Ritmo Seis – Rhythm Six - New Release “Pa’lante y Sin Miedo”
Tired of the same old salsa sound? This self-produced album has a very different and unique flavor; there is no piano, and there is a sax section that balances the trombones, which in this day and age of pre-arranged slick productions is actually quite adventurous, especially in the U.S.A. Instead of the typical keyboard-led ensemble, with Ritmo Seis you hear a tres guitar calling the shots and providing rhythmic and melodic accompaniment. That ubiquitous tres is played by the group’s musical director, arranger, and composer, Freddy González (he also handles coro and guitar). This is a family affair, with Eddie González on lead vocals (plus coro, and maracas), José ‘Papo’ Gonález on bass and coro, and a fourth González Angel Luis, on bongo and campana. Continuing in the family way, the siblings Daniel and David Antonetti handle timbales (plus other percussion) and congas respectively. The interesting brass section consists of the only non-family members: Anthony Libutti on alto and tenor saxophone, Demetrius Bones on – you guessed it, trombones. There is also a flute solo by Jose 'Cheguito' Encarnacion (on a funky son montuno titled “Te Lo Doy”) to liven up the mix further. The CD opens with a fast paced New York salsa tune that would fit in with the current crop of independently produced salsa dura recordings out there: raging trombones, a nice ‘live’ sound that is powerful and up front. The bass is quite strong as well. But what really grabs the listener from the first note is the fact that the combination of flavors is somehow different; in addition to the salsa brava elements, there is a jazzy quality overall, and an acoustic, almost folkloric feel with the stringed instruments, too. What’s more, the lyrics to all the songs are original, and some tunes even dare to tell interesting stories, or have uplifting lyrics, just like the old days. There is even a really good merengue, as well as a beautiful Puerto Rican pride tune, “Mi Jibarita.” The album closes out with the title song, a relatively complex number that combines Afro-Cuban drumming and Santeria chants with a descarga style jam. The tres is really turned up here, and it sounds quite like the mesmerizing Congolese electric guitar work one usually finds in the soucous or African rumba genres. Ritmo Seis are indeed moving “pa’lante, sin miedo” (forward,without fear).
Jesus Pagan y su Orquesta - "Salsa de la Mata - From The Roots"
Do you like classic jams from the golden age of Nuyorican salsa dura? As you can see from the cover art, so does orchestra leader, vocalist, and composer Jesús Pagan, and for his first album as a solo act and leader, he has assembled a fabulous team of ace musicians and top arrangers for your listening and dancing pleasure.Every tune on here is a bonafide salsa scorcher, hot and heavy - and written by Jesus himself. Though some of the compositions feature romantic lyrics, there
is NO salsa monga – that is, no sappy romantic pop – every jam on here has plenty of moña, tumbao, and mambo to it. The brass arrangements are exceptionally well done, by Ray González, Hector 'Maximo' Rodriguez, Joe Velez and Lucho Cueto. Check out the dynamics on track 7, 'La Rumba
Se Pone Buena,' and prepare for a dance meltdown. Pagan, who is from Quebradillas P.R. and is based in Massachussets, is joined by some East Coast heavies - Eddie Montalvo, Luisito Quintero, and Jorge González form the rhythm section; Hector Rodriguez & Ray Castro are on coro, Lucho Cueto plays a mean piano, and there are horns galore, with blasting trombones
by Joe Fiedler and 1st & 2nd trumpets by the talented Richie Viruet. And, as an added salsa brava touch, there is even some great baritone work by Carl Corwin! To top it all off, Jesus sings with a warm classic tone, calling to mind everyone from Chamaco Ramirez to Victor Manuelle.
And make sure you catch Jesus Pagan live in concert: an event not to be missed! With so much sabor and authentic feeling on this long playing album, I’m sure you will agree this is a killer collection – salsa de la mata!
