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

Santiago All Stars: Joya y Rareza

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

Henry Brun and The Latin Playerz: A Very Latin Christmas