The Descarga Review • August 23, 2007

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Happening Now... The Descarga Summer Clearance Sale: 15% off! 170 primo Very Highly Recommended CDs and DVDs


Here are some new and reissued titles of interest...

SENSACION ORQUESTA El Profesor Changui (original import) Originally released: 2007 Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA COLOMBIA; COLOMBIA

EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Achilipu (3:22) 2. Adiviname Y Olvidate (3:55) 3. El Profesor (4:05) 4. Vet Pa' Alla (41:7 ) 5. Asi Fue Que Nacio El Son (5:17) 6. Busca El Alfiler (4:09) 7. Vamos, Hablame Ahora (4:55) 8. Sabor A Idilio (3:12) 9. Fango (4:06) 10. Rumbon Melon (4:15) 11. Remixed Reggaeton Tracks: Achilipu (3:22) 12. Busca El Alfiler (4:09) 13. Sabor A Idilio (3:12) 14. Rumbon Melon (4:15) MUSICIANS: • Orlando Hurtado: Voz y coros • Diego A . Giraldo: Segunda voz y coros • Andres Gomez: Piano, teclados, y coros • Julio Valdes: Bajo • Douglas Guevara: Conga, bongo y timbal • Jose Javier Aponza: Trompetas • Carlos Latoche: Trombones • Virgilio Hurtado: Coros Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order El Profesor Now!

ALFONSO OSUNA Allá Va Eso Angelas Originally released: 2007 Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA

EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Prieta Caramelo (5:14) 2. Campesino (7:05) 3. Ay, Graciela! (3:45) 4. Quintin Banderas (7:53) 5. Esa Chiquita (7:05) 6. Tresero (4:55) 7. Elvira, A Suite For Guitar (2:41) 8. La Vida Del Guajiro (3:35) MUSICIANS: • Alfonso Osuna: Tres • Chico Alvarez: Vocals • Ronnie Baro: Vocals, trombone • Roberto Rodriguez Jr.: Trumpet • Octavio Ponce: Flute, saxophones • Demetrius Kastaris: Trombones • Edy Martinez: Piano • Hector Torres: Timbales • Gene Golden: Congas • Luis Mangual Jr.: Bongo • Gabriel "Chinchilita" Machado: Percussion • Hector Torres: Percussion • Gerardo Flores: Percussion Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Allá Va Eso Now!

MAÑENGUEZ De La Mata Con Mañenguez - Estampas Puertorriqueñas Palo Viejo Category: FOLKLORIC; FOLKLORIC: VARIOUS; PUERTO RICO

EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Arena De La Playa (4:32) 2. Canto Un Canto (6:21) 3. Mata De Platano (5:20) 4. Pascual (6:47) 5. La Formamos (6:09) 6. Cuyuyo Tambo (9:24) 7. Callejon (9:35) 8. Pulpa De Tamarindo (4:52) 9. Pan De Mallorca (5:10) 10. Esquizofrenia Portorricensis (7:56) MUSICIANS: • Jose "Mañeguez Hidalgo: Crador, filosofo, poeta compositor, cantautor, cocinero, pescador, artesano, autodidacta, muellero, humilde, sembrador, conga, quinto, timbal, bongo, coro, campanas, pitos, chekere, bombo, percusion menor • Giovanni Hidalgo: Conga, quinto, timbal, bata, bongo, cascara, chekere, clave, campanas, udu drums, coro, percusion menor • Hector "Vainilla" Ramirez: Conga, campanas, cascara, coro, percusion menor • Carlos Rodriguez: Quinto, campanas, conga, coro, percusion menor • Eric Figueroa: Piano • Eddie "Gua-Gua" Rivera: Bajo • Angel "Angie" Machado: Trompeta, fluegelhorn • David "Piro" Rodriguez: Trompea • Manual "Manny" Fuentes: Coros • Aritsta Invitado: Millo Torres Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order De La Mata Con Mañenguez - Estampas Puertorriqueñas Now!

