Junior Gonzalez
Mis Raices
(c) J&N Records
DISTRIBUTED BY: Capitol/EMI 1994
RATING: ****1/2
I've been meaning to review this CD since its release. It's one of those things that you always promise yourself to do, but never quite get to it - Like spring cleaning and cleaning under the furniture. Junior Gonzalez does the salsa romantica thing in this album. His singing and the sound of his voice is different from what we would normally expect from Junior. This is not to be taken as a putdown but as a major compliment because even though salsa romantica is what is being featured here; there is never a dull moment. "I am surprised it (the production) did so well. We sold more that 45,000 here in the U.S. without any kind of promotions" said pianist and producer Ennio Gatti when I spoke to him in between sets at a Trina Medina performance at Les Poulets. The sound of the recording is fresh. The coros are very dynamic and full of life; they compliment the arrangements. Aside from Tommy Villarini, Raffi Torres, Antonio Vasquez, Charlie Sierra, Jerry Medina & (vocal coach) Tito Allen, the remaining cats are totally new to me. 'Mis Raices' is most definitely one of 1994's best releases and without a doubt a Junior must have.
Various Artists
De Aqui Pa' lla
(c) EMIGEBA Records
DISTRIBUTED BY: EMIGEBA 1994
RATING: ****
Over the last 5 years we have seen and heard from the best and worst salsa all-stars recordings of this generation. Some of the best are by far RMM's "Combinacion Perfecta" & "Tito Puente's 100th Aniversary", Frank Ferrer's Descarga Boricua, Don Perignon's "Orq. La Puertorriquena" and Musical Productions' "MP-All Stars". Some of the worst - actually The Worst so far is RMM's "Puerto Rico All Stars" and "Salsa Explosion" (Please! No Flaming :) check next time for details). In any case, De Aqui Pa'lla fits in the 'best of' category because of its concept. Some guy named Geño Acosta, decided to re-record contemporary Cuban hits with Puertor Rican salsa appeal utilizing the vocals of various singers. Tenured singers like Andy Montañez and Charlie Aponte (on what probably is his only stint as a lead vocalist outside of El Gran Combo - He should leave them and go solo!); along with Hector "Pichie" Perez, Rafu Warner, Rafi Andino, Jerry Medina and Jorge Escobar are featured in this production. Although some of the songs really drag in comparison to their original versions, the vast majority of the material recorded here truly swing. Especially the songs that feature Andy & Charlie. Matter of fact there is a coro in this recording that has been the most asked-about coro in the 'Afro-Cuban' discussion group. It goes:'Me Dio - Agua Caliente, Agua Salada, De Madrugada' and later changes to 'Voy A Publicar Tu Foto En La Prensa'. This song is titled 'La Sorpresa' and it is performed by Charlie Aponte. Get this album just for that song if you can!!! And you'll see why I think Charlie should leave El Gran Combo.
Kittin
Ahora Si
(c) MP Records
DISTRIBUTED BY: MP Records 1994
RATING: ****
I learned about this guy in 1988 when he was one of the lead vocalists of Cuto Soto's Isla Bonita Orchestra. In all honesty he was good, but not good enough for a career as a soloist. That was then this is now. The magical team of Musical Productions (MP), produced Kittin's (or Quitin as his name was spelled in Cuto's three releases) debut album without cutting any corners. By this I mean that he was given quite difficult songs to sing and improvise upon. "Si Dependierade Mi," a composition by Mimi Ibarra and arrangement by Roberto Perez, is one of them. It features a straight mambo on a syncopated bass line that is really cool to listen to. To top it all off, it has a very fast coro that makes it even more difficult to sonear. But Kit...Quitin handles it like a pro! Quitin's voice is very pleasent, then again so are the voices in most of today's singers - so that is not saying much. But with five tracks out of eight, ranking very high on the dance and listening scales - you can't go wrong with Quitin.
Aris Martinez
Zumba
(c) A&E Records
DISTRIBUTED BY: A&E Records 1994
RATING: ***
Right off the bat I'll tell you: any guy that properly pronounces the word "imposibilidad" deserves my admiration. And that is exactly what the ex-vocalist for Carabali deserves. Aris' first single, titled "Honda," has all the elements that make a heart sink and a career blossom. My favorite cut on the CD is titled "Una Chica Especial". It a humorous song that describes all the so-called 'qualities' that Aris' looks for in a woman - Keep looking pal! One thing that I can't seem to figure out is: why did Aris' re-record his own song 'Esa Muñeca' after Willie Rosario & Carabali (with Aris on vocals) did a fabulous job with it? All in all, Aris Martinez' debut album is pretty good; but a bit average for a veteran. Still, the production will not disappoint you.
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.
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