This CD offers a lot of old favorites such as “Hay Craneo,” “Guaraguao,” Tito Puente’s “Cuando Te Vea,” and Paquito Lopez Vidal’s “Esperame En el Cielo.” The album features Bobby Valentin as the primary artist, contributing to the vocals and bass, Elliot Randall (Guitar), Edwin Rodriguez (Piano), Juan Pablo Torres (Trumpet), Humberto Ramirez (Baritone Saxophone), and James Adams (Trombone) collaborating to make an exciting record.

One of Lavoe’s most important albums, La Voz, produced by Willie Colon, features a few of Hector Lavoe’s biggest hits, “Rompe Saraguey,” “En Todopoderoso,” and “Mi Gente.” In addition to these classics, his remake of “Tus Ojos” illustrates his amazing voice. This album also features classic salsa artists like Willie Colon (Trombone, Chorus), Ruben Blades (Background Vocals, Chorus), Mark Dimond (Piano), and Jose Rodriguez (Trumpet).

Artist: Justo Betancourt Album: Leguleya No Original Release Date: 1982                        Number of Tracks: 8 Number of Artists: 6

This marks the final recording Justo Betancourt recorded for Fania. It is a combination of brilliant brass playing and magnificent singing from the Cuban influenced artist. Justo Betancourt (Vocals, Quinto Claves) is joined by Hector “Bomberito” Zarzuela (Trumpet), Sonny Bravo (Piano), and Elipidio Vazquez (Guitar, Bass) in order to create this classic album. Note worthy tracks are “Sin Motivo” and “Leguleya No.”

The Lebron Brothers immense knowledge of music, harmony, and music composition resulted in the album Salsa Y Control. Carlos Lebron (Bongo, Percussion), Angel Lebron (Bass), Frankie Lebron (Congas), and Jose Lebron (Piano) join together with Louis and Pete Maldonado (1st and 2nd Trumpet) and a few others to complete this classic effort by the brothers. “Bongo Loco,” the title track “Salsa Y Control,” and “Sabor Tipico” are a few of the albums stand out tracks.

 Louie Ramirez’s Ali Baba is a cumulative effort between some of the most distinguished of Latin musicians. Louie Ramirez take charge of the Percussion as well as being the arranger and leader of the group, Bobby Rodriguez (Bass), Hector de Leon (Trumpet), and Bobby Valentin (Trumpet) are just a few of the many artists that contributed to this album. 

Artist: Mongo Santamaria Album: Sofrito        Original Release Date: 1976                        Number of Tracks: 9 Number of Artists:

This timeless Latin soul-jazz classic by Mongo Santamaria features classic salsa and jazz musicians working with Santamaria to produce a unique album. “Cruzan,” “O Mi Shango,” and “Spring Song” each represent the different styles on the record. In addition to Mongo Santamaria, Roger Rosenberg (Baritone Sax), Armen Donelian (Piano), Steve Berrios (Timbales, Traps), and Angel “Cachete” Maldonado (Drums) contribute to the style of the band and music.

Larry Harlow (Piano), Nestor Sanchez (Vocals, Maracas), Nestor Torres (Flute), Nicky Marrero (Bongos), and Pancho Roman (Timbales) and many more put forth a great effort with Yo Soy Latino. Some of the songs included on the record are, “Yo Soy Latino,” “Guajira Simale.” and “Chiquita Y Goridta.”

Artist: Orquesta Inmensidad Album: La Salsa De Hoy Original Release Date: 1984  Number of Tracks: 8 Number of Artists: 11

Ruben Blade’s younger brother, Roberto Blades, who composed and contributed to the vocals on this album, leads this young and energetic group. In addition to Roberto Blades, Raul Gallimore (Piano and vocals), Douglas Keith (Trumpet), and Humberto Lavoy (Trombone), join together to form great tracks like, “Rosalba” and “El Toro Y La Luna.”

“I Like it (I Like it Like That),” “Pete’s Madness,” and “Micaela” are the noticeable tracks on this album. Pete Rodriguez, along with Manny Rodriguez (Conga), Angelo Rodriguez (Trumpet), and Richie Rodriguez (Vocals) and more, provide a mix of boogaloo and Salsa on their first LP.

Artist: Ray Barretto Album: Acid Original Release Date: 1968   Number of Tracks: 8 Number of Artists: 7

Ray Barretto’s Acid, brings a more eclectic and adventurous approach to the New York Latin Music Scene. It is a fusion of Latin and Soul music, which was unlike any other album of its time. “Mercy, Mercy Baby,” “A Deeper Shade of Soul,” and “Teacher of Love” are a few of the stand out tracks on this Latin/Soul album. In addition to Ray Barretto (Percussion, Congas, Vocals), Big Daddy was on Bass, Rene Lopez and Roberto Rodriguez on trumpet, Adalberto Santiago and Pete Bonet contributed to vocals and Orestes Vilato played the timbales.

Artist: Roberto Roena Album: Y Su Apollo Sound Original Release Date: 1974                         Number of Tracks: 9 Number of Artists: 11

With help from Johnny Pacheco (Director) and Bobby Valentin (Arranger), Robert Roena (Bandleader/Bongos) and Elias Lopes Arranger/Trumpet) on Y Su Apollo Sound concoct one brilliant salsa song after another. “Tu Loco Loco y Yo Tranquilo,” “El Escapulario,” and the classic “Sonando con Puerto Rico” help make this a traditional Puerto Rican salsa album.

This transitional album for Ruben Blades is still predominately salsa driven; however new keyboard sounds and vibes create a new type of mixture for the artist. Blades is the primary artist on the album, mostly contributing with guitar and vocals, Louie Ramirez is believed to be the Piano player on most of the albums tracks. The tracks, “Juan Pachanga,” “Sin Tu Carino,” and “Paula C” represent this album well.

Artist: Tipica 73 Album: Charangueando Con La Tipica 73 Original Release Date: 1980
Number of Tracks: 8 Number of Artists: 18

This adventurous salsa band led by Adalberto Santiago (Lead singer), Orestes Vilate (Timbales), Johnny Rodriguez (Congas), David Perez (Bass) and more was known for its experimental style and this is prevalent on this record. The band covers Tito Puente’s “A Donde Vas,” and Chachao’s “Chanchullo, which are standout tracks on the record.

Artist: Willie Colon Album: El Malo Original Release Date: 1968
Number of Tracks: 8 Number of Artists: 10

El Malo, a favorite among salsa fans, was Willie Colon’s first ever recording at the age of 17. “Juana Pena,” “Jazzy,” and “Borinquen” are just a few of the albums striking tracks. The album offers an array of styles ranging from jazz, salsa, and boogaloo. Hector Lavoe also performs on the album with Colon. In addition, Dwight Brewster (Piano), James Taylor (Bass), Joe Santiago (Trombone) and more add to the CD’s style.

Artist: Willie Colon & Ruben Blades Album: Siembra Original Release Date: 1978
Number of Tracks: 7 Number of Artists: 16

Four trombone players back this dynamic collaboration between Willie Colon and Ruben Blades who lend their voices to the albums tracks. In addition, Jose Terres (Piano), Eddie Rivera (Bass), Jose Mangual Jr. (Bongos, Maracas, Background Vocals) and more collectively created an explosive salsa album. Tracks like “Siembra,” “Pedro Navaja,” and “Plastico” are an example of the excellent salsa provided on this album.