Ray Castro’s Conjunto Clásico - Si Ella Estuviera (Machete 2006)
For thirty years, Conjunto Clásico has been laying down an interesting mix of classic Cuban son and hard-driving Nuyorican-flavored salsa, with a heavy dose of spicy flavors from Puerto Rican folk traditions (jíbaro, trío, and plena) thrown in for good measure. Couple this original approach to Afro-Antillean music with a talented pool of vocalists, and you have the perfect formula, and there is no reason to mess with it. It is a blend that ‘los dos Ramones’ (co-founders Ramon "Ray" Castro and Ramon Rodríguez) have been able to maintain over the years, even as their previous vocalists like Tito Nieves, Rafael DeJesus, Julio Barretto and Johnny Rivera went on to gain fame on their own. The current singer, Héctor Luis Pagan, carries on in their fine footsteps with a young fresh sound that puts me in mind of personal favorites like Frankie Vásquez and Herman Olivera. And despite possible commercial pressures to smooth over their sound or go ‘romantica,’ their 2006 album Si Ella Estuviera retains the típico organic sound of the tres and trumpets that made Clásico sound so distinctive back in the old days (when a band with no trombones was actually a relief). Overall this is a great album for dancers, and for listening as well. “A Ella Le Gusta Mi Rumba” has a nice melody, good piano, vibrant vocals, and some tasty PR-style percussion. “Olga Y Marggara” jumps right in with the Conjunto’s patented coro, and displays a very funky Cuban sound that is almost a son montuno. The track also features some fun lyrics, and has a great horn section in the middle of the tune that keeps things interesting on a musical level. And here’s why it’s so great musically: Hector "Maximo" Rodriguez is killing it on bass (and coro), José "Juicy" Jusino expertly lays it down on the congas (and bongo), Víctor “Jr.” Cruz on bongo as well, Nito Caraquillo cuts it up on piano, plus the secret ingredient, tresero José Garcia, and as mentioned before, Ramon "Ray" Castro on guiro and coro, Ramon Rodríguez on coro. The band sports a very hot trumpet section: Richie Viruet, Pete Nater, Raul Agras, David "Pyro" Rodriguez, and José Tabaras. The title song “Si Ella Estuviera” works great for the club dancers, while for the fans who enjoy music for the ‘head’ as well as the ‘feet,’ my money is on the two tracks that close out the CD: super salsa brava with smart lyrics, and that muscular Cuban conjunto sound that makes me think a bit of Arsenio or Chappottín, but with today’s production values (fat bass and smooth brass). My only quibble, from a DJ viewpoint, is that the swinging salsa dura tune “Rumba y Caché” is too short for my dancers! Highly recommended.
Orquesta Antonetti -Sigue El Paso- M&A 100198 Released 2007
Orquesta Antonetti was founded in Rochester, New York, by Victor Antonetti, Sr., a native of Salinas, Puerto Rico. The orchestra has been upstate’s best-kept secret for over 30 years. The family tradition continues with Victor Antonetti Jr. serving as the group’s pianist, musical arranger and composer, with various siblings performing on percussion and vocals. Though the group may not be familiar yet elsewhere, they are an institution in upstate New York salsa venues, where they have skillfully performed a variety of salsas, mambos, merengues, balladas, cumbias, cha-chas and bachatas, and have opened for the likes of Tito Nieves, Cano Estremera, Rafael De Jesus, Johnny Rivera, Hector Trioche, Rey Sepulveda and the late Tito Puente.
“Sigue El Paso” is Antonetti’s third disk and is chock full of tasty music. A nice diverse mix of salsa dura, descarga, son montuno, and salsa romántica, with some hot pop merengues, the album also features snappy production and arrangements by the extremely talented Ricky González, with some arrangements by the great Angel Fernández and the highly respected Richard Marcell, Tommy Villariny, and Wilfrido Drullard. The lineup of material has the same pleasing variety as their live show, I am sure. A big plus for the album is host of guest vocalists, the most exciting being Tito Allen and Frankie Vázquez (a relative of the Antonetti’s).
For me, coming from a dance DJ perspective, the top red alert tracks are Cuban band leader Adalberto Alvarez’s classic “Lluvia” and the smoking salsa brava tune “Tres Deseos.” Antonetti’s version of Franciso Aguabella’s mambo “Complicaciones” is also a big band treat sure to keep the salseros swinging in the clubs – Tito Puente would be proud. The addition of the traditional Puerto Rican cuatro guitar is a nice touch on Tito Allen’s funky rendition of “Dime Quien Soy,” plus there is plenty of baritone sax to add some bottom, and it is quite refreshing to hear a lady’s voice in the mix: Rosabel Antonetti does a great job, heating up the merengue selections with her sultry vocals. The album’s second to last track, “Lo de Cada Cual” (to each his own) serves as a manifesto of sorts and heats things up a notch further to fever pitch – killer! The album closes with a pop salsa which is not to my taste, but I know I will be playing it for the dancers because it fits right in with the sound of Marc Anthony and Victor Manuelle, crowd pleasing idols that it would be suicide to ignore. You can see pianist/leader Victor Antonetti Jr. has what it takes to “sigue el paso” of his father – big footsteps to follow, but with this album, he more than adequately takes the orchestra into the future under his talented direction. Highly recommended.