TRUCO & ZAPEROKO Live In Dax, France - DVD Güicharo Recordings Originally released: 2007 Category: DVD; FOLKLORIC; PUERTO RICO

EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Vamonos Pa'l Carnaval 2. La Anguila 3. En El Cafe 4. A Ti Na' Ma 5. El Cuarto De Tula 6. Conchita 7. Oye Papa 8. Sigan La Clave 9. Miedo Y Terror 10. La Olla 11. Brilla El Sol MUSICIANS: • Edwin "Zaperoko" Feliciano: Lider, trombon, coros, y direccion musical • Hector "Truco" Valentin: Co-Lider • Miguel Maysonet: Co-lider, bongo, guiro, y percusion • Antonio "Toñito" Vazquez: Trombon • Jose "Jochy" Rodriguez: Fliscorno y trompeta • Kalani Trinidad: Flauta y saxofon soprano • Tito DeGracia: Timbales • Alfredito Rodriguez: Congas • Ray Maysonet: Panderos, claves, coro, & percusion • Joe Maysonet: Panderos, claves, maracas & percusion • Noel Rosado: Panderos, claves, coro & percusion • Henry Valentin: Penderos • Jose "Pirrio" Pizarro: Piano • Carlos Rodriguez: Bajo • Richard Martinez: Vocalista, panero y percusion menor • Luis "Shaiky" Gonzalez: Vocalista, chekere, guiro cubano y percusion menor • Participaccion Especial: Yomira John: Vocales en "Sigan la clave" • Candido Reyes: Guiro en "Miedo y terror" • Nathanael Molina: Piano en "Solos extras" • Edgardo Rodriguez: Conga en "Solos Extras" Price: $21.98

• Click here to Order Live In Dax, France - DVD Now!

TEGO CALDERON Contra Ataca Warner Music Originally released: 2007 Category: POP/OTHER; REGGAETON

EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Alegria 2. Tradicional A Lo Bravo 3. Ni Fu Ni Fa 4. Cual Es Plan Y Eso 5. Los Mios 6. Tu Pa' Mi 7. Quiarte To' 8. Lo Hecho Hecho Esta 9. TTT Tego (remix) 10. El Que No Lucha No Avanza 11. Quiereme Como Soy 12. No Era Por Ahi 13. Por Mi Madre Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Contra Ataca Now!

ORQUESTA ARAGÓN Orquesta Aragón 2-CD Set Disconet Originally released: 2007 Category: DANCE TRADITIONS; CHA CHA CHA, CHARANGA, DANZON; CUBA

EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Guantanamera 2. En Casa De Tomas 3. Cachita 4. Yo Tengo Una Muñeca 5. Tres Lindas Cubanas 6. Jardinero Del Amor 7. El Bodeguero 8. Envidia 9. Siboney 10. Si Sabes Bailar Mi Son 11. Oye Me Voy Pa' La Luna 12. Aquellos Ojos Verdes 13. El Manisero 14. Cuatro Vidas 15. Mama Ines 16. Lo Que Se De Ti 17. Guajira Con Tumbao 18. Mi Son Es Un Vacilon 19. Pare Cochero 20. Guajira Para Ti 21. Los Tamalitos De Olga 22. Tin Marin 23. Sabor A Mi 24. Quiereme Mucho Price: $18.98

• Click here to Order Orquesta Aragón 2-CD Set Now!

IRAKERE Chucho Valdez & Irakere: Lo Mejor De Cuba 2-CD Set Pro Market Originally released: 2007 Category: LATIN JAZZ; AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ; CUBA

EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Bacalao Con Pan 2. Tres Palabras 3. Dos Perlas Y Un Dolor 4. Preludio Nº1 5. Me Faltabas Tu 6. Los Caramelos 7. Besame Mucho 8. Cancion De La Tarde 9. Piel Canela 10. Invento Nº 11. Valle De Picadura 12. Balada Para Caridad Y Emilio 13. La Comparsa 14. Tu Me Acostumbraste 15. Homenaje Al Benny 16. Como Fue 17. Aguanile Bonko 18. Que Se Sepa, Yo Soy De La Habana 19. Novia Mia 20. El Manisero 21. Tu, Mi Delirio 22. Dile A Catalina 23. Romance (Juegos Prohibidos) 24. Taka Taka Ta Price: $18.98

• Click here to Order Chucho Valdez & Irakere: Lo Mejor De Cuba 2-CD Set Now!

