Blog Search
Blog Categories
Archives
January 2012 (4)
December 2011 (3)
November 2011 (3)
October 2011 (5)
September 2011 (4)
August 2011 (5)
July 2011 (10)
June 2011 (7)
May 2011 (6)
April 2011 (8)
March 2011 (8)
February 2011 (11)
January 2011 (9)
December 2010 (13)
November 2010 (11)
October 2010 (15)
September 2010 (14)
August 2010 (13)
July 2010 (21)
June 2010 (17)
May 2010 (8)
April 2010 (2)
March 2010 (4)
February 2010 (1)
Pages
Blogroll
|
January 24, 2012Classic Tito Puente Photos from the 1950s
These wonderful photographs of the King, Mr. Tito Puente, and order musicians (such as Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo,Merceditas Valdés etc.) were taken in the late 1950s by photographer R.A. Andreas. They were taken during the legendary sessions that produced the Puente classics Top Percussion, Dance Mania, Night Beat, and Mucho Puente.                January 12, 2012Video: CHISMOSO – new single release by PENYA
PENYA’s debut EP reflects a rare breadth of musical vision informed by years of experience in a multitude of different genres that include Latin American, film music, folk, classical and rock. Each member of the band brings live, acoustic performances of real musicianship to illuminate the journey that PENYA takes the listener on. The vocals in PENYA’s colourful and vibey travelogue come in the form of ANGELICA LOPEZ. Hailing from Cartagena, on Colombia’s caribbean coast, Angelica brings a unique combination of the ethereal with the earthy – think Kate Bush meets Celia Cruz. Credits: Video Cast: Fernando Chevez ‘Kanela’; Adela Quintana; Elizabeth Chevez Recorded at Bark Studios, Walthamstow, London January 9, 2012Best of 2011 – Our Favorite Albums of the Year
 Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011Listen up, folks. Tromboranga is the new salsa group organized by the supremely talented percussionist Joaquin Arteaga, the same force behind Barcelona’s highly regarded Bloque 53. This aggregation, though, leaves the vibes behind. Instead, way up front is a trio of super dynamic trombones that harken to the glory days of salsa: Conjunto Libre, Lavoe-Colón, and, as Arteaga astutely points out, the Venezuelan heavies Ray Pérez and Dimension Latina. Agua Que Va Caer is a three track gem that is a generous taste of things to come, specifically the full album due out in January 2012. I’ll tell you this much: after hearing this three track appetizer you will be starving for the main course. This is amazing stuff that channels the pure essence of salsa. A superb effort that nails it. Very Highly Recommended. – elW Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011Brand new 2011 release from Colombia’s esteemed Orquesta La Tropa led by singer Jorge Murillo “Kiny.” This unpretentious blast of old school trombone-based salsa clasica is just what the doctor ordered. Hard driving tumbaos and moñas await you on Un Nuevo Aire. This is superb stuff, with singers Murillo and Juan Llanos adding just the right amount of fuel to the fire. With trombonists Leo Morales, Oscar Mayer and Richard Estela. With original tracks like Arroz Con Perico and Salsamania peppered with classics like Mon Rivera’s Lluvia Con Nieve. There’s also an updated version of the venerable Bilongo. This one is on my current short-list for Best of 2011. Very Highly Recommended. – elW
Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011El objetivo fundamental del espectáculo es llevar al público nuestra música de rumba experimental, mediante los arreglos con los metales incorporados a nuestra agrupación de la tradición Folklórica Yoruba, modernizando los distintos géneros.” Basado en estos conceptos, este grupo ha sido creado con el objetivo de hacer un trabajo musical con la diferencia de sonido, logrando un sello distinto que los caractericen en el género de la rumba. The fundamental goal of our shows is to bring our style of experimental rumba to the audience, through brass arrangements added to the traditional Yoruba folk lineup, modernizing at the same time the two musical styles. Based on these concepts, the group was created with the idea of producing music with a different sound, with a characteristic hallmark that would set them apart from other artists of the rumba genre… (label) Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011Oomph! New York salsa is back, big time, and it’s called 8 y Más! This city’s best players decided to show