NO ALCANZAN PALABRAS PARA TI

YAMILA GUERRA

Reviewed by Matt Bailey

No alcanzan palabras para tí (There are not enough words for you) is the new album by Yamila Guerra. It's produced by her brother Yamil Guerra and features many talented musicians, including conguero Luis Conte, drummer Jimmy Branly, timbalero Raul Pineda, Rigoberto Lopez on baby bass, and trombonists Humberto Ruiz and Francisco Torres. Yamila is a Cuban born singer (now based in Los Angeles), actress, TV host and dancer and is daugther of the famous

Cuban singers Rosell y Cary. She graduated from the Havana Ballet School and Variedades Artisticas and has toured many different countries, including Spain, France, Portugal, Martinique, Guadalupe, Mexico, Cuba and the U.S. The album consists of eight songs, three of which are tributes to other great Cuban artists - Celia Cruz with 'Quimbara', Miguel Matamoros with 'The Paralytic' and Celina González with 'Santa Barbara (Changó)'. Yamila talks about her music being like fire and bringing happiness to people and you can easily get swept along with this sentiment. Like most things Salsa it exudes a certain passion and sexiness and is wonderfully upbeat and vibrant. Yamila is an accomplished singer and carries the songs with ease. I'm not a Spanish speaker myself and thus don't understand most of the lyrics, but this doesn't lesson the enjoyment. My only criticism would be that, at only eight songs, it feels a little short. But that's hardly something to complain about and I would recommend this album to anyone with an interest in all things 'latin' - it'll get your feet tapping in no time! To order a CD, check out www.yamilaguerra.com

El gato salsero’s first track definitely makes you want to jump on your feet and start dancing! I first listened to it in my car on my way to work and it definitely put me in a great mood for the rest of the day! The album has 8 songs and a video clip bonus. All the songs are great, most of them energetic with a great dancing rhythm and also some slower ones, perfect for beginner salsa dancers. My favourite one is track 3 “Fuiste Tu”, very romantic.

LEGACIA DE LA SALSA

Reviewed by Angie Parkinson

This is a must buy album for all salsa dancers. Each track is vibrant and powerful. There are not many salsa albums that contain such a lively tempo from beginning to end, put this in your CD player for a continuous salsa dancing. Containing a powerful percussion element with marvellous vocals which has created this fabulous album for the salsa dance scene. The CD includes singers Hector Rey, Jaime "Megui" Rivera, and Mannix Martinez.

The CD also features the fabulous timbalero Tito De Gracia, pianist Ceferino Cabán, sax player Roberto Calderon, and trombonist Jorge Diaz. All of the tracks, Amarte Es Un Mito;Iluminame;Te Voy Amar;Siento Tu Mano En Mi;Si Te Vas Panuelo De Lágrimas; Ya No Mas; Se Me Ha Metido; En La Piel; Una Vez Mas Se Marcho, I cannot choose one track as a favourite, they are all extravagant. An inspirational and traditional album that is highly recommended.

SALSA.IT COMPILATION VOL.6

BY ALOSIBLA.IT

Reviewed by Angela Parkinson

To encapsulate, this album delivers a diverse soundtrack that encompasses the traditional, the modern and the futuristic styles of Latin music. It will suit all latin enthusiasts from young to old and is a must buy album.

GIRALDO PILOTO & KLIMAX - SALSA TIMBA

SOLO TU Y YO

by Angela Parkinson

This CD is a must buy for all those who have a passion for Cuban music. The album is vibrant and captures the true Cuban rhythms. Each track has its own individuality. La permuta reminds me of musicians playing in a Cuban street, and playing with true passion, each track has a strong percussion element but is very different in each and every track. It is truly composed well. The tracks are well balanced and contain strong Cuban/Latin feeling that makes you get up and dance.

I can imagine a warm summers evening, in a plaza and lots of people dancing and enjoying the spirit of the music.
The CD does really inspire and ignite your inner spirit. It mixes a traditional Cuban style with a modern twist. Piloto cleverly mixes two music styles in spectacular style, to produce an album that incorporates a twist on timba music.