Pablo E. Yglesias a.k.a. DJ Bongohead
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Nino Segarra - Sus Exitos
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Andy Montañez -Pura Salsa
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Cheo Andujar - Con Mucho Mas Amor -New release
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Ismael Miranda - Pura Salsa
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Lebron Bros. 40 Anniv. Vol.1 -New Release This is the latest release by The Lebron Brothers and it is Hot!! With a range of special guests like Frankie Vazquez ,Luigi Texidor,Primi Cruz,Junior Gonzalez,Pupi Cantor and Pichi Perez and a very sabroso rendition of 'Pena y Dolor' by Angel Lebron. And to top it off a very heartfelt rendition of 'Regresa A Mi' by Pablo Lebron.(L.A 08)
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El Gran Combo De Puerto Rico -Arroz Con Habichuela
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Cheo Feliciano Pura Salsa
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!A Pico Y Pala Pa' Que No Joma! - Costa Brava
Celebrating 25 years in the business, Costa Brava is a great Puerto Rican salsa band that features both trumpets and trombones as well as saxes. Based in Santa Isabel, a beautiful town in the island’s southern region, the band is led by trumpeter/arranger Elvin Torres, and his son Elvin Jr. is on piano. Like El Gran Combo, Costa Brava features tasty arrangements and multiple vocalists. Though most of the lyrics here are about romantic relationships, there is nothing soft or sappy about the muscular percussion, crisp piano guajeos, and punchy brass. The vocals are ably handled by David Morales, Javier Quiñonez, and Ulises Valdes, with plenty of catchy coros and just enough humor to keep things fun. Excellent production values insure a nice fat bottom and no ear-splitting distortion on the treble. DJs and dancers will like the medium tempo on most numbers, with the emphasis being on funky prominent bell patterns and tasty percussion soloing, with swinging brass moñas that have you locked in all the way – afinque being the operative word here. For an added twist (and a nod to the band’s Colombian fans), the album starts off with a nice cumbia intro to “Pa' La Calle” (accordeon and all) before slipping into the salsa dura groove. “Hoy Supe De Ti” has some fine trombone and reminds one of the old-school sound. Features two bonus tracks, of which “Pequeño Detalle” has that great Puerto Rican sound (with just a hint of plena) and real, not digital, piano. Highly recommended.
Pablo E. Yglesias 2008
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COSTA BRAVA DE PUERTO RICO -GRANDES EXITOS - LAS COMPOSICIONES DE JORGE"GUIRO' BORREGO A selection of songs written by that great cuban composer Jorge 'Guiro' Borrego for Costa Brava.Includes Cualquiera Menos Tu,Como Me Gusta,Se Quiere Bonito,Tu Precio,La Musa,El Dinero No Es La Vida Me Haces Daño,Acuerdate Mujer,Flor Bonita,Santa Maria,Que Me Importa,Regresa,Tu Me Haces Falta.CPRINC-L&EMUSIC PRODUCTIONS.
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Estamos Azucar...! Lucho Cueto Presents Black Sugar Sextet
Latin Sound Records 2007
Finding a salsa album that stands out these days is pretty hard; it’s like visiting the Renaissance churches of Italy – seen one Madonna, you think you’ve seen ‘em all. Except when you suddenly stumble on a Caravaggio or a Botticelli. Then your eyes open wide and you get a taste of something a little different, the manifestation of a creative mind that takes tradition and tweaks it toward the divine.
Veteran Peruvian piano master Lucho Cueto takes the Nuyorican sounds of the 70s and tweaks them on the ear just enough to make you feel real good and swinging; he makes us take a second look at dusty old chestnuts like “El Condor Pasa” or Barry Malinow’s “Copacabana” (yikes - who ever thought that could be made cool?), as well as salsa standards like Willie and Hector’s “Pa’ Colombia Entera,” the Curet Alonso standard “Anacaona,” or the mambo favorite “La Hija de Lola.” Lucho’s vision and the band’s undeniable abilities really make these cover tunes sound brand new. Luisito Quintero is always pushing the boundaries, and the rest of the guys are playing hot. “Estamos Azucar!” brings you back to all the good vibes expressed by the Joe Cuba Sextet, Louie Ramirez, Charlie Palmieri, and Cal Tjader, and shares a few tasty chops with Son Boricua as well. As Nando Alvericci says, “less is more” – you don’t always need the giant blaring brass sections, symphonic string sections, reggaeton beats, or redundant small percussion of the big name bands; sometimes those productions end up sounding more like a corporate merger than a Latin dance record! No compadre, a sextet will do just fine, gracias.