the world some muscle, and they ain’t kidding. Produced by Bobby Allende (congas), Marc Quiñones (timbal) and Arturo Ortiz (piano), who make up the core rhythm section here, this absolute gem of a release has been anticipated for some time. In fact, it has been five years since their previous release, the hugely successful sizzler Juega Billar. And while the esteemed Frankie Vazquez starred as lead singer then, this time around we have the equally amazing Eddie Rosado. Guest singers include former Conjunto Libre member Herman Olivera (“Llanto de Cocodrillo”) as well as Eva Ayllón (“Saca la Mano”). While there is a smattering of original compositions here — check the swing and groove on the Willie Torres composition “Dices Que Tu Bailas” — the team takes on some iconic classics like Willie Colón’s “Timbalero” and the Eddie Palmieri/Ismael Quintana anthem “Puerto Rico.” Also with bassists Jose Tabares and Ruben Rodriguez, trombonists Pablo Santaela and Victor Baro, trumpter Maneco Ruiz. The coro section is filled out with Willie Ruiz, Johnny Rivera, Grizel Del Valle, in addition to Rosado, Ortiz, Quiñones and Allende. Now this is exciting: Salsa just doesn’t get better than this, folks. Very Highly Recommended. – elW Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011Founded 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 their material 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 Yoruba Andabo, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, Grupo Afro Cuba, Paracumbé and the Familia Cepeda. Pretty good company. (label) Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011Of all of the working salsa bands today, there are only a few who transcend the conventions established 40 some odd years ago. Bio Ritmo is one of those few post-modern orchestras that turn things a bit sideways. With arrangements that stretch and twist, creative use of electronics, a bit of swanky boogaloo, retro-cool and surreal organ riffs, a touch of dance-trance-world-funk, they mash it all up. Think Eddie Palmieri’s trombone based La Perfecta, throw in a bit of James Bond, shades of Zappa’s Hot Rats instrumentalism, and, although they might wink at the knowing listener, they jam like hell. They’re smart, but definitely not at the expense of the music: very hip, and very danceable. There are gems here, especially the pristine “Dina’s Mambo,” but it’s all primo stuff that should be at the top of your grab bag. Salsa modernism at its very best. DJ Alert and Very Highly Recommended. – elW Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011Hablando En Serio, the new release from singer Carlos Cascante is here: a dimensional, multi-colored work that can be appreciated on many levels. With compositions arranged by pianist Julio Jauregui, this is significant salsa for discerning listeners. The rich history of Afro Cuban music is conjured here, and it both informs and enhances the experience. Note the flow from the folkloric Mi Rumba to the jazzy salsa Maria Esther, which then glides into the smoking guajira Tragedias. How ’bout a Brazilian bossa interpretation of the iconic Celia Cruz anthem Usted Abuso? Cascante brought in guest singer Makela Romero to handle the vocals on this unlikely – and gorgously successful – track. With other guests, too, including Luisito Quintero, Paoli Mejias and others. Clearly a front-runner for Best of 2011, this one, folks, is a must have. Very Highly Recommended. – elW Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011Here’s the album that several timba websites have declared Album of the Year! There is no adjective or phrase for Paulo FG, so they decided to leave it … no label (sin etiqueta). BisMusic presents the new album by Paulo FG. “Sin etiqueta” means open, honest, and nothing labels me. Says Paulo, “There are people who walk through life, win, up and change. I’m still the same, keep the essence and that’s important. The Cuban flag is the great symbol that I have as an artist, where you are, anywhere in the world is mine, that sense of belonging and that presence in me of my fans and my country.” Paulo FG won several awards from the popular program “Salsa and Timba” of Peru, in the “Best Male Artist” and “Best Album of the Year” for “Sin Etiqueta” and several awards in the categories of “Best Group of the Year” for grouping and “Best Song of the Year”, with “Yo sigo siendo”. Paulo FG has received Fiesta Cubana