To order a CD, check out www.bismusic.com ggeneral@bismusic.artex.cu

DAD ME AND MUHAMMAD ALI

Is a truly inspirational book written by Felix Rodriguez.

by Angela Parkinson

Felix draws on own his own life experience of growing up in a single parent family. Felix narrates a story about breaking his Father's signed photograph of Muhammad Ali. It shows the emotion that is felt when his Father discovered about the broken picture and how persistent he was in making up to his father with a visit to a bookstore to see Muhammad Ali. The book tells us about a wonderful story of Father/Son relationship. Chapter 3 tells us the emotion that is felt, probably in most households, when you break one of your parent's prized possessions. You can feel the anxiety and tension around the dinner table, in wondering what his Father was going to say or do.

Chapter 4 goes on to the story of how he will make up the damage to his Father. The disappointment in not winning the bid for the tickets to the bookshop, then the constant phone calls to the bookstore, his determination eventually pays off. The next morning he wakes his Father and tells him his surprise.

Throughout this powerful and emotional book you cannot help feel a part of every chapter. However, most importantly, his book carries a message to all Fathers and Sons. It's a story of a father/son relationship that is truly inspirational and must for all families to read and enjoy.

Particularly heart-warming is Felix's special message to the Champ. Additionally, there is Muhammad Ali's Professional Boxing Record. You must take the Aliologist test at the back of the book, even better if you can do this with your family. There's even a certificate for you to sign. This book is an excellent narrative and also interactive. Share this book with your family and make it part of your memories.

Author's web site: http://www.dadmeandali.com/whats-new.html

You can buy this book from booksellers or by contacting

!Universe
1663 Liberty Drive
Bloomington
IN 47403

www.iuniverse.com

Also in amazon website: http://www.amazon.co.uk/DAD-ME-MUHAMMAD-ALI-Father/dp/1440146233/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252748993&sr=1-1

LA RUTA SIN FIN

by Caroline.W.

• Debut album by Oliver
• 12 tracks of irrepressible salsa salsaton and bachata
• Released by Alosibla Italy

Had I any pretence of being a music critic, I would probably snob at the idea of including what is after all a commercial CD into the ‘must have’ collection; thankfully, I have not such concerns and I serenely admit that this CD is among my favourite. It must be clear from all this that when I listen to this CD I tune completely into it. It is for me one of those CDs which, once it starts, you simply can not turn off. Salsa, Salsaton and Bachata are compiled together on this CD.

The introductory song salsa track “Tu Decides” was clearly designed to be a dance hit, track.

Some songs have a gentle swing, slow pace, and hypnotic rhythm to them; they are meant to be romantic love songs like .“Tus ojos” , “Amame”, “Ay amor”, “Amiga amante”, a lovely Bachata tracks that will fill the demand of the dance floor.

Having said that, this release should be classified as a fairly good CD. First, it is fully danceable, Salsa tracks very suitable for beginners, with slow pace, clear beat and very precise recording, which makes the percussion crisp and unmissable.

Another CD that will please the versatile listener, with a chance to sample different styles of music.

Bachata is a very sensual and sexy dance, you can just let your body move freely and allow your body and soul drowns with the music and rhythm. With this dance you can show your passion and emotion and be transported to a whole new world, the music based around guitar is exciting, the dance has that distinctive & sensuous body movement.

This CD is available from www.alosibla.it www.salsa.it

 

FARFALLA TANGO TRIO

by R.R

This recording has such an irresistible swing that once you listen to it, you have to play it again and again. The CD starts with "VUELVE A MI" a romantic salsa track writting and interpreted by Estupinan Maxino, followed by a salsa version of “AIRE/AIRE” with the singer Rita, the group’s female singer.

For the Latin Jazz lovers, this CD also include a track written by Tito Puente “RAN KAN KAN” interpreted by Alejandro Jesus and Rey. The album ends with "SINTONIA TOTAL", a timba track interpreted by Miguel Enriquez Ciclon Cubano, N’Taya and El Rubio Loco.

Bachata is also prominent in this release, reflecting the popularity of Bachata at the moment.

