Essential Recordings/Fall 2017 Listening

I want to share with you a list of fine recent recordings that you should pick up on now.  As we all endure the turbulent, worrisome and absurd nature of these times with President Loose Cannon at the helm, these music recommendations will uplift your spirit and soul.  My heart goes out to the people of Puerto Rico and Mexico as they struggle to rebuild their lives.  Great music often gives you hope, energy and the will to live, listen and dance.  Here are my picks:

Ruben Blades w/Roberto Delgado Y Orquesta – Salsa Big Band – rubenblades.com;

Doug Beavers – The Art Of The Arrangement – Artist Share;

Eddie Palmieri – Sabiduria/Wisdom – Ropeadope/Eddie Palmieri;

Javier Fernandez – The Eternal Classic 2 – Javier Fernandez;

Dayme Arocena – Cubafonia – Brownswood Recordings;

Mulata Son – Mujer Y Artista (EP) – Mulata Son/Cubamusic.com;

Oscar Hernandez y Alma Libre – The Art of Latin Jazz – Origin;

Pacific Mambo Orchestra – Live At Stern Grove – PMO;

Yumuri – Chanaguero – BIS;

Isidro Infante – Cuba Y Puerto Rico: Un Abrazo Musical Salsero – BIS – Vision Musical VYT;

Arturo O’Farrill/Chucho Valdes – Familia – Motema;

Arturo Ortiz & 7 Con Calle – Cuentos De La Calle – DIG Music;

Pedrito Martinez Group – Havana Dreams – Motema;

Braulio Barrera/Somos El Son – Somos El Son – Somos El Son