awards for “Best Singer” and “Best Album of the Year” for “Sin Etiqueta”, and wins recognition for “Best Song of the Year” for the cover track here. (label) Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011Sizzling jazzy salsa y mambo release with heavy swing from one of Holland’s hottest Latin orchestras. Led by percussionist Marco Toro, this big band features four-star singers like Gustavo Gerardo, Angel Flores, Marcial Istúriz, Nando Vanín and Javier Plaza. Also with renowned percussionist Roberto Quintero. It includes the bonus track Recordando A Manny Oquendo. Highly Recommended. – elW Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011Gregorio Laza “Cordoví” is a very highly regarded sonero par excellence. His involvement with such eminent groups as Chappottín y sus Estrellas, Orquesta América, Machado y su Estrellas or La Charanga All Star, speaks for itself. He has been a star vocalist in over 200 productions, and this is his second, anxiously-awaited production, “Cuidado con la Presión.” It features a highly unusual brass section of four trumpets and a baritone sax, that enhances the voice of Cordoví, which will surely make it a huge hit. It’s 24 carat, a mix of salsa and guaracha, with a playful and picaresque repertoire, which tell the story of present day Cuban society. (label) Avísale a mi contrario que aquí estoy yo Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011Avísale a mi contrario que aquí estoy yo is the new album by Jerry Gonzalez, the New York trumpeter and conguero who currently fronts a group called Los Comandos de la Clave. The album is Gonzalez’s fourteenth as a soloist and front man, but the first with the new label founded by Diego El Cigala, Cigala Music. It and others were presented on 17 November at Casa America in Madrid, as a result of an agreement with Warner Music to release projects that link flamenco and Afro-Cuban sounds. The album is a little gem in which Gonzalez has had free rein to bring out the rich vein of “Central Park Rumba” (a popular tradition dating back to the 1970s) and includes the participation of Alain Pérez on bass, Javier Massó “Caramelo” on piano and Enrique Ferrer “Kiki” on drums, who just have to be swept along by the energy of their leader for everything to flow in its natural environment. The title track is sung by El Cigala, providing a texture that in Spain sounds great but in America could be defined as exotic. This album is the highest point of Jerry Gonzalez’s second life, which began in 2000 when he settled in Madrid to explore flamenco close to its roots. It has not always been easy, of course, due to various circumstances, many of them personal. In fact, it would not have been for anyone, much less for a man who had left everything behind: fame, awards, money and a huge talent for Latin jazz; as well as an illustrious history: Paunetto, Palmieri, Gillespie, Totico, Hanrahan, Oquendo & Libre, and his faithful Fort Apache Band. Gladyspalmera.com Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011Yum… One of the hardest-driving charanga orchestras playing today, flautist Fay Roberts and her Orquesta Charangoa have just released a smoking album that will make your toes curl. Roberts studied under the legendary Richard Egües, of Cuba’s Aragón fame, and the flute master helped to initiate what might be the purest and most essential charanga organization in the US. At times a churning locomotive, at times sublime, Lo Que Quiero Es Charangoa has that rare transformative power to create a state of sensory euphoria. This, folks, is a Must Have. Very Highly Recommended. – elW Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011The WIlliamsburg Salsa Orchestra is an 11-piece group playing big Latin arrangements of indie tunes that we love. With an ever-evolving set list that includes songs by Arcade Fire, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Yeas, LCD Soundsystem, Animal Collective, TV On The Radio, Peter Bjorn and John, Japanther, and many more, the WSO will make a salsa-believer out of you! And if you love salsa, but you’ve never delved into the ultra-creative world of independent music, you’ll want to explore these groups and learn where the great melodies and lyrics originate. Led by percussionist/arranger Gianni Mano, (from the Brooklyn Latin-funk legends Radio Mundial), the WSO contains some of the best young players on the scene including a full compliment