The following articles are a brief outlook of the carrer of Gilberto Velez, Stay tuned as we present this and many more articles about the History of Latin Music and the carrer of SON 9

 

Thank you

The Writer…



Bottom of Form

Johnny Ortiz

Sabor De Rumba
CD (Brayan Records 46822), Released 2005;
Editor’s Pick:
           The compositions of Johnny Ortiz are nearing legendary status. Some his classics are numbers like

“Catalina La O” — made popular by Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez,

“Ojos” by Rubén Blades & Willie Colón,

“No se compara” interpreted by Frankie Ruiz with Tommy Olivencia’s orchestra and

“Ritmo del Corazón” — from the 1988 Grammy winning album of the same title by Ray Barretto and Celia Cruz.

Ortiz fronted his own band called “Taibori” which, in 1979, sported a young vocalist named Tito Nieves. Comprised of eight superb arrangements by Eric Figueroa, José Febles, Marty Sheller and Nelson “Gazu” Jaime, Sabor De Rumba exudes a pared down purity that reveals the essential flavor and drive that manifests in only the best salsa. I even found myself liking the english track “Latin New Yorker” (arranged by Marty Sheller) — and I’m not usually a big fan of salsa in english. This time it actually works. And with the robust, on-the-money, vocals provided by Alexa and Gilberto Vélez,

this one, folks, is a classic in waiting.


DJ Alert. A must-have.
Very Highly Recommended. (BP, 2005-09-25)
Song titles include:
Coplas Del Coqui 4:41
Sabor De Rumba 5:03
Fiesta De Barrio 6:33
Corazon, Corazon 4:50
Pueblos Hermanos 4:09
Latin New Yorker 5:44
Ritmo Sombogo 5:06
Music From The Heart 4:10
Category: Salsa/Son => Salsa
Shipping Value: 1
ORDER TL-21394.10 CD $16.98

 

 

 



Bottom of Form

Ray Rodríguez Y Swing Sabroso

Baila Con Swing Sabroso
CD (World Stage Records WSR00007), Released 2006;
Editor’s Pick:
Another end-of-summer 2006 surprise: a first-class salsa project that will keep the dancers on the floor. Sax/flute player and bandleader Ray Rodriguez has virtually guaranteed a high-caliber project with the assistance of seasoned arrangers like Willie Rodriguez, Oscar Hernandez, Jose Febles and Paquito Pastor.
This one has a finely-crafted, thoroughly professional polish to these hard-driving salsa tracks. The sparkling pure salsa cover track, “Baila Con Swing Sabroso,” arranged by Oscar Hernandez, will most certainly blow the roof off the joint. This track’s a big first-pick DJ Alert. There’s also a classy cha cha chá (”Ay Que Frio” by José Fajardo) and the superb mambo jazz “Tribute to TP” arranged by Willie Ruiz. Be sure to also check out the Johnny Ortiz composition “La Rumba Que Te Cura” and the fabulous, nearly 8 minute, Ray Barretto tribute medley which includes “Vive y Vacila,” “Bam Bam Quere” and “Manos Dura.” Terrific vocals by Gilberto Velez Jr.. With some high profile guests like Pablo “Chino” Nuñez, Pequeño Johnny Rivero, Dave Valentin, Ray Vega, Hectór Máximo Rodríguez and others. This one has been spending lots of time on my CD player. This one, folks, is…
Very Highly Recommended. (BP, 2006-09-04)
Song titles include:
Lo Que Quiero Es Cantar 4:39
You’re My Everything 4:39
Baila Con Swing Sabroso 4:08
Ay Que Frio 4:50
Song For TP (Tito Puente) 5:09
Legado 4:55
Amar Y Vivir 3:08
La Rumba Que Te Cura 4:32
Barretto Medley - A. Vive Y Vacila; B. Bam Bam Quere; C. Manos Dura 7:48