A Bite From The Apple

Latin Beat Magazine, Nov, 1998 by Vicki Sola

Laser luster... In my opinion, Celia Cruz's latest, Mi Vida es Cantar, is one of her best in recent years. I particularly enjoyed the title track, arranged by the previously mentioned Isidro Infante, and also, the Nelson Hernández arrangement of Cal y Arena.

My listening audience has responded most positively to Puerto Rican singer Wilson Tenorio's baritone sax-driven La Clave (Amor Ilegal). A classy production, "música gorda," throughout.

Singer Eddie Garcia is wowing folks with his effort, Unidos En Amor (Heritage Collection). The track with English lyrics, Shower Me With Your Love, shows off his vocal talents nicely, while No Llegas defies the listener to remain seated. Isidro Infante, Oscar Hernández, and Papo Lucca all had hands in the production.

My dancing audience is head over heels in love with Johnny Riveras Una Noche Más, from his most recent CD, Un Estilo Propio (RMM). Its roster includes Ricky González, Angie Machado, and Julio Alvarado, as well as guests Jimmy Bosch and Ramon Rodríguez.

Puerto Rican born, Bronx-bred singer/dancer Freddy López's new Tu Jugaste Con Mi Amor (Pryme Tyme Latin) features, in López's words, "Latin dance, merengue, salsa, and house styles." Merengue star Jailene Cintron's former protege also hosts his own talk show, which can be seen on cable in New York City, Ohio, and Chicago.

A final note...the New York metropolitan area, with its close ties to the Caribbean, is still reeling from the disastrous havoc inflicted by this past September's Hurricane Georges. The savage storm roared through Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Cuba, wreaking death and wholesale destruction with a ferocity that had not been experienced by that area in many decades. Recovery will be a monumental task and a lengthy process. Agencies and communities have mobilized to provide relief. Those wishing to offer assistance may contact the Puerto Rican Federal Affairs Administration's National Headquarters, in Washington, D.C., at (888) 212-6982, and the Dominican Consulate in New York City, at (212) 768-2480. The American Red Cross is accepting donations earmarked to aid Puerto Rico, and also providing information at (800) HELP-NOW, or (800) 435-7669.