of horns and percussion. With the attitude of a rock band, and the grooves of classic New York salsa, the Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra is introducing salsa to a new audience and resetting the boundaries of the art form. “If only everything that shouldn’t work, worked this well!” – The Village Voice Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011Oomph! What a pristine and heavily swinging vibes-based based salsa, mambo and jazzy boogaloo project. This one brings to mind the best of the Joe Cuba / Jimmy Sabater / Cheo Feliciano collaborations of the ’60s and ’70s. A modern take on the classic sounds of the golden age of Latin dance music. Vocalistas con estilo George Luis Balmaseda, Johnny Crespo and Victor Muñiz are backed by some heavy hitters like bassist Rene Camacho (who has worked with Jack Costanzo, Bobby Matos, Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars, Susie Hansen…) pianist Joe Rotundi (Bongo Logic, Caravana Cubana, Pete Escovedo), bongocero Kevin Ricard (The Tonight Show Band, Kenny Logins, Lionel Richie… ), conguero/percussionist Joey De Leon (Orestes Vilato, Poncho Sanchez, Alex Acuña, Jazz on the Latin Side, John Santos) and percussionist Angelo Rodriguez (Chino Espinoza and a ton more) and others. This is the kind of project we wait for here at elWatusi. Take a listen to the groove on Por Falta De Compresion …the essence of sabor. On Chata Kun Kun Victor Muñiz gives props to dozens of iconic influences. After hearing Chapter 1 we predict that future bands will be giving their props to Lucky 7 Mambo. So, don’t just sit there… download this gem right now! Very Highly Recommended. – elW Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011Choco Orta never ceases to amaze us: here is a killer capital “S” salsa project, produced by the esteemed Rei Peña with musical direction by the great Willie Sotelo (also on piano here). This project reaffirms Orta’s position as the top Salsera-Sonera to contend with, at the very least within the US and Puerto Rico. Her team features the ultimate rhythm players in PR: conguero William “Kachitro” Thompson, timbalero Rafael “Tito” De Gracia and bassist Pedro Pérez. And the not-too-shabby coro section fills out with Jerry Rivas, Henry Santiago and Rei Peña. Just listen “Cuidate de la Lengua,” or “Homenaje A Las Soneras” to get a sense of Orta’s heart of fire …a sonera truly inspired. Since Celia’s death I really can’t think of anyone who has really stepped up. Granted, they are big shoes to fill. Choco, we like your resumé: Go for it. Very Highly Recommended. – elW Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011Penya’s debut EP reflects a rare breadth of musical vision informed by years of experience in a multitude of different genres that include Latin American, film music, folk, classical and rock. Each member of the band brings live, acoustic performances of real musicianship to illuminate the journey that Penya takes the listener on. The vocals in Penya’s colourful and vibey travelogue come in the form of Angelica Lopez. Hailing from Cartagena, on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Angelica brings a unique combination of the ethereal with the earthy – think Kate Bush meets Celia Cruz. Kicking off the release with Aqui, a blistering slam dunk original with a contemporary Cuban swagger, Angelica throws down Penya’s calling card. The band then neatly side steps over to the great American songbook for an atmospheric and grooving rendition of Romberg & Hammerstein’s Softly As In A Morning Sunrise. In Eres Indescriptible, Sonia Slaney’s lush violin frames a soft, lyrical bombshell in the form of Angelica’s self-penned ode to obsessive love. Beyonce’s ballad Brokenhearted Girl provides another vehicle for Penya’s transforming zeal. The somber mood of the original is morphed into a feisty reggaeton/salsa infusion with Middle Eastern percussion, granting Angelica license to ramp up the emotional charge. (label) Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011Chano Pozo is one of a handful of Cuban percussionists who came to the United States in the 1940s and 50s. Other notable congueros who came to the U.S. during that time include Mongo Santamaria, Armando Peraza, Francisco Aguabella, Julito Collazo, Carlos Vidal Bolado and Modesto Duran. Pozo moved to New York City in early 1947 with the encouragement of Miguelito Valdés, and