The Salsa.it compilations were created to promote new talent, as well as the regulars to the compilation. As well Caiman, in this volume we meet Croma Latina with ‘Por Ella’, by permission of the Latin Europe label. The new Cuban voice on the scene Moises Fernandez provides the Salsa ‘Lo Bueno’. Back again are Tony Velardi and Haban’Ahora with 2 tracks, the Salsa ‘Gozando’ and the Bachata ‘Sin Tu Amor’. Federica Oste returns with the Bachata ‘Noche Sin Ti’. EuroCuban Project is welcomed back with the bi-lingual ‘Shut Up’. After achieving success recently, Myjkool is also back with another bi-lingual ‘Never Forget Me’. And there are many more.

European Latin music has a different sound to music from Latin America that is unique to the continent, I would describe as softer. If you like this, or would like to sample this sound, this is a good compilation to have.

Produced by Corina Bartra for Blue Productions/Records in 2006 this CD is a fusion of Afro-Peruvian music with Jazz elements is an interesting compilation of field recordings that are startlingly high sound quality. They transport me to another place, almost making me feel like I am there with chants and frenzied drumming, I thoroughly enjoy everything on this disc except small things, but this most likely a matter of my own personal tastes.

and squeeze it onto two CDs.
You will recognise many of the names on the track listings, many of whom have become house-hold names, and many of the tracks. For example, ‘Que Bueno Baila Usted’ is used to represent the talents of Tito Puente. Willie Colon’s ‘Tiempo Pa’ Matar’ and Ray Barretto ‘Acid’ are also easily recognisable from such big names. No Salsa collection can be complete without featuring a personal favourite of mine Hector Lavoe, with ‘Bandolera’. And, of course the Queen of Salsa Celia Cruz is here this time with Johnny Pacheco with the anthem ‘Quimbara’. Of course, you will know Eddie Palmieri, with his classic number 'Vamonos Pa'l Monte'. Other stars include the Lebron Brothers and Ismael Rivera. As well as the hits, the producers of this compilation are proud to include some lesser known one hit wonders that may not be as easily recognisable to listeners. Artists like Fuego 77 with 'En Nueva York' and Latin Tempo with 'La Humanidad'. As well as a good workout on the dance floor, this CD aims to enrich our knowledge of Salsa music.
Only one song has been chosen for each artist, letting more artists have a share of the spotlight, except for Justo Betancourt who gets 2 goes. Each song is accompanied by sleeve notes, giving a bit more of an insight into the artists and the songs. Every style from the wide spectrum that is Salsa is covered here, from Jazzy Salsa to straight Salsa and even the Colombian Cumbia inspired ‘La Cumbiamba’ by Andy Harlow. You can expect 100% Salsa, unlike the usual Salsa compilation CDs with their portion of cheese to appeal to everyone and no-one in particular.

SALSA PARTY THE LEGENDAY FANIA RECORDINGS

As well as Buena Vista, they also identify other Cuban musicians like Celia Cruz and Benny More as great influences. The impact of these artists can also be felt in their songs. They are not Buena Vista Social Club, they are Grupo Danson.
Their unique sound is also thanks to new band member, the highly experienced trumpet player, Alexander Abreu. Before he joined, the band mostly performed cover songs. Now they perform original compositions, created by Alexander.
Dancers will be happy with this release that makes your body want to move. This is straight up Salsa for Salsa fans.