ALEXA WEBER MORALES Vagabundeo / Wanderings Patois Records Originally released: 2007 Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ

EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Habanera (4:30) 2. Ave Rara (6:26) 3. Calling You (featuring Kenny Washington) (5:00) 4. El Cantante (4:55) 5. Agua De Beber/Aguas De Marco (5:23) 6. Her Ways Wander (5:23) 7. The Goddess Of War (5:07) 8. Asi Es El Amor (4:49) 9. Angelitos Negros (5:50) 10. Tu Amor (5:10) 11. You Cry, I Dry Your Tears (4:59) MUSICIANS: • Alexa Weber Morales: Voice • Paul Van Wageningen: Drums • David Belove: Bass • Murray Low: Piano • Rick Vandivier: Electric/acoustic guitar • Michael Spiro: Congas, clave and castanets • John Santos: Cajon, guiro, handbell and quijada • Louis Fasman: Trumpet and flugelhorn • Melecio Magdaluyo: Alto sax, baritone sax and flute • Wayne Wallace: Trombone • Orlando Torriente: Coro • Edgardo Cambion: Coro • Ron Stallings: Alto and tenor sax • Frank Martin: Piano on 11 • Monica Scott: Cello on 10 Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Vagabundeo / Wanderings Now!

GRUPO NICHE Una Aventura... La Historia Sony BMG Norte Originally released: 2007 Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA COLOMBIA; COLOMBIA

EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Atrevida 2. Miserable 3. Te Enseñare A Olvidar 4. Una Aventura 5. Se Parecio Tanto A Ti 6. Sin Sentimientos 7. Hagamos Lo Que Diga El Corazon 8. Tiempo, Tiempo 9. Mi Pueblo 10. Un Alto En El Camino 11. La Gallinita De Los Huevos De Oro 12. Duele Mas 13. Gotas De Lluvia 14. La Magia De Tus Besos 15. Etnia 16. Ni Como Amiga, Ni Como Amante Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Una Aventura... La Historia Now!

KAT PARRA Birds In Flight Patois Records Originally released: 2007 Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ

EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Mais Que Nada (5:38) 2. Dame La Llave (4:38) 3. Softly As In A Morning Sunrise (4:41) 4. Alfonsina Y El Mar (6:43) 5. Birds In Flight (5:10) 6. Caravan (6:05) 7. Oleo De Una Mujer Con Sombrero (4:53) 8. These Old Feelings (3:55) 9. Kuando El Rey Nimrod (5:48) 10. Quizas Porque (3:44) MUSICIANS: • Kat Parra: Voz • Murray Low: Piano • Masaru Koga: Flutes and saxophones • John Worley: Trumpet/flugelhorn • Wayne Wallace: Trombone • Lila Sklar: Violin • Peter Barshay: Bass • Renata Bratt: Cello • Paul Van Wageningen: Drum set • Michael Spiro: Percussion • Michaelle Goerlitz: Percusion • Ravi Gutala : Tablas • Katja Cooper: Dumbek and rik • Rick Rangel: Coro • Orlando Torriente: Coro • Pat Parra: Rap and coro Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Birds In Flight Now!

DAVE PIKE Jazz For The Jet Set Wounded Bird Records Originally released: 1966 Reissued: 2006 Category: LATIN JAZZ; JAZZ: OTHER

EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Blind Man Blind Man 2. Jet Set 3. Sunny 4. When I'm Gone 5. You've Got Your Troubles 6. Sweet Tater Pie 7. Just Say Goodbye 8. Devilette MUSICIANS: • On Cuts 1,5,7 & 8: Dave Pike: Marimbas • Herbie Hancock: Organ • Clark Terry: Trumpet • Martin Sheller: Trumpet • Billy Butler: Guitar • Bruno Carr: Drums • Bob Cranshaw: Bass • On Cuts 2,3, & 6: Dave Pike: Marimbas • Herbie Hancock: Organ • Clark Terry: Trumpet • Melvin Lastie: Trumpet • Grady Tate: Drums • Billy Butler: Guitar • Jimmy Lewis: Bass Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Jazz For The Jet Set Now!

OSVALDO RODRIGUEZ Miami Lupemon Originally released: 2007 Category: SALSA/SON; SON, GUARACHA, GUAJIRA

EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Miami (5:21) 2. Ilustre Desconocidea (3:38) 3. Mi Querida Suegra (4:42) 4. Dime Y Pideme (3:36) 5. Cubano Yo (3:23) 6. Cancion En 3 Minutos (3:00) 7. Todavia Me Acuerdo (4:13) 8. La Familia (3:53) 9. Guajiro Cepilla'o (4:36) 10. Tú (3:48) 11. Sin Tin Tiene, Tin Vale (7:54) MUSICIANS: • Osvaldo Rodriguez: Arreglos, orquestaciones, guitarras, voz, coros y sintetizadors • Wickly Nogueras: Percusion cubana Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Miami Now!

