Latin beat music update

Latin Beat Magazine, June-July, 2003 by Nelson Rodriguez

Orquesta Siglo XX is a legendary charanga, formed in 1938, that today includes the super-hot Ronny Cabarrocas, J.J. Oliveros and Jesús Rubalcaba. Their CD La Siglo Al Bate has many hits, including El Que Más Goza, Defiende Tu Son and Charanga Con Pachanga.

Grupo Caribe's star continues to rise as more and more radio stations pick it up. The CD Un Congo Me Dió La Letra has also become a club favorite with the tunes Lindo Palomar, Yo No Sé Nada, A Tite Curet and the title track.

Joe Valle was a popular vocalist in the '60s who sang with César Concepción and went on to record a few solo LPs, including Cante y Baile, that showcases Valle doing various rhythms of those times.

Sociedad 76's Sociedad, recorded in 1979, has made its way to compact disc with Freddy Concepción, Ray Sepúlveda and Pee Wee Fernández on vocals.

Raphy Leavitt y La Selecta are celebrating 30 years with a two-CD set, 30 Aniversario, recorded live, with their best hits. Leavitt himself has released a two-CD book of his best.

New music that should be in the stores by now includes Eddie Palmieri's follow-up to La Perfecta II (Concord), the long awaited Jerry González y Sus Piratas Del Flamenco (Sunnyside) and Diego "El Cigala's" Lágrimas Negras.