It starts with straight Salsa and ends with an experimental Electronic fusion.
First up is Victor Hugo with a conventional Salsa number entitled ‘Abreme La Puerta’. Sonando from Strasbourg join Victor with straight Salsa song ‘Dejala’. The sound changes slightly when La Contrabanda, one of the six artists from Paris, gives us Salsa with a peppering of Rap vocals. Radio Malanga, one of five artists from Barcelona, take us a bit further away from the norm with Ska influenced Salsa tune ‘Vacilalo’. Next up is Orquestra Do Fuba with ‘Vamos Dancar’. This Portuguese band living in France provides a Forro. Then, big stars Los Van Van feature on Kysha 25’s ‘Ahy Maria’. The band from Rome brings us Salsa, breaking from tradition momentarily for a Rap. Representing Toulouse, Del Dongo adds the tropical flavour of the steel band to Salsa in ‘Caminos Peligrosos’. Also from France but this time from Paris, Batazo sit next to Del Dongo with ‘Me Anda Buscando El Son’. They have a more conventional Salsa sound, proving that even in one country’s Latin music scene you will find a variety of different styles of music. Jump across the border to Spain for Patriarcas De La Rumba and ‘La Que Se Ha Liao’. The Flamenco of their home city Barcelona has meet Salsa to give birth to what they have coined as ‘Catalan Salsa’. The Flamenco guitar and clapping really compliments the Latin American rhythms. Then, back to France with Vanny Jordan, who provide the aptly named ‘Reggaeton Salsa’. It mixes Salsa and Reggaeton, a mix which has been very popular since the Reggaeton explosion. In keeping with the Urban Latin genre, Si Senor from France is next with ‘Rapson’. The style of this song is so much like Orishas I am going to call it a tribute to the Cuban Hip-Hop pioneers. The big name of modern Flamenco Ojos De Brujo sits among the lesser known artists to represent Flamenco and Barcelona with the lovely ‘Bailores’. Then switch to a Boogaloo number from Paris’ Ocho Y Media and their live recording of ‘WMD’. Next, another French band Melting Pot Orquestra brings us back to more conventional Salsa. This blends into ‘La Calle Esta Dura’ by French La Nueva Edicion, another Salsa but this time fused with rap and electric guitar. More Salsa next, but this time more ‘Catalan Salsa’ with Sabor De Gracia’s ‘El Mundo Baila’. I’m really liking this new genre of Flamenco meets Salsa! The last two tracks are a Samba number ‘Pode Ser’ from French band Madrugada and ‘Ogum Onire’ from Barxino. ‘Ogum Onire’ has to be the most experimental sounding song on this album, probably why it is left to the end once the listener has opened their mind. It is a modern sounding, electronic fusion track.
‘Muevete Bien Sabor Latino 2’ showcases the talent that exists in Europe’s Latin music scene. It is such an exciting release because it exposes a wide spectrum of new sounds that we may have never heard before, born from pure experimentation. There is a good mix of big names and lesser known artists. DJs Herve and Cedric have produced this CD to sound like a radio show with jingles and a spoken introduction. As it is in the mix, it is non-stop music, perfect for a hot party.

It has a strong Japanese influence. It is sung in Japanese and draws from Southeast Asian music. The vocals have a sweet quality. Sung over slow tempo drums and the sound of waves, it serves to break up the lively songs that dominate this album.

Unabo is another full album, sung in Spanish, Japanese and Okinawan language. As well as their own material, this release includes covers of classics, like Quimbara and ‘Hey! Hey! Tequila’ (their version of ‘Tequila’). In ‘Hey! Hey! Tequila’, they substitute the word Tequila for Kachimba, an example of their fun approach to music. This CD showcases the unique spin they put on classics, making them their own. When I first heard Kachimba, I was stunned. I’ve heard French salsa but this is the first time that I’ve ever heard Japanese, or should I say Okinawan, salsa. They fuse Cuban salsa with Southeast Asian music. It could arguably be classed as a sub-genre.

The Japanese female vocals have a sweet quality, while fitting so well with the Latin rhythm. Their sound is exciting because it is so new to me. Also, Kachimba 1551 as a band is unique. Not for salsa purists, they play with the music and draw from a wide range of influences. It never ceases to amaze me firstly the universal power of Latin music to spread throughout the world all the way to Japan, secondly that a completely non-Latino band can pull off salsa, thirdly how non-Latinos can sing in Spanish as a second language with such ease and finally how any language can sound so at home on top of Latin rhythms.

by Georgina Nicoli Based in Italy, Raza Latina are a Latin music band made up of musicians from all over South America and Italy.

In this album, you will hear what has become their signature sounds thanks to the tastes of their fan base. That is an album of lively Salsa, with a good number of soothing Bachata songs. These songs are perfectly placed at the end, giving the listener or dancer a relaxing breather after a fun, up-tempo start. This is great for fans of both Salsa and Bachata and provides variety to the listener. Raza Latina's Salsa is infectious. It somehow sounds traditional and contemporary at the same time. Hailing from Cuba, Santa Domingo, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico and Italy, each member brings something different to the sound of this album. The Venezuelan sound can definitely be heard in their percussion. The influence from Cuba's strong Salsa tradition can be heard, especially from masters like Celia Cruz with the band's reference to 'La Vida es un Carnival' in one of their tracks. The three Bachata tracks satisfy the Italian audience but can also please non-Italian listeners with the present explosion of Bachata happening on the dance floors all over the world. Check out the songs that have become big hits all over Italy.

