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No matter how many press releases were issued on the matter, this is a Jose M. Lugo production - Period! At least the 7 tracks that matter. Out of 12 tracks, 5 are part of a propaganda machine of some sort, designed to hijack this entire production and anoint a total leach-wannabe as a legitimate producer of tropical music. With this finally off my chest, the relevant 7 tracks produced by the afore mentioned Lugo are the best tracks ever produced by him for Victor Manuelle. Both Lugo & Manuelle seem to have finally found the vehicle - the chemistry - that totally capitalizes on their most valuable and powerful assets. For Victor is his incredible ability to "sonear" with the subtle aggressiveness displayed by seasoned veterans of the craft. For Lugo is his uncanny ability to produce a complementary piece of music that allows Victor to be at his absolute best by feeding off Lugo's arrangements. Much like in recent Lugo productions, there are slight reminders and hooks that pay tribute already established salsa classics. It's kind of fun to be able to identify them as you listen. This Victor Manuelle CD is the closest thing to come out off the Sony Tropical Record Label that, in recent times, resembles 70's style of salsa dura.
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This is a record that almost became a thing of mythical folklore. Everyone heard it existed for quite some time. A couple of people alleged to have heard it! A few less said it was coming out in a matter of months... The months came and went... And still no record. It was even rumored that this record was never going to see a record store shelf due to some legal wrangles between artists and label. Then, thanks to some legal wizardry, the stars aligned and the record was released. The trio of Ramon, Raymond, Tito, reunited and launched a record that's very much vintage of what made Conjunto Clasico a delight for their followers. The delight being, the stories that were told in the forms of songs. For me, songs like "Solitario", "Regreso", "Teresita", "Señora Ley", and many others, are amongst the many that are the staple of what Conjunto Clasico is in the grand scheme of tropical Latin music. 25 Aniversario is much more than a nostalgia record. In fact, nostalgia is perhaps the wrong word to describe this production for it contains 10 original songs that are paired up with classic Conjunto Clasico voice duos and brilliant trumpet riffs. Not to mention the unmistakenly simple yet enticing tumbao that made this conjunto a dancer's favorite. Recuerdos is bound to be a favorite of yours for many years to come.
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Here's the deal. I remember when Nick Herman was a student of Bobby Sanabria. I remember when out of the blue Nick started to put together sextets comprised of an interesting mix of students and local hired guns to gig around town in local dives and water holes. Quite a few of them very classy I might add! They were the kinds of holes that you see from time to time in glamourous scenes from Sex and The City. Anyway, I remember having delusions of trying my chops with Nick's group. Never actually having the guts to ask because they were just too good! I was basically afraid of messing up the complex simplicity that, at that time (5 years-plus ago) was Nick's Quimbombó. Today, I'm extremely happy to say that such complex simplicity is finally recorded for the rest of the world to enjoy. Quimbombó's repertoire for this their first offering is mainly made up of very traditional Cuban music and songs. They are pretty much along the lines of a Buena Vista Social Club - only better... Quimbombó's style while very traditional, it is still very danceable... Very New York danceable. Think Buena Vista meets Conjunto Candela. There's an unwritten rule in music that says "never do a classic unless you're adding something to it". That something better be something good I might add, and Quimbombó does meet and exceeds such adage. Two items before I close out this entry. I just figured out why I was so afraid to try my chops with Quimbombo: "Sluggo" and "Arroz con "Salsa". Some of life's best things come is small packages! Who was the genius that said that?
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