SALSA KIDS Vaila Conmigo Sony Apollo Norte Originally released: 2007 Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA; PUERTO RICO

EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Baila Conmigo (3:27) 2. Quiero Robarte Un Beso (4:16) 3. Dame (3:55) 4. Busco Una Novia Salsera (4:36) 5. Viva La Esperanza (4:30) 6. Dejame Un Beso (3:44) 7. Aturdido (feat. Nejo) (4:40) 8. Tu Cafe (3:57) 9. Rocket Love (4:06) 10. Viva La Esperanza (Balada) (3:46) MUSICIANS: • Yan Duclerk: Trumpets • Angie Machado: Trumpets • Jorge Baez: Sax • Gadwin Vargas: Congas • Nundo Rodriguez: Bongos • Edwin Clemente: Timbal • Domingo Garcia: Piano • Ricky Lugo: Bass • Maximo Torres: Guitars • Wichy Camacho: Chorus • Danvert Garcia: Chorus • Cuto Soto: Chorus Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Vaila Conmigo Now!

LOS ZAFIROS Los Zafiros: Music From The Edge Of Time CD Hepcat Records Originally released: 2007 Category: SPECIAL INTEREST; SOUNDTRACK; CUBA

EditorsPick: Review to follow shortly. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Musica Y Estrellas (:09) 2. La Caminadora (3:29) 3. Oye Nicola (2:33) 4. Hermosa Habana (2:55) 5. The 1960's - Sound Montage (:25) 6. Esto No Tiene Bata (0:50) 7. Congo Leri (3:02) 8. Y Sabes Bien (2:32) 9. Herido De Sombras (Performed By Los Zafiros) (2:12) 10. Herido De Sombras (Performed By Los Nuevos Zafiros) (2:03) 11. Ofelia (Un Nombre De Mujer) (2:13) 12. Perdoname, Mi Amor (2:40) 13. Por No Comprenderte (1:34) 14. Cuando Yo La Conoci (2:09) 15. Cuando Y La Conoci & Y Tu Que Has Hecho? (1:35) 16. Canallon (1:53) 17. Bellecita (3:08) 18. El Manicero (2:21) 19. Tema De La Esperanza (1:34) 20. Chaverot (2:16) 21. Un Minuto De Tu Amor (2:17) 22. Baile De Langosta (1:02) 23. Longina (1:22) 24. Mis Sentimientos (3:07) 25. Mi Oracion (2:37) Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Los Zafiros: Music From The Edge Of Time CD Now!


Highlights from the previous Descarga Review...

DAVID CALZADO Y SU CHARANGA HABANERA El Rey De Los Charangueros Planet (original import) Originally released: 2007 Category: SALSA/SON; SALSA CUBANA; CUBA

EditorsPick: Blistering new CD by the timbamaster himself, David Calzado. This new release features his front line Baby Junior, Leoni, Aned, Andro, and Juventino who rock it to compositions by Calzado, Adonis Ramos, Osmany Collado, Edgar Edgar, Lazaro Valdes and others. With the tracks "El Rey," "Me Palpita," "El Expediente," "El Duro," "El Cañon," "Ella Pone La Habana de Pie (Chichina)" and others. The Charanga Habanera is the group by which all other timba bands are measured. The real deal. Full review to follow shortly. Highly Recommended. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. El Rey (4:55) 2. Un Hombre Como Tu (5:29) 3. Me Palpita (5:24) 4. El Expediente (5:10) 5. Dime Quien (balada) (3:39) 6. Mentirosa (4:43) 7. Chico Caramelo (4:20) 8. Ella Pone La Habana De Pie (Chichina) (4:34) 9. El Duro (5:42) 10. El Cañon (4:46) 11. Final (3:23) Price: $19.98

• Click here to Order El Rey De Los Charangueros Now!

