Susie Hansen: the Salsa Never Ends

Latin Beat Magazine, Nov, 2002 by Gilbert Rivera

(Jazz Caliente)

Bandleader/violinist Susie Hansen brings us her long-awaited follow-up to Solo Flight (her debut CD) on the Jazz Caliente label. The new production showcases Hansen's outstanding versatility with Latin rhythms through 10 selections of Latin jazz and salsa compositions. Undoubtedly the hardest working woman in the LA's salsa and Latin jazz scene, Hansen always delivers 100% in her performances as well as in her recordings. Backed by a topnotch ensemble, with notable performances from percussionists Tiki Pasillas and Joey De León, as well as from pianist Joe Rotondi, Jr. and bassist René Camacho, all the selections are high-energy and dance-friendly. The production includes tasty mambos, chachachás, merengues, Latín jazz and plenty of salsa selections. George Balmaseda and Rubén Esteva lead the vocals. Hansen's vibrant violin melds together traditional Cuban charanga melodies and incorporates other Caribbean flavors and jazz improvisations. Highlights include the opener, I Want To Know (a Latin jazz/mambo), The Salsa Never Ends (upbeat salsa), La Pregunta (a beautiful bolero/jazz) and Eleguá (a retro pachanga). Saxophonist Justo Almario joins in the party as the guest artist.