participated in a recording session with Valdés, Arsenio Rodríguez, Carlos Vidal Bolado and José Mangual. In September 1947 he featured with Dizzy Gillespie’s Big Band at Carnegie Hall and subsequently on a European tour. Their notable material includes “Cubana Be, Cubana Bop” (written by George Russell), and “Tin Tin Deo” and Manteca (song), both co-written by Pozo. (label) Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011“La Cumbia Perdida” is a nice little piece, based on the percussion-heavy Colombian cumbia of Discos Fuentes beginnings (think the breaks of Los Teen Agers, Pedro Laza, Climaco Sarmiento, Sonora Cordobesa, etc) so it pretty much falls into the same category of Frente Cumbiero’s release, but with a much cleaner, as in less excessively over-layered production style. Very different from the average ñu-cumbia that’s been coming out of Argentina since the Zizek boom. I haven’t played it in my sets yet, but I’m leaning more towards playing the remix on the b-side because it has the addition of some Afro-beat guitar that makes it delightful. http://latinbutcool.blogspot.com Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011Nothing but hardcore salsa. The orchestration is of 2 trumpets, 2 trombones and a baritone sax; with the vocals handled by Efren Avellaneda (ex-Bailatino), Eloy Rios, Gustavo Gerardo EL Pirata (Orquesta Sabadonga), Alexis Martinez (Dimension Latina) and guest appearance by VAN LESTER who sings on the track Puro Sentimiento. Produced by Francisco Requena, Steve Guasch & Lisandro Torres. Very Highly Recommended! – elW Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011Oomph! Here’s a superlative changüi-timba-salsa release from, Puerto Rico(!). One of the hottest and funkiest releases we’ve heard in quite a while, Había Que Hacer Algo… should be on your short-list of must-have dance releases this year. The brainchild of pianist and arranger Eliud M. Vazquez, there is enough electricity packed into this one production to power New York City for an entire summer. With terrific singing by Luis Ojeda and Migdoel Vazquez. An unexpected gem, with swing, fiery salsa and jazzy, high-octane timba to keep the party going and going. PR timba was once considered something of an anomaly. Well, here’s Orquesta Changüí to set the record straight. Highly Recommended. – elW Editor’s Pick: Best of 2011 Pow! 2011 starts off right, packing a one-two power-punch. Here is sizzling hard core salsa dura featuring young singer Carlos Mojica, who attributes his influences to old school Fania era singers like Ismael Rivera, Hector Lavoe, Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez, Tito Allen, Ray De La Paz, Ismael Quintana, Chamaco Ramirez and Justo Betancourt. Mojica has seen some serious action, sharing the stage with Ismael Miranda, Brenda K Starr, Luisito Carrion, Hector Tricoche, Lalo Rodriguez, Tito Puente Jr. and Johnny Polanco Y Su Conjunto Amistad. Referencing the classic Lavoe-Colón “Crime Pays” album is sure to generate some skepticism. But a single listening to this bold debut will remove all doubts. Check out Rumba En El Cielo – just one example of the dancefloor burners here, and you will see just why Crime Payz. A big DJ Alert. Very Highly Recommended. – elW January 3, 2012DJ Eric B – Let’s Party Like It’s 2012!
Deejay Eric B and personal bodyguard. Bring on 2012…
“A Happy New Year to you all! - DJ EricB December 16, 2011The Return of Manito
Jaime Johnson Jr., Manito’s son, tells us the story of how this album came to be made: One particular fact is that my initial idea was to record an album as an homage to my father and so I asked him if he agreed to sing and record after more than a decade had passed since he left the musical scene and his reply was a very happy: “Of course!” The essence was already there: his voice and so the next step was to contact Roberto Delgado, musical director of Ruben Blades’s album “la Rosa de los Vientos” which had been released the year before and Roberto at once got together the musicians who would accompany Manito on this project. As a matter of fact I first had thought in Panamanian musicians to participate but the line up Roberto got us was just amazing and so we changed the plan and now had: Jaime “Manito” Johnson – Voz y lider December 15, 2011DJ Dave’s Navidad En El Barrio Revisited
Yomo Toro as Santa, Willie Colón & Héctor Lavoe as his elves, and a surprisingly happy victim.
