 
Manu Chao is now one of the world's most popular protest singers, and on his latest release, La Radiolina, he provides a thought-provoking critique of our times. It's been six years since his last studio recording, and on this album, José Manuel Chao (his real name) speaks truth-to-power with over twenty songs sung in several languages. Backed by a mixture of electric and acoustic sounds and colors, he sings over textures familiar to his fans, articulating bittersweet messages of an urgent and intense nature.La Radiolina opens with 13 Dias (13 Days), a rockabilly song about longing, but it's the triumvirate of politically-charged tunes that raise the listeners’ ears to his rebellious pop themes. Tristeza Maleza is a Spanish-language piece that points the finger at the current U.S. government for the infinite sadness and poverty that it is creating by "putting blood on the wall." Politik Kills speaks to the climate of political distrust, and it is based on an infectious reggae beat. Just as Rainin’ in Paradise points to turmoil in Zaire, the Congo and Baghdad, Me Llaman Calle (They Call Me Street) is a rumba flamenca (dedicated to sex workers) that was recently nominated for a Latin Grammy in the Best Alternative Song Category. Its lyrics reflect the hopes of a girl searching for a good man because her love is not for sale. From start to finish, La Radiolina is a superb testament to our times. Manu Chao doesn't paint a pretty picture, but opens our eyes to some pretty heavy topics in his upbeat party/protest way. Much like the Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca utilized his poetry to challenge falangismo in Spain, Manu Chao uses his songs to challenge global fascism and a democracy gone amuck. La Radiolina becomes perhaps his most important work by warning his listeners that time is running out but that hope is not lost in the efforts to save the planet. (By Jesse Varela) |
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The Los Angeles-based Venezuelan composer/saxophonist/vocalist Robert Incelli is back with his fourth production as a leader. After breaking into the music scene in his native land as musical director for salsa icon Oscar D’León, Incelli has established himself as a fine musician/bandleader, performing throughout the west coast with his own band, as well as serving as a member of local all-star ensembles such as L.A.’s Jazz On the Latin Side All-Stars. An all-around master of woodwind instruments and an excellent vocalist, Incelli's compositions are rich in melody and rhythm. This new recording features a total of eleven selections (six of which were authored and arranged by Incelli) and a fabulous rendition of the classic Tito Rodríguez composition El Que Se Fue, arranged by and featuring (on vocals) Incelli's old boss, Oscar D’Leon. Other standouts include the tracks Las Malas Lenguas, Decídete, Prepárate, Si y No, and Pegaito. Incelli is able to generate a big, phat, powerful sound from a sextet format. Just like the title implies, this is a Latin tropical dance party CD. (By Rudy Mangual)
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The bandleading timbalero Bobby Matos delivers an assertive and rich fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms and hard-bop on Gratitude, his latest recording for Dawan Muhammoud’s Life Force Jazz label. Featuring his talented Afro-Latin jazz ensemble, the album conjures the influential feelings of musical spirits like Miles Davis, Tito Puente, Lou Pérez and John Coltrane. It opens with the jazz standards All Blues and Autumn Leaves, which include special guest trumpeter Sal Marquez and vocalist Dee Dee McNeil, paving the way for some outstanding original works. Bronx Trane is one penned by Matos that serves as a vehicle for the improvisational fire of Frank Fontaine, who is heard on tenor sax and bass clarinet, while Basses Loaded spotlights the talent of bassists John B. Williams and Edwin Livingston as well as that of conga drummer Robertito Meléndez. The Puente classic titled Mas Bajo and Lou Pérez's No Me Digas Mas, are danceable gems impressively accented by the strings of Danny Weinstein, a marvelous contributor who also plays trombone. Overall, Matos and his crew give thanks to their fans, and offer them some of the finest Latin jazz available on the left coast. (By Jesse Varela)
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Originally recorded and released almost 40 years ago (with very limited distribution and even less promotion), this is indeed a true classic that was way ahead of its time. Produced by the bandleader/conguero Johnny Zamot (professionally known as Johnny Ray), the production united a group of top-caliber New York City players in order to record a very special gem like it was usually done in those days in which everyone played together in one room at the same time. The vintage sound is truly raw, with that special chemistry of the analog recordings of yesteryear. A total of 12 tracks deliver a repertoire of salsa, descarga, Latin soul and Latin jazz, under the musical direction of Charlie Palmieri. Heading the cast of players are Eddy Martínez (piano), Eddie "Gua-Gua" Rivera (bass), Manny Corchado (timbal), Johnny "Dandy" Rodríguez (bongó), Johnny Zamot (congas), Ray Maldonado and Roy Román (trumpets), Barry Rogers and José Meriño (trombones), Mario Rivera and Crispín Fernández (saxes), and Charlie Rodríguez (tres). Lead vocals on the salsa and descarga tracks are delivered by Tito Jay and Johnny "Pee Wee" Fernández, with background vocals courtesy of Yayo El Indio and Adalberto Santiago. On the Latin jazz and Latin soul tracks, the featured guest artists include the likes of Víctor Venegas (bass), Billy Cobham (traps), Felipe Yanes (keyboards), Manny Durán and Víctor Paz (trumpets), Paul "La Playa" Alicea (timbal and drums), and Jimmy Sabater (vocal chorus). Standouts include the selections Oye, Nicolás, Que Risa Me Da, Descarga El Tres, and Cat Fish Bag. (By Rudy Mangual) |
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The old-time, classic rumba titled Agua Que Va a Caer is the opening track on this bandleading debut by conga master Gene Perry. A native son of Santurce, Puerto Rico, Perry migrated with his family to the USA, first as a youngster to Philadelphia; and later, in 1968, to San Diego, California. For the past four decades, Perry has been drumming to the beat of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and leading his own bands, including Drums on Fire and Afro Rumba. In addition, he has performed with diverse artists and bands such as Marie and Anita Daulne (of Zap Mama), Thomas Mapfumo (from Zimbabwe), Habib Koite (from Mali), Vusi (from South Africa), and Perú Negro (troupe specialized in Afro-Peruvian music). This sought-after percussionist has also taught Afro Caribbean percussion to hundreds of students.
Mi Tambor Lo Dice Todo displays his rhythmic versatility, under the musical direction of arranger/multi-instrumentalist Allan Phillips. The project captures the powerful sound and style of the New York City salsa bands of the early 1970s, in a mixed repertoire of classics and original scores. Joining Perry this time around is an all-star west coast crew comprised of Justo Almario (sax), Arturo Velasco (trombone), Harry Kim (trumpet), and René Camacho (bass), in addition to Joaquín McWhinney (as the main lead vocalist) and Gene Perry himself (featured as lead singer on two tracks). Favorites include the tracks Agua Que Va a Caer, Mi Tambor Lo Dice Todo, and Bomba Santurce. (By Rudy Mangual)
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The latest CD by the Rochester-based salsa band Orquesta Antonetti-led by pianist Victor Antonetti, Jr. in the company of many family members including his wife (Rosabel), kids, cousin and uncle-showcases a musical dynasty that has been performing in upstate New York since 1970, when percussionist Victor Antonetti, Sr. established the original band.
Antonetti's new recording is conducted under the musical direction of Grammy Award-winner Ricky González, who arranged five scores for this production, and who also performed as guest pianist/keyboardist. Other arranging credits belong to Angel Fernández, Tommy Villarini, Richard Marcel and Wilfrido Drullard. Additional guest artists include vocalists Tito Allen (featured on the selection Dime Quien Soy), and Frankie Vásquez (on the tunes Lluvia and Complicación), as well as pianist/bassist Richard Marcell (on the merengues Me Derrumbó and Niña Bonita), and trumpeter Angel Fernández. Favorite selections include the title track (Sigue El Paso), Dime Quien Soy, and Complicación. (By Rudy Mangual) |
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From the legendary vaults of Fania Records comes this new series of classic recordings titled Latin Lounge Jazz: Spanish Harlem, Havana, and San Juan. All three CDs (available and sold separately) deliver some of the greatest compositions of Latin music. This edition called Spanish Harlem unveils an electrifying melting pot of sounds with classic favorites such as Asia Minor (by Machito), Picadillo and Carnaval in Harlem (by Tito Puente), Fever and Changó (by La Lupe), Power and New York Soul (by Ray Barretto), V.P. Blues (by Eddie Palmieri), Micaela (by Pete Rodríguez), and a must-have version of Mambo Diablo (featuring Machito, Tito Puente and Joe Loco), plus lots more great music. All tracks have been re-mastered, sounding better than ever. (By Rudy Mangual)
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This new production from Envidia Records features the dance sounds of the 12-member ensemble Costa Brava de Puerto Rico. Led by trumpeter/arranger Elvin Torres, Costa Brava is one of the favorite bands in the beautiful city of Santa Isabel, located in the island's southern region. The band is fronted by vocalists Ulises Veldéz, Francisco Javier Quiñones and David Morales, with Francisco José Pérez (tenor sax) assisting in its musical direction. Elvin Torres, Jr. joins the band as pianist, composer and arranger, and also heads the recording engineering of this latest production. Dancers will enjoy the tracks Pa'la Calle, Hoy Supe de Ti, Amor y Cariño, and La Impaciencia. (By Rudy Mangual) |
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