Poncho Sanchez Ultimate Latin Dance Party

Latin Beat Magazine, Feb, 2003 by Rudy Mangual

This 21st release by Grammy winner and Latin jazz icon Poncho Sánchez is a compilation of some of his danceable and festive interpretations extracted from 18 of his 20 Concord Picante previous outings. This 2-CD set documents the music, talent, and career of this internationally known percussionist/bandleader through his recordings from 1983 to 2001.

A total of 23 tracks are included, featuring a good number of recognizable songs in addition to some lesser-known compositions. Disc One opens with the dance-friendly track El Conguero, which showcases Sánchez on vocals as well as on congas. The classic Cal Tjader tune Soul Sauce is featured on this disc, as well as the Herbie Hancock bit Watermelon Man (popularized by Mongo Santamaría, who is featured on the congas on this track), and Tito Medley, which includes three of Puente's compositions (El Cayuco, Oye Como Vá and Clavelitos). Disc Two opens with the Latin jazz classic A Night In Tunisia, followed by the funky boogaloo sounds of Subway Harry and Cold Duck Time (featuring Eddie Harris on tenor sax). Ending the party is the track Early In The Mornin'--a fusion of New Orleans and Latin music featuring harmonica player Dale Spalding.