ELSPETH SAVANI WITH ORCHESTRA ZARABANDA Gallo Que Canta Elspeth Savani Originally released: 2007 Category: DANCE TRADITIONS; CHARANGA

EditorsPick: Elspeth Savani put aside her classical singing to study Cuban percussion and dance, and she's been singing for, and directing, the Seattle based 12-piece Cuban charanga band Zarabanda (formerly Yerbabuena) for almost a decade now. Gallo Que Canta, produced by percussionist Michael Spiro, is the fruition of those years of clearly great love and respect for the music and culture. Listen to "Rompiendo La Rutina" and you'll find a rare purity of spirit. And many of the tracks exude a formal beauty, a richness that only seasoned musicians that are dedicated to the form can induce. The sweetness of Savani's voice can, at times, eclipse all else. And that's not a bad thing. There are a number of Lucumí references here, and Savani can make inviting what some might have difficulty approaching ordinarily. I especially like her rendition of the jazz standard "All of Me." And her take on Alvaro Carrillo's "Un Poco Más" is simply stunning. The band is top notch, with violinists Anthony Blea and Irene Mitri, percussionists Spiro and Tom Bergersen, tres player Fred Hoadly, flautists Sabra Weber and John Calloway, bassist Jeff Norwood and many others. Highly Recommended. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Mueve La Cintura 2. Rompiendo La Rutina 3. All Of Me 4. Prelude To Silencio: Toques For Odudua, Egun 5. Silencio 6. Gallo Que Canta 7. Un Poco Más 8. Quizás, Quizás, Quizás 9. Ahora Me Da Pena 10. Hasta Siempre 11. Llora Como Lloré Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Gallo Que Canta Now!

TALLER FOLKLORICO YUBÁ IRÉ ¡Esta Es Mi Rumba! Taller Folklorico Originally released: 2007 Category: FOLKLORIC; RUMBA and/or SANTERIA/LUCUMI; PUERTO RICO

EditorsPick: Founded in 1998 in Puerto Rico, the sole mission of Yuba Iré is to interpret the diverse folkloric music of the Afro-Caribbean. And while the core of the material on ¡Esta Es Mi Rumba! is clearly rumba and folklore Cubana (guaguancó, yambú, columbia, palo), their repertoire does cast a wider net by encompassing the folklore of Puerto Rico and elsewhere. Sicá, yubá, cuembé, holandé, seis corridos as well as la plena, güiro, bembé, abakuá and comparsa are performed at their live performances as well. Directed by percussionist Hector Calderón Torres, Yubá Iré is also made up of Diego Centeno, Jose Camara, Victor Emmanuelli, Edgardo Hernandez, David Atanasio, Paoli Mejias, Felipe Del Valle, Samuel Gascot and others. With clarity of vision and a soul of fire, Taller Folklorico Yubá Iré walks a path that is inhabited by the spirit of by Yoruba Andabo, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, Grupo Afro Cuba, Paracumbé and the Familia Cepeda. Pretty good company. One of the best folkloric projects of the year. Very Highly Recommended. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Es Yuba-Ire (6:00) 2. Buena Noche (3:44) 3. Ochun (4:51) 4. Maria (3:59) 5. Sejadora (2:41) 6. Solo Tambor (2:42) 7. No Hay Mal (5:17) 8. La Naturaleza (Alomofille) (7:27) 9. Ven Pa' Que Goces (5:29) 10. Julieta (3:54) 11. Intro (1:41) 12. Esta Es Mi Rumba (4:44) 13. Yenye Mare (6:38) 14. Regaño Al Corazon (8:07) Price: $17.98

• Click here to Order ¡Esta Es Mi Rumba! Now!

MANUEL VALERA Vientos Anzic Records (original import) Originally released: 2007 Category: LATIN JAZZ; JAZZ: OTHER

EditorsPick: Alluring new jazz project by pianist and composer Manuel Valera. On Vientos ("Winds" in English) Valera has created all new compositions that bring out the beauty of tone and colors of the woodwind section. Highly Recommended. Review to follow shortly. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Vientos (7:32) 2. A La Interperie (8:53) 3. So You Say (4:58) 4. Danzon Para Lisa (5:20) 5. Rapsodia (6:24) 6. Azulado (6:21) 7. Infancia (8:02) 8. Comienzo (4:52) 9. Home (6:50) 10. Elegia (6:42) 11. For Those Who Have Left (6:59) 12. Vejez (2:27) Price: $18.98

• Click here to Order Vientos Now!

