Mario Ortiz Jr. All Star Band...awesome!

"Tributo 45 Anniversario" on Zamora Music/Sony is the spectacular new recording by the Mario Ortiz All Star Band. The late Mario Ortiz was an esteemed trumpeter, arranger and bandleader who for four decades was an intergal part of the Puerto Rican salsa scene until his death in 1999. His son Mario Ortiz who is also a fine trumpeter has put out a terrific tribute to his dad by assembling a recording featuring the legendary creme de la creme of the scene: Cheo Feliciano, Andy Montanez, Ismael Miranda, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Richie Ray, Bobby Cruz, Papo Lucca, Roberto Roena, Bobby Valentin, Adalberto Santiago, Tony Vega, Pedro Brull, Tito Allen and others too numerous to mention. What exciting music big band style! This gem of a cd is so rich with explosive salsa, latin jazz and mambo (with a touch of reggaeton) that it is difficult not to have at least 4 or 5 favorite tracks. This is simply an exceptional recording from the smooth distinctive vocals of Cheo wrapped around a smokin' rendition of "A Quitarse" to the closing notes of the cinematic Spanish tinged instrumental "El Cid" featuring Ortiz Jr's scorching trumpet solo paying tribute to his dad. This will soon to be a collector's item! Big DJ Alert - you should be playing it already...allright? Everyone else...Pick it up now! A top ten contender for this year.

A New Recording to look out for-Cuban Masters Ensemble

Since Labor Day symbolizes to many the end of Summer. I thought that I would suggest an extraordinary recording that will make the transition towards the fall season a bit easier. The new cd by The Cuban Masters Ensemble entitled "Del Pasado Al Presente: Homenaje A Tata Guines" is a tremendous tribute to the late great master conguero Artimedes Soto otherwise known as "Tata Guines". This giant of a musician was known for his virtousity on the congas, as an integral participant on countless legendary recordings including the 1957 Cachao "Descargas En Minature" sessions and for his trademark cackle of a laugh. This all-star tribute includes a panorama of musical styles including rumba (of course!), danzon, son montuno, descarga and a taste of timba. Expertly performed by an awesome conglomeration of musicians and singers such as Bobby Carcasses, Changuito, Enrique Pla, Pancho Amat, Dagoberto Gonzalez, El Nene, El Indio, Lazaro Galarraga, La Caro Band and others. This recording truly smokes! It's on the Obanike Music label. It's worth searching for and picking up! Don't sleep on this one.