Is that 39 cents per gallon of gas? Wow, that would be a true Christmas miracle today… DJ Dave and elWatusi.com wish all of our friends a warm Seasons Greetings this holiday, and a music filled 2012 as well. Here’s a fine selection of classic Salsa Navideña, culled from the vaults of the elWatusi Download Control Center. A nice exclamation mark is the addition of Patato’s “Felice Navidad.” Enjoy the chart! December 9, 2011Meet Ray Santiago, Hero of NYC Salsa
Who is Ray Santiago? Ray Santiago albums now on elWatusi.com… In the tradition of, say, Grupo Folklorico y Experimental Nuevayorquino, Ray Santiago, a fixture in the New York scene, likes to blend grooves from Africa, Cuba and Puerto Rico with the soul of the city. There is no fancy post-production engineering here, just pure, gritty New York style salsa. Jose Mangual Jr. on bongos and with Mr. Santiago and Julian Llanos on vocals. Special guest Henry Fiol, coro on “Asohano.”
November 25, 2011Santiago All Stars: Joya y Rareza
You want swing? I’ll give you swing. But first, think of the best salsa you’ve heard lately. Where was it from… New York? Colombia? Cuba? Venezuela? Now let me suggest you take a good, hard, listen to the Santiago All Stars from Chile led by percussionist Jorge “Turco” Hasbun. Their just released Joyas y Rarezas is, without doubt, one of the best salsa autentica releases I have come across lately, and it quickly shot to the top of our short list for Best of 2011. The album is a salsa dancers dream record, packed with rich, spot-on grooves and filled to its core with gritty trombone honey with the help of José Antonio Pino and Raúl Silvestre Olivares. The arrangements make reference to old school classic salsa, and the liners credit influences like Willie Colón, Ray Barretto, Eddie Palmieri, and Larry Harlow. But it’s a modern record, and the tracks are brought to their full, sparkling, potential by singer Fabian Rosales and guests. Very special guests. How’s about the great Jimmy Sabater an a supremely smokin’ Bochinchosa – a track that also features the esteemed pianist Ricky Gonzalez!?! How’s about the great Frankie Vazquez on an equally fiery Oye La Noticia? There’s also a terrific Si Me Vas A Abandonar composed, and sung, by Buddy Richard. Baño De Mar a Media Noche, sung by Cecilia Pantonja, is an amazing track that should not be missed. Listen, also, to Jorge Hasbun’s percussive sabor on tracks like Sabor Guaguancó. Lovely. And man, that Forma La Rumba Sonero (Fabian Rosales/Jonathan Rosales) morphs into an iconic combustible descarga that is more than worth the price of this album alone. Yes, it’s that good. But wait, there’s more. Hasbun ends the album with yet another descarga jam, aptly named Descarga Santiago. This jam, with its hooks that conjure the magic of Cachao, Fania and Tico-Alegre All Stars, is pure icing on a devils food cake spiked with rum. Sweet, savory, and intoxicating. That’s how I like it. Don’t sit there, press that button. This is one special record, and …Very Highly Recommended. elW November 15, 2011Video: El Negro Bembon – Victor Manuelle, Tony Vega, Michael Stuart
In light of the recent release of the fabulous compilation Ismael Rivera, Maelo – A Man and His Music, we dug up this terrific rendition of El Negro Bembón interpreted by a trio of salsa greats: Victor Manuelle, Tony Vega and Michael Stuart. It’s a very well done production, set in a nightclub and enhanced by fully-fashioned salsa dancers. A great song, great version, great dancing. Turn it up, and enjoy. And, here’s a 1959 version with Maelo performing with Cortijo y Su Combo in the film Maruja… November 4, 2011Henry Brun’s “A Very Latin Christmas”
Ok folks, a new holiday Must-Have is born! This heavily swinging and infinitely danceable Latin jazz release by Henry Brun and his crew is way up there with those classic holiday albums that are just right all year ’round. Brun peppered superb instrumental pieces with gorgeous vocals pieces, too, thanks to the versatile Judy D’Leon. There’s a honey coated danzón, “O’ Ven Emanual,” and, one of my personal favs, the funky Pink Panther-esque guaracha-jazz jam “Señor Grinch.” There’s a “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” like you’ve never heard before, and a terrific tip of the hat to Vince Gauraldi on the Latin-ized “Linus ‘n Lucy” of Charlie Brown fame. “A Very Latin Christmas” just might be one of the most enjoyable releases you will stumble upon this year. Henry says that this is *the* party album. He’s so right. Highly Recommended. Get it, and enjoy. elW |
    |
