Top Salsa-Latin Jazz-Afro Cuban Music Picks 2012

Hi Everyone, the following are my picks for the best recordings of 2012.  I focus on Salsa, Latin Jazz and Afro-Cuban music which is presented on my radio program "Con Sabor" on Saturday evenings from 9 to 11 pm on KPFA 94.1 FM.  I've enjoyed sharing these recordings with you on my program.  I hope that you pick up one of these titles for your collection.   I wish you Happy Holidays!

ARTIST/TITLE/LABEL

EDDIE MONTALVO “DESDE NUEVA YORK A PUERTO RICO” - SENOR MARCHA

CHEO FELICIANO/RUBEN BLADES “EBA SAY AJA” - ARIEL RIVAS MUSIC

RALPH IRRIZARY Y LOS VIEJOS DE LA SALSA “VIEJOS PERO SABROSOS” - BKS

LA EXCELENCIA “ECOS DEL BARRIO” - HANDLE WITH CARE

SANTIAGO ALL STARS “JOYA Y RAREZA” - HASBUN PRODUCTIONS

MARLOW ROSADO Y LA RIQUENA “RETRO” - PINK CHAOS

CUBANA ALL STARS “A DREAM COME TRUE” - VCM

BAILATINO “ANIVERSARIO” - PRODUCE KORTA

SEPTETO SANTIAGUERO “VAMOS PA' LA FIESTA” - PICAP

PACIFIC MAMBO ORCHESTRA “PMO” - PACIFIC MAMBO

ALEXANDER ABREU/HAVANA D'PRIMERA “PASAPORTE” - BIS

PAPO VASQUEZ “OASIS” - PICARO

WILSON CHEMBO CORNIEL “AFRO BLUE MONK” - CHEMBORO

CHARANSALSA “PA'L MI PUEBLO” - CHARANSALSA

TOP RELEASES FROM LATE 2011 INTO 2012

VARIOUS SONO SONO TITE CURET - BANCO POPULAR

MICHAEL STUART “TRIBUTO A LOUIE RAMIREZ” - RLM

NG LA BANDA MIS 22 ANOS - BIS

El Gran Combo visits...

This Saturday, December 15th, the iconic El Gran Combo visits the San Francisco Bay Area celebrating their 50th Anniversary at Cafe Cocomo.  This group that was created by members of Rafael Cortijo's orquesta back in 1962 brings their trademark sound that has launched a galaxy of hits throughout their illustrious career.  Their leader, pianist/musical director Rafael Ithier will conduct the Combo but has stopped performing live as their pianist a number of years ago (the esteemed pianist/producer Willie Sotelo has taken Ithier's place in live performance).  Their front line of vocalists Charlie Aponte, Jerry Rivas (who took over Andy Montanez's place back in the 70's) and Papo Rosario have been performing as a team since that time.  The band has always been a tight unit who performs with precision, style and fire.  This is the classic Rolls Royce of Salsa from Puerto Rico but always with the love and heart of their public fueling this classic hit making machine.