Latin beat music update

Latin Beat Magazine, Sept, 2002 by Nelson Rodríguez

New label LB Records has just launched a series of merengue recordings with an infectious beat and clever lyrics that will be the rave at clubs as well as on the radio. Bands Mambo Con Clase with their CD, Nuevos Tiempos, and Alex Boutique y Los Reyes Del Mambo with Mambo Alibaba feature a young and refreshing street sound. The label has also had huge success with salsero Anthony G's radio hit Dejame Beber, from the recording Tal Como Soy. Anthony displays a wonderful new voice with a bright future. Add to this the new releases by the merengue acts Candela Pura with their hits Donde Tu Mamá Te Tuvo and Candela Pura; Arena Fina with the melodic track Usted Se Me Llevó La Vida and Jonfer Luis with the humorous El Huevo, La Condena and El Internet; a good start for an upcoming label.

Veteran trumpeter Elliot Feyjoo's new release, Rebirth, features Giovanni Hidalgo, Luis Marín and José "Furito" Rios on More; Luis "Perico" Ortiz, Marín and Toñito Vásquez on Psychedelic Blues, and the percussive duo of Roberto Roena and Charlie Sierra on El Progreso.

J.J. Oliveros is back with a new release titled Te Pone A Gozar (Envidia) where he is joined by the Rubalcaba clan, Jesús and Guillermo on piano and William on bass. If you enjoy old school charanga this one will delight you. Check out No Te Quedes Con Las Ganas, Bésala y Cásate, A Belen Le Toca Ahora and the title track.

Vocalist Israel Kantor recorded a series of albums in New York in the '80s, re-issued on various labels that feature an all-star N.Y. band--Louie Ramírez, Isidro Infante, Sal Cuevas, Papo Pepín, Barry Rogers, José Mangual Jr., Mario Rivera, Alfredo Triff, Lewis Kahn, Sonny Bravo, Puchi Boulong, Nicky Marrero and Frankie Malabe.

Two of Grupo Niche's vocalists--Alvaro del Castillo and Tuto Jiménez--have joined to recreate their Niche hits backed by some of Colombia's best musicians and with scorching arrangements. El Regreso De Las Estrellas Del Ayer (Yoyo Music) will delight the dancers. Another Niche vocalist, Carlos Guerrero, has been in Los Angeles for some years and recorded Revaluando, a rare CD that is now resurfacing throughout the U.S. It is comprised of swinging salsa covers from beginning to end that includes Lindo Yambú, Tuntuneco, and Si La Tierra Tiembla.

Guayacan's former lead vocalist, John Lozano, has formed the Miravé Orchestra and released a debut CD, Ahora Me Toca A Mi (Yoyo Music).

Bonny Cepeda's hot new merengue CD, Tu Tenias Razón (Trio) has been receiving good airplay.

Sexappeal has made a club name for themselves in L.A. with the salsa track La Llorona, but in New York the hot track is the merengue/rap La Mamajuana. My personal pick is the merengue Al Bajad Mamad.

Adriano Rodríguez (director), Rigoberto Díaz Calvo, Hilda Santana, Dominica Verges, Issac Oviedo, Miguelito Garcia, Elba Romay, Luz Mustelier, Octavio Cotan and René Marquez formed La Tanda De Guaracheros in 1962. Today's Tanda, led by Mario Brunet, released the CD Guarachas De La Habana. Tanda has dedicated itself to the preservation of the guaracha rhythm.

Roy Román was a heavy-duty trumpet player who was hot in the late '60s and '70s. He recorded The Youthful Mind in 1970 with Tony Cofresi, Bobby "Bass" Rodríguez, Ira Herscher, Mike Collazo, Ray Maldonado, Pete Bonet and Bobby Cruz. This CD contains some vintage old school music from a true unheralded veteran.

Sonero Soy: Homenaje A La Obra y Talento Musical De Adalberto Alvarez is a concept album with some of Cuba's hottest vocalists singing Alvarez's best compositions. Listen to the interpretations by Pedro Calvo, Aramis Camilo, Felix Baloy, Mario "Mayito" Rivera, Tony Cala, Raul Planas and Orestes Macias.

It's always good to hear new music by vocalist Watussi who released Barrio, with the hits Son Caleño, Malunga, Echando Pa'lante and A Donde Quiera.

Vibist Steve Pouchie's very tasty CD, Vibe Mania (LJS)--recorded with his band, The Latin Jazz Society Ensemble--includes his versions of Wachi Wara, Philadelphia Mambo, A Night In Tunisia, Para Ti and Panchero Mambero.

Raphy Leavitt y La Selecta just celebrated their 30th anniversary in Puerto Rico, with their original vocalist Sammy Marrero. How many bands can state that after 30 years they still have their first vocalist?

Ruben Blades and Tito Rojas also celebrated 30 years in the industry with huge concerts in Puerto Rico.

Merenguera Miriam Cruz has a new Jennifer López look and a new CD, Punto y Aparte, that's reminiscent of her years with Las Chicas Del Can and her solo effort that followed.

Ricky González will be working again on the next George Lamond project after Lamond got his wish to record with Sergio George. His plans include his own orchestra and a heavy-duty salsa album.

Spanish guitarist Angel Farres y su Changüi-Son recorded En La Habana for Envidia, with vocalists Eduardo Sandoval, Carlos Amores, Ciso Guanche and Gregorio Laza "Cordoves." Farres himself composed many of the tunes on this recording.

Popular producer/promoter Charlie Muñiz is back in action with some acts he's very familiar with. First the new Chaney, quickly followed by releases from composer/vocalist Pedro Arroyo, then La Criolla (which remains today Puerto Rico's only charanga) and bachatero Raldy Rodríguez.