WILLIAM CEPEDA & AFRO RICAN JAZZ Unity - William Cepeda's International Quintet Casabe/Carimoods Originally released: 2006 Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ

EditorsPick: Wonderfully rich and nuanced Latin jazz project that features the multi-talented Mr. Cepeda on trombone, shells, vocals and percussion. The compositions are all his. With top musicians representing all corners of the world: Besides Cepeda (Puerto Rico), there is Pedro Gerardo (Argentina), Uli Geissendoerder (Germany), Andrés Patrick Forero (Colombia), Mike Webster (Canada), and guest Abdou Mboup (Senegal). Dark, complex, and *very* beautiful. Full review to follow shortly. Highly Recommended. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Unity (14:22) 2. Entre Nos (12:19) 3. Beautiful You (7:13) 4. El Coco #9 (9:06) 5. Will You (6:39) 6. Y Si Llegan (9:58) 7. Yodo (8:00) 8. Postlude Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order Unity Now!

GRUPO ESENCIA ¡Sonaron Los Panderos! Casabe/Carimoods Originally released: 2006 Category: FOLKLORIC; PLENA/BOMBA; PUERTO RICO

EditorsPick: Uptempo new-generation plena and bomba project led by Angel "Papote" Alvarado (vocals, campana y seguidor) and bassist Héctor "Pochi" Gastón. Fresh and vibrant, ¡Sonaron Los Panderos! is sure to keep the blood flowing. Grupo Esencia, far from your typical plena ensemble, utilizes a full range of musicians to achieve a full rich sound. Members include pianist Máximo Rivera Jr., tres player Jesús López, Diadel Rivera on percussion (tumbadora, guiro, requinto, punteador and everything in between), Juan Alberto Laboy on timbales and campana and trombonists Jorge Cosme and Israel "Pavarotti." Includes a few well-done tribute tracks like "Ismael, Cortijo and Cepeda" and "Homenaje a Mon Rivera." ¡Sonaron Los Panaderos! is clear choice for your next party: invigorating, fun and... Highly Recommended. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Mariana (4:17) 2. Ismael, Cortijo y Cepeda (4:17) 3. El Baile de Bomba Empezó (4:33) 4. Sonaron Los Panderos! (5:10) 5. Homenaje A "Mon Rivera" (4:27) 6. La Muñeca (4:22) 7. La Ola (4:46) Price: $16.98

• Click here to Order ¡Sonaron Los Panderos! Now!

LOS GATOS Cats Got Your Tongue? PKO Records Originally released: 2001 Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ

EditorsPick: Debut vibes-based Latin jazz release by Michigan-based Los Gatos whose major influence is clearly Cal Tadjer, and that's alright with me. This sextette, led by timbalero Pete Siers, cooks with savory, deep, rich grooves that come alive via compositions by Eddie Cano, Tjader, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Al McKibbon and others. A thoroughly enjoyable release. Also with Cary Kocher, doing a great job on vibes, bassist Kurt Krahnke, pianist Brian Di Blassio and conguero Jonathan Ovalle. Highly Recommended. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Mambo at the M 2. Philadelphia Mambo 3. Bludan 4. Fuje 5. Goza 6. Ritmo Caliente 7. Mambo Moderno 8. A Minor Goof 9. Happiness is a Thing Called Joe 10. Tumbao 11. Speak Low 12. Tu Creo Que? 13. Star Eyes 14. Mi Guaguanco 15. Bonita Price: $15.98

• Click here to Order Cats Got Your Tongue? Now!

LOS GATOS Insight PKO Records Originally released: 2007 Category: LATIN JAZZ; LATIN JAZZ

EditorsPick: Terrific vibes-based Latin jazz. In the liners to their second release (their first was Cats Got Your Tongue?), Michigan based Los Gatos acknowledge their major influences: Cal Tjader and Joe Cuba. And it shows. This is classy, groove-driven, dance music that, at it's best, sparkles like a gem. With tracks like Clare Fischer's "Huracán," Eddie Palmieri's "Pancho's Seis Por Ocho," Tjader's "Samba Do Sueño," Charlie Palmieri's "Gringo City," and Mongo Santamaria'a "Tú Crees Qué?," Insight has the makings of a fine acquisition. Good for leader Pete Siers staying the course. He has created another project that's... Highly Recommended. (BP) SONG TITLES: 1. Huracán (6:15) 2. Pancho's Seis Por Ocho (5:23) 3. Con Su Bataola (2:15) 4. Novios (5:40) 5. Dónde Está Corazón (2:31) 6. El Muchacho (5:03) 7. Tres Palabras (4:57) 8. Insight (5:01) 9. My Reverie (4:18) 10. Dime Con Andas (3:20) 11. Samba Do Sueño (5:23) 12. Gringo City (4:54) 13. Key Largo (4:36) 14. Tú Crees Qué? (2:08) 15. Funquiado (6:00) 16. Manila (1:51) MUSICIANS: • Pete Siers: Leader, timbales, vocals, percussion • Kurt Krahnke: Bass, vocals • Al DiBlassio: Lead vocals, congas, percussion • Brian DiBlassio: Piano, vocals • Cary Kocher: Vibes, vocals, percussion Price: $15.98

