CD Reviews.

Victor Manuelle

Inconfundible

(c) 1999 Sony Discos

Distributed by: Sony Discos

RATING: ***1/2

It took me about 2 months to decide whether or not to review this CD.   My paradoxical confusion was due to the fact that this Victor Manuelle CD is almost identical to his three previous productions.   All of them are full of tasty swing and electrifying energy that allow Victor Manuelle to do his thing.   That thing being his amazing ability to sonear.   For all intents and purposes, Inconfundible has all of those elements but it delivers them it with a certain predictability that dulls the entire experience.   The songs are pretty and meaningful.   The musicianship is of the highest caliber, and the arranging is aggressive.   However for some reason, when all of these elements are put together, they come off exactly as that; put together.   And I know that all of today's music is literally "put together", but in the case of Inconfundible the formula has gotten a bit stale.   My main contention is rooted in the way Victor sings the main body of the songs.   Sonear is one thing, to sing is definitely another.   He utilized too many prolonged vibratos, too many self voice duos, and too many ‘AEHHH's to the point of nausea.   All of these little nuisances killed any possible hook.   But Not all is bad with Inconfundible.   Much like Victor's previous hit productions, the sound engineering is excellent.   The purity and clarity in which each instrument is heard is awesome.   There's a distinct fluidity with the way the lyrical melodies of the songs, and piano accompaniments by Lisandro Arias & Sergio George are executed.   Ramon Sanchez leads the production team in Puerto Rico that merges the New York Sir George sound with bomba & plena breaks.   Together they definitely make you want to dance or just groove.  

Luisito Rey

Desde El Barrio De La Salsa

(c) 2000 MAX

Distributed by: Uni Distributions

RATING: ***1/2

The first time I met Luisito Rey, I was totally impressed with him.   Not just as a bandleader, but as a person.   He promised me a copy of this then first CD, and sure enough he delivered.   Luisito has been very consistent in keeping up and backing up his promises.   He told me about "soon coming out with a second CD that will be current with what's going on today".   And much like our first meeting, Luisito Rey once again delivers.   Produced by Rene Leyva and Colombian bandleader, and former member of Orquesta Inmensidad, Alex León; Desde El Barrio de La Salsa runs the gamut between the contemporary and the traditional.   Feel free to dance any way you fell like with straight up party tracks like ‘Escandalo' and ‘Por Unas Monedas'.   They bring out the natural dancer in all of us.   With all due respect, trained dancers need not apply.   Along with a pleasant surprise, the wooing singing style Rafael "Rafy" Caballero returns.   "Hace Siete Días", written by Rafy is a incredibly catchy and soothing song that describes the "love jones" that one feels after a loved one leaves.   The melody just makes sense with the theme of the song.   If you're like me, you'll find yourself listening to this song over and over again.   "Aquella Noche" and "Amor De Colores" are once again featured for an encore performance on this Luisito Rey production, making the entire CD a nice addition to your collection.  

Domingo Quiñones

Poeta Y Guerrero

(c) 2000 RMM

Distributed by: Uni Distributions

RATING: ****

Under the Domingo Quiñones name you'll find approximately 6 to 8 recordings.   To date, his very first recording titled "Mi Nombre Es Domingo" and his Christmas recording titled "La Verdadera Navidad" remain my favorites.   Every recording thereafter and in between fall in a gray area.   Area that's caught between the polite ‘ok', and the enthusiastic ‘pretty good!'.   This has been so mainly because, those other records have not been that memorable.   Poeta y Guerrero on the other hand is more than memorable; is thoughtfully moving.   Not to mention a musical joy to listen.   The lyrics bring to forefront a diverse array of risque controversial topics and that speak of drive by shootings, rapes brought on by gender, social status, and race.   Abortion, drug addiction, religion, and love are not too far behind.   Whether or not you agree with Domingo's topics and story lines, you will find that he skillfully makes them very easy to take.   With the assistance of Angel Fernandez, whose body of work prior to this production was not my cup of tea, Domingo Quiñones has in his hands an overwhelmingly good production!   I love the fact that the rhythms are diverse.   The arranging is aggressive and very creative.   They perfectly convey and complement the stories Domingo delivers.   Please understand that Domingo is NOT preaching, chastising, or condemning beliefs.   He's just telling stories.   He really is!   And much like the way Willie Colón & Rubén Blades did in the late seventies and early eighties, the way Luis "Perico" Ortiz did it in the eighties; Domingo Quiñones is telling his stories a non obtrusive way that leaves ample room to enjoy the production for what it is.   An enthusiastically great record!  

RATING SYSTEM:

***** EXCELLENT (Must Have!)
**** GREAT (Very Impressive!)
*** GOOD (Safe Investment)
** AVERAGE (Not a Priority)
* POOR (Don't Waste Your Money)

©Nestor A. Louis ALL REVIEWS ARE SOLELY THE OPINIONS OF THE AUTHOR.

Home Page  |  What's New  |  Press Releases  |  CD Reviews  |  Artist Interviews  |  Opinions & Editorials  |  Favorite Sites