Latin beat music update

Latin Beat Magazine, Feb, 2002 by Nelson Rodríguez

Edsel Gómez has a new CD titled Cubist Music, with collaborations from David Sánchez and producer Don Byron.

La Son Charanga's Salsa y Charanga (Exclusivo) is now available as a video.

Sony Disco's Bolero Jazz series has released their third CD, Misty, which has a '50s flavor and is led by Paquito D'Rivera, René Luis Toledo, Ed Calle and pianist Mike Orta. This production resonates with beautiful female harmonies reminiscent of the era.

Some of you may remember the popular African salsero of the '80s, Laba Sosseh, who recorded during the SAR era. His CD, El Maestro: 40 Años de Salsa (Melodie), was recorded with an all African band.

Keyboardist Tom Hormel recorded Caribbean Nights with Carlitos del Puerto, Walfredo De Los Reyes, Pedro Eustache, Ramón Stagnaro, Kevin Ricard, Oscar Castro Neves, Brandon Fields and many more. Hormel's fusion is one of love for the tropical habitat and percussion and the proceeds of this CD go to save our planet.

Cubanismo's The Very Best of Cubanismo- Mucho Gusto! (Hannibal) is a great way to get into this amazing band, led by trumpeter Jesús Alemañy, and includes Tata Guines, Alfredo Rodríguez, "Angá" Diaz, Carlos Del Puerto, Maraca Valle and Yosvanny Terry.

The Legends of Cuban Music series has a CD by La Gloria Matancera with 23 tracks which, with the exception of one, are unfortunately all under three minutes long.

Salsero Charlie Cruz has recorded his best by far with Un Chico Malo (WEA Latina), including a line-up of Sergio George, Marc Quiñones, Ray Colón, Eddy Zervigón, Nelson González, Ruben Rodríguez, Ozzie Meléndez, Raul Agraz and George Delgado. Cruz continues to improve with each project he does.

Pochy y su Cocoband's Con Mas Sabor a.... Coco (Fonovisa) includes some super hot merengues and bachata rhythms.

Mario Ortiz's Rico Records LPs from 1984-87: Vamos A Gozar, Ritmo y Sabor, Dejenme Soñar and Algo Diferente are all now available on CD. All of these releases featured Primi Cruz and Anthony Cruz on lead vocals with Tony Vega and Gilberto Santa Rosa on coros.

During Grupo Niche's visit to Los Angeles, they introduced the public to Veinte Anos: La Danza de la Chancoa (PPM), a 2-CD set produced in Colombia, with new versions of their best hits. The hits include Cali Pachanguero, Tapando El Hueco, Duele Mas, Una Aventura, Sin Sentimiento, Mexico, Mexico and even a bachata version of Gotas De Lluvia.

El Gran Combo's second release in 1963, ...De Siempre (Disco Hit), is now available on CD.

Los Soneros Del Barrio (Rumba James) are back with vocalist Frankie Vásquez at the helm, singing modern swing arrangements of such classics as Trucutu, Hay Craneo, Tumba Mabo, Piraña, Amazona and more. Production credit goes to Ricky González and Dave Feliciano.

Jesús "Chuchito" Valdés, Jr. presents his debut, Encantado, featuring Laksar Reese (Town Crier) and on the opening track pays tribute to his grandfather Bebo. The family talent continues to grow. It would be nice to get the whole Valdés clan together on one CD!

Nelson González formed an all-star band, mostly comprised of Manny Oquendo's Libre, for his CD, Pa' Los Treseros (Qbadisc). While New York has been producing many Latin jazz recordings each year, salsa has dwindled down to a few here and there. Nelson Gonzalez's all-star line-up includes Papo Lucca, Hermán Olivera, Oscar Hernández, Jerry and Andy González, Manny Oquendo, Jimmy Bosch, Bobby Allende, Paoli Mejias, Papi Oviedo, Chocolate Armenteros, Papo Vásquez, Yomo Toro and Javier Oquendo. This is a must-have!