No less than Chucho Valdes made the following comments about the new production. "In my view they have recorded some of the best Cuban music that I have heard for a long time. Enjoy this CD as it contains music that breaks new ground, not only for Cuban music but for all of world music in general." CHUCHO VALDES. The most sophisticated and strikingly original of the major Timba bands, by a considerable margin, is Giraldo Piloto's Klimax.

Descended from a long line of famous Cuban musicians and composers, Piloto has been omnipresent throughout the first decade of Timba history as a drummer, a songwriter and an arranger. He was a founding member of the first Timba band, NG La Banda. When La Charanga Habanera exploded onto the scene, their first big hit, "Me Sube la Fiebre", was written by Piloto and they followed it up with several other Piloto songs, including "Mi Estrella". When Issac Delgado left NG to form his own group, Piloto became his musical director and wrote a number of songs for him, including possibly his most important hit, "No Me Mires a los Ojos", which Issac still plays at nearly every concert. In January of 1995, after 8 years at the epicenter of the Timba revolution, Piloto decided to form his own group and in April of that year, Klimax played their first concert at the famous La Cecilia club on Avenida Quinta. Klimax have released 3 CD's and are touring extensively throughout Europe and South America.

KLIMAX have now released their fourth CD. This LATIN JAZZ production deserves special attenton. It is not only the guest musicians like Chucho Valdes, Germán Velázco, Changuito, Julito Padrón that make it into an, "incredible work of art" but also the main musicians of Klimax around Geraldo Pilato are for sure a guarantee for this World Class Latin Jazz production.

Klimax can only be understood as an absolute "Highpoint" in Latin Jazz

One of Latin music's most talented and strongest voices, Marc Anthony has been hard at work. He spoils us with not one but two CD's. He sticks to his Spanish-language music with both but with two very different musical styles, showing his flexibility as an artist. While Amar Sin Mentiras is what is now classed as Spanish pop, a mix between Latin music and Western pop music, Valio La Pena is 100% salsa. Both feature the duet with Jennifer Lopez, along with other hits including Valio La Pena and Ahora Quien. I prefer Valio La Pena but only because I am a sucker for salsa. This is a treasure chest and each song is a gem. Although songs are repeated on both CD's in their different styles, it is well worth buying both CD's.

There are some songs featured on one CD that are not on the other. Also, for Marc Anthony fans these are essentials to your collections.

by Georgina Nicoli

Los Perrones provide our next instalment of Reggaeton from record label Disco Fuentes with this album. The six Perrones from Colombia are produced by DJ Gordo and Big Johny and presented by FP&P Company. This is fusion by name and fusion by nature, in more ways than one. The track ‘Me Enamore’ is an interesting mix of Reggaeton, Bachata and Merengue Hip-Hop Proyecto Uno style, which I can only describe as speeded up Bachata with a rap laced over the top. Its soft sound does well to break-up the hardcore Reggaeton tracks making up much of the album. The album itself also fuses Reggaeton with 3 Latino Hip-Hop tracks. The Hip-Hop tracks are placed neatly together near the end of the album. As well as ‘Me Enamore’, the stand out track of the album for me has to be the catchy ‘Ya No Aguanto’. Other highlights of the album for me are the songs ‘Enloquezcanse’, ‘Chica 10’ and ‘Amiga’. A hot album for Reggaeton and Hip-Hop fans.

'Hits Tropicalisssimos', note there are 3 's', is the ultimate compilation CD. It is not 1 but 3 CDs, featuring 27 hits from 72 years of Disco Fuentes Records. They bring together Cumbia, Tropical, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and Reggaeton, although there is only 1 Reggaeton track 'Candela' from the talented 3 Pesos.

HITS TROPICALISSSIMOS CD 2