Of course there are quite a few special guests of note on the album: standouts include vocalists Tito Allen (never sounded better), José Mangual Jr. (one of my personal favorites), and Kim de los Santos. Additional vibraphone dynamics come from Dave Samuels (Caribbean Jazz Project), and Dave Valentin lends his expressive flute to the Latin jazz numbers. Plenty of fun cuts for the dancers, some sophisticated jazz for the head cases, and also some great black pride lyrics. After repeated listening, you will see that many of the small delights of this disc are hidden in the details – a little samba here, a bit of doowop there, snippets of classical piano sprinkled liberally about, Melocochita in the coro for the tribute to Colombia, and some cumbia in the middle. Special credit goes to the groovy vocal harmony arrangements by none other than Hector ‘Maximo’ Rodriguez. Anyone who uses the NYC Subway on their cover is very hip in my book! Highly recommended for those who like their black sugar.
"Pablo E. Yglesias, a.k.a. DJ Bongohead, 2008"
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Luis Blasini's Iroko La Banda – “Marcando La Distancia”
(Primo Discos 300022) 2008
Imagine a dream nightclub in a fantasy world where Manny Oquendo’s Conjunto Libre, Eddie Palmieri’s La Perfecta, Los Papines, Roberto Torres, and Los Van Van all collided together, and formed one smoking “trombanga” (a trombone-charanga) for a night of hot salsa dancing, and you’d have something like Luis Blasini’s Iroko La Banda.
Blasini has been on the scene for several decades, having been with Eddie Palmieri, La Charanga Sensual, and El Combo de Siempre. His current group, Iroko La Banda, has been in existence for the last few years, and this new album is a smoker! It is refreshingly different than a lot of current salsa out right now, though the sound does remind me of the good old days – with a particularly Cuban flavor that goes all the way back to the 50s even. Plenty of soloing, a bunch of nice dance tracks, some fun lyrics, a few choice “cover versions” of classics, all add up to a pretty great package. Though it sounds like a busy jumble, the flute, trombone, piano, violins, and percussion do not overwhelm the arrangements, with each instrument getting a chance to shine somewhere on the disk, the percussion getting a particularly strong work-out. Blasini’s voice has personality, and sounds like a classic sonero de la calle, all nasal, dry and sand-paper like one minute, and then playful and deep the next – autentico, you know? I like him because he sounds human, and I have to admit, I am tired of the same pretty boy vocals with all that yodeling and overly-dramatic Mariah Carey R&B vocalizing that the mainstream Latin showbiz idols have been doing since the late 80s. I am not knocking the Marc Anthonys of the world, but Blasini sings it like back in the days of vinyl, with heart and honesty, and I like that.
Iroko is an exotic hardwood tree from the West Coast of Africa that has a special spiritual significance to the Yoruba and other peoples (it is said to be a dwelling of certain spirits), and as such its folklore and religious significance has been transported to the New World through the legacy of the slave trade and the survival of certain African religious and healing practices. When Blasini calls up the African roots, you know he and the band feel it, and the music swings, hard and sonorous like an instrument made from a “palo” of Iroko wood. Of particular interest is the arrangement on Chano Pozo’s “Ariñañara” – some nice guaguancó rhythms and rumba style percussion, with the trombones, violins, and flute transporting you to the motherland. Another cover tune, “Avisale a mi contrario,” has a great coro, some more fabulous percussion, and swinging brass. The disk was produced by Al Blasini and Ray Castro (of Conjunto Classico), and features the multi-talented Maximo Rodriguez, Harry Adorno (of Seguida), and musical director Jerry Madera (I love the fact that the CD features a nice fat bass sound). In addition to some tasty flute by Karen Joseph and Roberto Pitrie, the string section really cooks. If you want something different yet familiar, something that is made strong like the Iroko by its African roots but is also a product of Latin New York, this is for you. Highly recommended.
Pablo “DJ Bongohead” Yglesias (2008)
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Budda All Stars Presenta: La Tribu De SalsaTropical Budda 2008
Tropical Budda was a brave independent label run by Henry Montalvo and Roberto Velázquez in New York that rose to prominence in the 1980s with some very tasty (i.e. salsa) and diverse (i.e. Latin Jazz, música jibara) releases by the likes of Charlie Palmieri, Mongo Santamaria, and José Mangual, Jr. The covers often featured the distinctively lighthearted and folkloric illustrations of Felipe Cuchi. I spoke to Mr. Montalvo some time back when he was looking for someone to help him re-launch his label into the digital age, and with Universal, it is now happening as “La Serie Platino.”
