L.A. Amistad

Latin Beat Magazine, Sept, 1997 by Gilbert Rivera

JOHNNY POLANCO Y SU CONJUNTO AMISTAD

(Tonga)

Multi-instrumentalist/bandleader Johnny Polanco makes his recording debut with the recent release of the CD L.A. Amistad on the Tonga label. This long awaited recording by the most popular tropical dance ensemble in the city of Los Angeles not only features the talents of Mr. Polanco and his superb band but as well gives prominence to other splendid local stars such as violinist Karen Briggs, percussionists Papo Rodríguez and Nengue Hernández, trumpeter Ramon Flores, and the magical flute of Artie Webb, among others. The CD swings from its opening track La Receta, a Ray Ramos composition with arrangements by Lucho Cueto guaranteed to make you get up and dance. Twelve more compositions follow, bringing a little something for just about everyone and exhibiting the depth and diversity of this first-rate production. Other jewels are Karina, a Harry Scorzo composition arranged by Johnny Polanco and Karen Briggs which features Ms. Briggs on the violin and gives a new meaning to instrumental Latin music--Envenenao is another scorching dance-till-you-drop tune which features the vocal talents of George Balmaseda--Pa 'Puerto Rico, composed and arranged by Jesús Niño Alejandro Pérez, like the title implies, carries that island sound and flavor as well as Polanco's cuatro playing and the vocals of Angelo Pagan. The closing track, J.P.'s Mambo, is a teaser lasting about a minute and leaving you wondering, is there more. Special invited guest from New York City was Ray Ramos, featured on some of the vocals and contributing four of his compositions to this project. L.A. Amistad is an excellent first effort by Johnny Polanco y su Conjunto Amistad and a plus for all the West Coast Latin musicians.