Tommy Olivencia is lifting me up.

I'm listening to the salsariffic sounds of Tommy Olivencia on my headphones.  Furious conga solo dancing in my head through my trusty Sony phones.  Horn section converging within into the jumpin' descarga.  A timbales solo racing in front of a swinging big band.  It's being a rough day...things not together..misunderstandings...heated words...tense..momentary setbacks but setbacks nonetheless.  Tommy was celebrating his 40th Anniversary with PR all stars: Paquito Guzman, Sammy Gonzalez, Hector Tricoche, former Bay Area resident Melvin Martinez, Lalo Rodriguez and Gilberto Santa Rosa. Taking me to the dance floor in my studio..big band salsa mania a la puerto rico...they don't fool around with the salsa in p.r..  Afincado!!!  Bad day going away...Tommy reminds me of la salsa de verdad!  We got to remind everyone that this music still exists.  Chillin' now.

Septeto Santiaguero - Son Sublime!

El Septeto Santiaguero have put out a new recording "Vamos Pa La Fiesta" that is a beautiful testament to the Cuban Son.  This compositions are classic but not tired relics of an authentic form of music.  The music is full of excitement, joy, regret, sadness and the gamut of emotions that reflect life's experiences.  Septeto Santiaguero are not as well known as other groups that perform the Cuban son but this recording may be their big breakthrough.  Not only are they incredible musicians and singers whose vocal timbres and phrasing invoke the spirit of Cuni, Barroso, Valdes and Piniero.  They also feature special guest collaborations from guests such as Ruben Blades, Cheo Feliciano, Jose Alberto "El Canario"and percussionist extraordinare Luisito Quintero.  The result is a rich listening experience which transports you to the island where the Son is a respected national treasure that keeps evolving with every new generation.  You can feel the energy as this solid group performs Son with a certain heartfelt afinque that is truly their own.  I had the opportunity to catch them live at last year's Tempo Latino festival in France where they tore it up!  This recording should open doors for this fine group.