Maraca
DESCARGA TOTAL!
(Ahí-Namá)


Orlando "Maraca" Valle writes on the dedication to his latest release "[t]o all the dancers in the world whose contagious joy has brought life to Cuban music and all it's rhythms. To the enthusiasts of mambo, the danzon, guajira, son, descarga, Cuban jazz, afro, paca, pilon, Cuban rap, and salsa. As you listen to this CD, we want you to dance to the rhythm..." and we could'nt say it any better. This CD will most definitely keep the dancer on the floor stepping to just about every Cuban rhythmic pattern. If you dance on 1 or 2, it doesn't matter. This one is for the dancer in you!



Dominic
MI GRAN SUEÑO
(Sony/Prestigio)


This is just the second release, the first on Sony/Presitigio, for this young vocalist. Dominic knows how to deliver a song and has a very good voice that makes his delivery that much more satisfying. Produced by pianist, arranger Ricky Gonzalez, MI GRAN SUEÑO is a sure-shot winner for Dominic and Presitigio Records. There's a little bit of everything for the listener from Salsa sensual to Latin Pop. Most of the arrangements are penned by Ricky Gonzalez and Angel Fernandez, who are both currently working with Marc Anthony and happen to be two of the hippest arrangers on the scene today.


Various Artists
VIVA CUBOP 2
(CuBop)


This is a very good sampler of what's available on Ubiquity's CuBop label. There are tracks from the latest Dave Pike, Marlon Simon, Bobby Matos, Snowboy, Ray Armando, Jazz On The Latin Side All Stars, and Babatunde Lea releases. In addition there are tracks from Arturo Sandoval, Jack Costanzo, Grupo X, and Afroshock. There are twelve tracks in all that give the listener a little taste on some of the latest music on the label.


 - George Rivera


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