New Music Reviews-Oct 2022

Here are some noteworthy releases in Salsa and Son that need your attention:

Don Perigñon Y La Puertorriqueña 40 Aniversario-Agradecido Y Afortunado-Don Records. Timbalero/Bandleader Don Perigñon celebrates 40 years in music with a sparkling production full of all stars including Gilberto Santa Rosa, Andy Montañez, Victor Manuelle, Tito Nieves, Jose Alberto El Canario, Herman Olivera and Issac Delgado. The recording has its grand swinging moments such as “El Timbal Que Buena”, “Ritmo Bembe”, “Pica Y Pica”, “La Chica Del Barrio Obrero” and “Tumba Tumbador”. It’s short from a complete masterpiece but the music is inspired, explosive and one of the year’s best recordings.

Rico Walker-Con Sabor Y Cadencia-Salsaneo. Puerto Rican vocalist Rico Walker has put out one of the best recordings of this year. Walker sings with grit and passion as a sonero should on smokin’ dance floor tracks such as “El Tumbao De La Timba” “Vengo Con To” and “En Su Saoco”. These songs that will pack any dance floor and have the replay button on your favorite media player or car stereo play on repeat. Walker not only was a vital member of Don Perigñon’s La Puertorriqueña and Willie Rosario’s Orchestra but has also recorded on great records by the Puerto Rico All Stars, Pedro Bermudez and Eddie Montalvo. This is a gem. Pick it up!

Septeto Santiaguero-Y Sigo Pa’lante-Egrem/El Cerrito Records Septeto Santiaguero has released an exquisite recording “Y Sigo Pa’Lante“. This 12 track tour-de-force showcases the renowned Cuban group the Septeto Santiaguero performing rich renditions of Cuban Son and the Changui in celebration of their 25th anniversary. Special guests include Alain Perez, Mayito Rivera, Aramis Galindo, Maikel Dinza and Ruben Lieliebre. The music ranges from the traditional to Santiaguero’s dance magic brought to you by both Egrem from Cuba and the Bay Area’s own El Cerrito Records. Especially for lovers of Afro-Cuban music and Cuban music in general. Sabroso!!

Edwin Perez-Directo Al Punto-Edwin Perez. Perez who formerly sang with La Excelencia and Orquesta SCC shines on his latest solo effort “Directo Al Punto”. Perez is powerhouse singer/composer who belts out his socially conscious lyrics over explosive salsa on “Econolisis”, “No Puedo Respirar” and “Discurso Presidential”, Perez doesn’t forget dance floor bangers such as the irresistible “Ella Lo Baila” and “Para Que La Salsa Viva” which showcases his band’s mighty trombone and trumpet section! Perez is distinctive, different and dynamic. Definitely a triple threat that’s worth your time to check out.

Ray Viera-Pachecolandia-Ray Viera Sonero Ray Viera was the coro singer in Johnny Pacheco’s Tumbao Añejo early in his career up until the maestro’s death. Pachecolandia is a homage to his former bandleader in a six song EP format that is full of “Sabor y Afinque”. Viera has injected a boost of tremendous modern swing in these reimagined five songs from Pacheco’s discography: “Llore (Como Yo Llore)“, “Ven Y Ven“, “Baila Vicente”, “El Guiro De Macorina” and “Yo Quiero Morir Cantando”. Viera completes the playlist for this fine recording with his own danceable composition and tribute “Pachecolandia” . Worth a listen, Salseros!