New Music from Los Van Van and other Goodies!

New Music that just came out for the holidays: Los Van Van (a.k.a. Formell y Los Van Van) celebrates their 50 anniversary with their new recording “Mi Songo” on Egrem which features new recorded versions of twelve of their iconic hits including “Sandunguera“, “Anda Van Y Muevete“, “Azucar”, “Se Muere De Sed La Tia“, “Resolucion“, “Recaditos No” and more! Mi Songo revamps these classic songs with updated dynamic arrangements and rousing performances. This is a must have for all Los Van Vaneros and a great primer if you’re just discovering Los Van Van for the first time. Special guests on the recording who add musical fireworks include trombonist Jimmy Bosch and trumpeter Alexander Abreu. A new single featuring a collaboration between Formell y Los Van Van and Maykel Blanco Y Su Salsa Mayor is expected later this month.

Trombonist Doug Beavers has just released his new recording “Sol” on his own Circle 9 Music label. Doug, who is a member of Spanish Harlem Orchestra, has previously worked with Eddie Palmieri, The Mambo Legends Orchestra and the Yellow House Orchestra. Beavers who is also the recording Producer, Composer and Arranger has served up a fresh, enticing mix of Salsa and Rn’B with sophisticated jazzy pop flavors. Standout tracks are the title track, “Mia”, “Sonic”, “Quedate” and “Eterno”. Fellow SHO band members Jeremy Bosch, Carlos Cascante, Marco Bermudez, Luisito Quintero and Jerry Madera contribute their talents to “Sol”. Special guests who add their special flavor include vibraphonist Joe Locke, drummer Robby Ameen, percussionist John “Dandy” Rodriguez, keyboardist Yeissonn Villamar, saxophonist Ivan Renta and trumpeter Jonathan Powell.

Other new releases to look out for include….Don Perigñon Y La Puertorriqueña “A Ronper El Coco”, Grupo Niche’s Latin Grammy award winner “40”, NYC’s own La Charanga Pacha swinging new music “Para Bailar Y Gozar Vol. 2, a live tribute to legendary Cuban vocalist/pianist/composer Adalberto Alvarez entitled “Son Para Un Sonero” 2 cd set featuring Roberton, Lele and Mandy Cantero of Los Van Van, Gilberto Santa Rosa, NG La Banda’s Jose Luis Cortes “El Tosco“, Paulito FG, Rojitas, Alain Perez, Septeto Santiaguero and the amazing Adalberto Alvarez’s band. Don’t forget Gilberto Santa Rosa‘s latest cd Colegas featuring all star duets with Tito Nieves, Tito Rojas, Pirulo, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Herman Olivera, Maelo Ruiz, Choco Orta, Issac Delgado and others on this star studded must-have of a great recording. This is actually the soundtrack of a terrific concert on You Tube entitled “Son Para Un Sonero-tributo a Adalberto Alvarez”. Check it out if you love Cuban music. You won’t be disappointed! I’ll have some more music suggestions for you soon!!

Until the next time. Ciao 4 now!