Van Lester: Estaba Para Mi …

Latin Beat Magazine, Oct, 2004 by Rudy Mangual

VAN LESTER Estaba Para Mi ... (Cookita Productions)

First recognized in the salsa scena for his vocal and physical similarities with the great, late salsa vocalist Héctor Lavoe, Van Lester kept the legacy of "el cantante de los cantantes" (the singer of all the singers) alive for some time altar the tragic death of the aforementioned salsa superstar. So much so that, throughout his career, Lester's efforts have always been measured and closely compared to the talents of Lavoe and it was difficult for the singer to come into his own. Nevertheless, Lester survived the critics and has made his personal and unique mark in salsa. Estaba Para Mi spotlights the individualista and assertive vocal stance of a seasoned Van Lester. Under the musical direction of Pablo "Chino" Núñez, Charlie García and Efrain Rolón, Lester shines on the selections Se Encontró EI Amor, Un Rico Son and Sonero (all brilliantly arranged by Nuñez). The production swings thanks to the powerhouse cast of players, including Papo Pepín, Harry Adorno and Ralph Figueroa (percussion), Edwin Sánchez (piano), Abiud "Humpy" Troche (bass) and the overall talents of Chino Núñez and other talented East Coast session players. (RM)