The CD “La Tribu de Salsa” is somewhat different as it features some new material, some reworked recordings, has no jazz, and is not on Universal. There is however plenty of great salsa on here, especially the opener, “Guaguancó De La Esquina” which is a Henry Montalvo original interpreted by the terrific Yolanda Rivera, which you may remember as being with Sonora Ponceña. The album also contains a hot cumbia that features some beautiful acoustic guitar, propelled along by the sexy voice of Nayibe “La Caleña.” As a matter of fact, it is quite a welcome surprise to have so many tracks with female vocals. In addition to the ladies, there is the straight-ahead salsa dura number “El Cristo Negro” as sung by the talented José Magual, Jr. But for my money, the best tune – a real classic – is “Ozoro” by Willie Villegas y Entre Amigos featuring Carlos “El Grande.” It has some deep lyrics, incredible vocals, and a hot arrangement for “los metales.” The smoky voice of Raul Marrero appears on the entertaining romantic salsa chestnut entitled “Soy Tu Castigo” (with nice tres guitar and funky syncopated ritmo bailable). But best of all, what you might call the ‘hidden gem’ of this production: Ray Castro's swinging Conjunto Clasico, The thrilling rarity here is that Ray and his talented crew are using trombones, something that they never usually do on their own albums. It fills out the sound and integrates it into the sequence of the album rather well. Ray’s incredible jam “Me Quieren Parar La Rumba” is a real treat for the salsa collector! Marrero then wraps the album up with a smoking version of his tune “Será” that features an excellent tres solo buried deep within a bed of stabbing horn work – a great way to finish that leaves you wanting more. “La Tribu de Salsa” is like a self-contained fiesta in a jewel case. Many thanks to Vinnie Iturbides, who was really nice to me when I worked at RMM, and of course the great Henry Montalvo, for making this record.
Highly recommended.
Guests include: Oscar Hernandez, Andy Gonzalez, Charlie Sepulveda, David Sanchez, William Cepeda, Richie Flores, Endel Dueño, Anthony Carrillo, Adalberto Santiago, Carlos ‘El Grande,’ Ada Chabrier, Papo Santiago, Sergio Quijano, David Forestier, Jose Bello, Luis Blasini, Larry Harlow, Luis Maquina, Fruko, Baby Isaza, Diego Gale, David Cojito.
"Pablo E. Yglesias, a.k.a. DJ Bongohead, 2008"
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Gilberto Burgos Y Su Orquesta -Salsa Romantica Agresiva
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Tito Rojas -Exitos Y Mas
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Johnny Rivera - Vivo Por Ti - New Release
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Raphy Leavitt Y Su Orquesta La Selecta -30 Anniv. Live Recorded on a 2 CD set.The sound quality is amazing compared to some Live albums.This Cd is a collectors item along with the DVD concert which is also available.Some of Raphy Leavitt's most memorabile tune are on this excellent Cd. There is also a special guest appearance by 'El Jibaro' Andres Jimenez on the classic tune 'Jibaro Soy' . Of course La Selecta wouldn't be La Selecta without Sammy Marrero. And in one of his last performances with La Selecta vocalist Carlitos Ramirez. (L.A 08)
$24.99 2 CD SET Plus Shipping ( Very Highly Recommended)
Los Tres Titos - Los Idolos Del Pueblo Compilation of some of the best songs by Tito Nieves,Tito Rojas Tito Gomez.
