri Torres | ... continues (DR)

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