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GRUPO AFROCUBA DE MATANZAS 50 Years On: 50th Anniversay Edition 1957-2007 DVD La Timbala Films (original import) Originally released: 2007 Category: DVD; FOLKLORIC; CUBA

EditorsPick: This DVD presents nine superb, visually stunning performances of traditional ritual dance by one of Cuba's oldest and most important folkloric groups, Afrocuba de Matanzas. Each piece was specially selected and filmed in different locations around the city of Matanzas to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the group (1957-2007). Includes a 24 page booklet with background and historical information as well as detailed notes on the music and dance. 80 minutes. Highly Recommended. (DR) SONG TITLES: 1. Palo (Congo) (13:39) 2. Ochún with Oggún (Lukumí) (6:57) 3. Abakúa (Carabalí) (11:40) 4. San Lázaro (Arara) (11:21) 5. Yemayá (Lukumí) (9:25) 6. Oggún (Lukumí) (3:36) 7. Brícamo (Carabalí) (9:48) 8. Changó (Lukumí) (5:09) 9. Makuta (Congo) (8:07) MUSICIANS: • Francisco Zamora Chirino: Lead vocals, director • Sara Gobel Villamil, Miguel Ángel Dreke Reyes, Laureano Alfonso Arzuaga, Bertina Aranda Villamil: Vocalists • Pedro Aballí Torriente, Reynaldo Garcia Alfonso, Reynaldo Gobel Villamil, Ignacio Calderon Osborni, Dunieske Isassi Yano, Diosvani Saldado Junco, Ramses Zamora Molina: Percussionists • Yesniel Pérez Domenesch, Antonio Figuroa Gazmuris, Juan Carlos Gobel Pelladito, Omar Alfonso Oña, Zulima Echevarrea Rodriguez, Lisbeth Estacholi Alfonso, Maria Victoria Fleita Gonzales, Osiris Hernandez Sejas, Yordanka Cancino Lamart: Dancers Price: $34.98

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GRUPO AFROCUBA DE MATANZAS Rumba Matancera - Live At El Palenque, Havana 2005 DVD La Timbala Films (original import) Originally released: 2007 Category: DVD; FOLKLORIC; CUBA

EditorsPick: Rumba, the essential heartbeat of Cuba, performed here by the world renowned group Afrocuba de Mantanzas. This DVD presents a 70 minute performance by the 24 strong Afrocuba, filmed at El Palenque in Havana, featuring their most famous styles of rumba matancera, yambú matancero, guaguancó matancero, la columbia and batarumba. Outstanding drumming and dancing from one of Cuba's finest groups. Includes 20 page booklet with notes and background information on Cuban rumba. Highly Recommended. (DR) SONG TITLES: 1. La Rumba De Muertos (dedicated to the late akpwon Lázaro Ros) 2. El Lukumí (yambú matancero) 3. Atención Cúbano (guaguancó) 4. El Manglar (rumba from 1900-10 which sings about the old slave barrio, El Manglar) 5. La Columbia 6. Laye (batarumba) 7. Caridad (batarumba) 8. Extra Track - Batarumba MUSICIANS: • Francisco Zamora Chirino 'Minini': Lead vocals, director • Sara Gobel Villamil 'Mima', Miguel Ángel Dreke Reyes 'El Negro', Laureano Alfonso Arzuaga 'Papito', Bertina Aranda Villamil: Vocalists • Pedro Aballí Torriente 'Regalao', Reynaldo Garcia Alfonso 'Whichichi', Reynaldo Gobel Villamil, Ignacio Calderon Osborni 'Nacito', Dunieske Isassi Yano, Diosvani Saldado Junco, Ramses Zamora Molina: Percussionists • Yesniel Pérez Domenesch 'El Chini', Antonio Figuroa Gazmuris, Juan Carlos Gobel Pelladito, Omar Alfonso Oña, Zulima Echevarrea Rodriguez, Lisbeth Estacholi Alfonso, Maria Victoria Fleita Gonzales, Osiris Hernandez Sejas, Yordanka Cancino Lamart: Dancers Price: $27.98

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