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Chino Nuñez And Friends -It's Shotime -Tribute To The Dancers Cookita Records
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Chino Nuñez VOL.2 - Doctor Salsa -2007 Infamous Music Cookita Productions
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Cheo Navarro -Tributo Al Ayer -American Latin Music Excellent album.Salsa Like it outta be.Forward and agresive.This has to be one of the best albums in a while.Great arrangements of old tunes with out loosing the flavor.Features Janet Trejo on the violin along with a great group of musicianns from Venezuela.It is salsa from Venezuela with the New York Flavor.Very Highly recommended.(L.A O8)
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CUBANO SON -RECORDANDO A CUBA -CUBANOSON PRODUCTIONS A NOTE FROM PAPO ORTEGA: Cubanoson is a traditional Cuban dance orchestra as created by pianist, Leonel “Papo” Ortega. This musically inspired pianist and composer has enjoyed the privilege of working alongside several exceptional musicians, among them, Roberto Rodriguez, Chico Alvarez, Junior Rivera, Jose Fajardo and Candido Camero. Cubanoson unites the “Punto Cubano” and the “Son Montuno” bringing danceable Cuban music to any event, (public or private), concert or festival. The purpose of this orchestra is to unite the talent and dedication of excellent contemporary musicians, (true exponents of our roots), to offer and express our traditional Cuban music to all cultural venues. Cubanoson honors the great artists who have bestowed upon us the utmost musical education. To them and others who have passed on our music through generations, we will continue honoring them with New York’s Cuban dance orchestra, Cubanoson!This compilation consists of 10 selections of old style traditional Cuban music. It includes 3 compositions by composer and friend Silvio Cebrian, (Monsieur Jose, En la Campiña and No Te Preocupes.) (Side note) Monsieur Jose is a great tune with a new arrangement in which I added some French lyrics and coros, for our European and Canadian friends, and as a special treat, singer Ronnie Baro added his unmistakable voice and French verbiage to introduce this song. The compilation additionally includes new arrangements of Lagrimas Negras, composed by Miguel Matamoros, Que Mala Suerte, by Arsenio Rodriguez, and Mujeres de Mayari composed by Francisco Repilado known as Compay Segundo to the music world. The last 4 songs are all original compositions. Son Bailadores, composed by singer and friend, Mario J. Ortiz, music by Papo, resulted in the creation of an old-style guaguanco. Two other songs, Guajiro Soy, a guajira, and the title track Recordando a Cuba, that tribute the 6 original Cuban provinces, were co-written by me and my uncle Sergio Sori. Lastly, Son Cubanoson is a son montuno written by me to introduce the Cubanoson orchestra to the world.Thank you and enjoy Recordando a Cuba. Papo Ortega
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Estacion Candela -Pedro Brull & Jerry Medina Artista Invitado Papo Sanchez - Envidia
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Landy Y Su Orquesta -Claro Y Conciente -2008
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Ismael Miranda -Buscando El Camino -Tropisounds -Codiscos
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Willie Villegas Y Entre Amigos -Salsa En La Calle New York Style CD AND DVD COMBO.-Entre Amigos Records
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Los Numero Uno De La Salsa -New Release Great compilation with tunes like 'La Negra Tiene Tumbao' by Celia Cruz ,'Que Manera de Quererte' By Gilberto Santa Rosa,Una Aventura By Grupo Niche ,'Indestructible' By Ray Barretto, Lluvia by Eddie Santiago and the Classic 'El Cantante' by Hector Lavoe among other tracks.(L.A 08)
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Los Numero Uno De La Salsa VOL.2 -New Release Second volume of compilations including 'Tengo Ganas' by Victor Manuelle,'Mi Mundo' By Luis Enrique, 'Luna Negra by Rey Ruiz, 'Desnudate' Mujer by Frankie Ruiz,The classic 'La Cartera' by Larry Harlow,and that great tune by Roberto Roena 'Mi Desengaño' and 'Maria Teresa y Danilo' by Hansel Y Raul among others.(L.A 08)
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NYC SALSA -The Incendiary Sound Of Latin New York -Emusica 07 2 CDS SET
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NYC SALSA VOL. 2 - EMUSICA 08
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This is a great record! I say ‘record’ because it reminds me of the old-time Cuban LP’s in my father’s collection, and the sound is like Buena Vista Social Club in a good way: warm, analog recording quality, and tons of roots music from El Gran Caiman: son, descarga, Latin Jazz, and guaguancó. But there are also modern touches too: some electric guitar, organ, sax, with elements of Nuyorican salsa dura and Congolese rumba; and there are echoes of Eddie Palmieri’s recent jazzy albums on Concord Picante and Cachao’s 90s comeback “Master Sessions” albums as well. There are a lot of very tasty traditional song selections (you will recognize them all), with fine vocals and plenty of space for solos by piano, tres, trombone, and trumpet, which, combined with long stretched out track times (one clocks in at a whopping 15:17!!), will remind you of those great 70s-80s albums on SAR/Guajiro by the likes of Roberto Torres, Monguito El Unico, La India Del Oriente, etc. The band was founded in South Florida in 1999, and “Master Sessions – Descarga y Son” is their second album – and it’s even better than the first. Led by Johnny Aguiló, son of Cuban trumpet legend and band-leader Rolando “El Ruso” Aguiló, the conjunto is nine people strong, and the album features many talented guests as well, so there is a really expanded feeling to the proceedings. The cover art, by well-known Miami artist David ‘Lebo’ Le Batard, is very fun and hip – it’s like those Alegre Allstars “descarga” album covers by Izzy Sanabria from the 60s. Lebo has also done covers for Miami’s funky Latin party band, the Spam Allstars, and indeed, some members of Progreso and Spam Allstars play on each other’s albums. I have to say I am prejudiced because I know some of these guys, but you just have to hear this album to believe it – don’t miss the paranda. Highly recommended if you like traditional Cuban music with an updated sound and a modern twist!
Ritmo Seis – Rhythm Six - New Release
Jesus Pagan y su Orquesta - "Salsa de la Mata - From The Roots"
Ray Castro’s Conjunto Clásico - Si Ella Estuviera (Machete 2006)
Orquesta Antonetti -Sigue El Paso- M&A 100198 Released 2007
Nino Segarra - Sus Exitos 
Andy Montañez -Pura Salsa
Cheo Andujar - Con Mucho Mas Amor -New release
Ismael Miranda - Pura Salsa
Lebron Bros. 40 Anniv. Vol.1 -New Release This is the latest release by The Lebron Brothers and it is Hot!! With a range of special guests like Frankie Vazquez ,Luigi Texidor,Primi Cruz,Junior Gonzalez,Pupi Cantor and Pichi Perez and a very sabroso rendition of 'Pena y Dolor' by Angel Lebron. And to top it off a very heartfelt rendition of 'Regresa A Mi' by Pablo Lebron.(L.A 08)
El Gran Combo De Puerto Rico -Arroz Con Habichuela
Cheo Feliciano Pura Salsa
!A Pico Y Pala Pa' Que No Joma! - Costa Brava
COSTA BRAVA DE PUERTO RICO -GRANDES EXITOS - LAS COMPOSICIONES DE JORGE"GUIRO' BORREGO A selection of songs written by that great cuban composer Jorge 'Guiro' Borrego for Costa Brava.Includes Cualquiera Menos Tu,Como Me Gusta,Se Quiere Bonito,Tu Precio,La Musa,El Dinero No Es La Vida Me Haces Daño,Acuerdate Mujer,Flor Bonita,Santa Maria,Que Me Importa,Regresa,Tu Me Haces Falta.CPRINC-L&EMUSIC PRODUCTIONS.
Estamos Azucar...! Lucho Cueto Presents Black Sugar Sextet
Luis Blasini's Iroko La Banda – “Marcando La Distancia”
Budda All Stars Presenta: La Tribu De SalsaTropical Budda 2008
Gilberto Burgos Y Su Orquesta -Salsa Romantica Agresiva 
Tito Rojas -Exitos Y Mas 
Johnny Rivera - Vivo Por Ti - New Release
Raphy Leavitt Y Su Orquesta La Selecta -30 Anniv. Live Recorded on a 2 CD set.The sound quality is amazing compared to some Live albums.This Cd is a collectors item along with the DVD concert which is also available.Some of Raphy Leavitt's most memorabile tune are on this excellent Cd. There is also a special guest appearance by 'El Jibaro' Andres Jimenez on the classic tune 'Jibaro Soy' . Of course La Selecta wouldn't be La Selecta without Sammy Marrero. And in one of his last performances with La Selecta vocalist Carlitos Ramirez. (L.A 08) 
Los Tres Titos - Los Idolos Del Pueblo Compilation of some of the best songs by Tito Nieves,Tito Rojas Tito Gomez. 
Chino Nuñez And Friends -It's Shotime -Tribute To The Dancers Cookita Records
Chino Nuñez VOL.2 - Doctor Salsa -2007 Infamous Music Cookita Productions
Cheo Navarro -Tributo Al Ayer -American Latin Music Excellent album.Salsa Like it outta be.Forward and agresive.This has to be one of the best albums in a while.Great arrangements of old tunes with out loosing the flavor.Features Janet Trejo on the violin along with a great group of musicianns from Venezuela.It is salsa from Venezuela with the New York Flavor.Very Highly recommended.(L.A O8)
CUBANO SON -RECORDANDO A CUBA -CUBANOSON PRODUCTIONS A NOTE FROM PAPO ORTEGA: Cubanoson is a traditional Cuban dance orchestra as created by pianist, Leonel “Papo” Ortega. This musically inspired pianist and composer has enjoyed the privilege of working alongside several exceptional musicians, among them, Roberto Rodriguez, Chico Alvarez, Junior Rivera, Jose Fajardo and Candido Camero. Cubanoson unites the “Punto Cubano” and the “Son Montuno” bringing danceable Cuban music to any event, (public or private), concert or festival. The purpose of this orchestra is to unite the talent and dedication of excellent contemporary musicians, (true exponents of our roots), to offer and express our traditional Cuban music to all cultural venues. Cubanoson honors the great artists who have bestowed upon us the utmost musical education. To them and others who have passed on our music through generations, we will continue honoring them with New York’s Cuban dance orchestra, Cubanoson!This compilation consists of 10 selections of old style traditional Cuban music. It includes 3 compositions by composer and friend Silvio Cebrian, (Monsieur Jose, En la Campiña and No Te Preocupes.) (Side note) Monsieur Jose is a great tune with a new arrangement in which I added some French lyrics and coros, for our European and Canadian friends, and as a special treat, singer Ronnie Baro added his unmistakable voice and French verbiage to introduce this song. The compilation additionally includes new arrangements of Lagrimas Negras, composed by Miguel Matamoros, Que Mala Suerte, by Arsenio Rodriguez, and Mujeres de Mayari composed by Francisco Repilado known as Compay Segundo to the music world. The last 4 songs are all original compositions. Son Bailadores, composed by singer and friend, Mario J. Ortiz, music by Papo, resulted in the creation of an old-style guaguanco. Two other songs, Guajiro Soy, a guajira, and the title track Recordando a Cuba, that tribute the 6 original Cuban provinces, were co-written by me and my uncle Sergio Sori. Lastly, Son Cubanoson is a son montuno written by me to introduce the Cubanoson orchestra to the world.Thank you and enjoy Recordando a Cuba. Papo Ortega 
Estacion Candela -Pedro Brull & Jerry Medina Artista Invitado Papo Sanchez - Envidia
Landy Y Su Orquesta -Claro Y Conciente -2008
Ismael Miranda -Buscando El Camino -Tropisounds -Codiscos
Willie Villegas Y Entre Amigos -Salsa En La Calle New York Style CD AND DVD COMBO.-Entre Amigos Records
Los Numero Uno De La Salsa -New Release Great compilation with tunes like 'La Negra Tiene Tumbao' by Celia Cruz ,'Que Manera de Quererte' By Gilberto Santa Rosa,Una Aventura By Grupo Niche ,'Indestructible' By Ray Barretto, Lluvia by Eddie Santiago and the Classic 'El Cantante' by Hector Lavoe among other tracks.(L.A 08)
Los Numero Uno De La Salsa VOL.2 -New Release Second volume of compilations including 'Tengo Ganas' by Victor Manuelle,'Mi Mundo' By Luis Enrique, 'Luna Negra by Rey Ruiz, 'Desnudate' Mujer by Frankie Ruiz,The classic 'La Cartera' by Larry Harlow,and that great tune by Roberto Roena 'Mi Desengaño' and 'Maria Teresa y Danilo' by Hansel Y Raul among others.(L.A 08)
NYC SALSA -The Incendiary Sound Of Latin New York -Emusica 07 2 CDS SET
NYC SALSA VOL. 2 - EMUSICA 08
This is a great record! I say ‘record’ because it reminds me of the old-time Cuban LP’s in my father’s collection, and the sound is like Buena Vista Social Club in a good way: warm, analog recording quality, and tons of roots music from El Gran Caiman: son, descarga, Latin Jazz, and guaguancó. But there are also modern touches too: some electric guitar, organ, sax, with elements of Nuyorican salsa dura and Congolese rumba; and there are echoes of Eddie Palmieri’s recent jazzy albums on Concord Picante and Cachao’s 90s comeback “Master Sessions” albums as well. There are a lot of very tasty traditional song selections (you will recognize them all), with fine vocals and plenty of space for solos by piano, tres, trombone, and trumpet, which, combined with long stretched out track times (one clocks in at a whopping 15:17!!), will remind you of those great 70s-80s albums on SAR/Guajiro by the likes of Roberto Torres, Monguito El Unico, La India Del Oriente, etc. The band was founded in South Florida in 1999, and “Master Sessions – Descarga y Son” is their second album – and it’s even better than the first. Led by Johnny Aguiló, son of Cuban trumpet legend and band-leader Rolando “El Ruso” Aguiló, the conjunto is nine people strong, and the album features many talented guests as well, so there is a really expanded feeling to the proceedings. The cover art, by well-known Miami artist David ‘Lebo’ Le Batard, is very fun and hip – it’s like those Alegre Allstars “descarga” album covers by Izzy Sanabria from the 60s. Lebo has also done covers for Miami’s funky Latin party band, the Spam Allstars, and indeed, some members of Progreso and Spam Allstars play on each other’s albums. I have to say I am prejudiced because I know some of these guys, but you just have to hear this album to believe it – don’t miss the paranda. Highly recommended if you like traditional Cuban music with an updated sound and a modern twist!
