Los
Jovenes Del BarrioLos
Jovenes Del Barrio
ES DIFERENTE
(Shanachie 66025)
Over the last couple of years there has been a slow return to the roots of what most people today call “Salsa”. Before it was fashionable to get back to the roots, Johnny Almendra and company were working hard at keeping the roots alive and well through what today has become Los Jovenes Del Barrio. The group, which originated at NYC’s Boy’s Harbor Conservatory, was originally put together to teach the rudimentary basics of the music in a workshop setting. Eventually the project grew into a working band with a steady weekly gig. Today it is one of the leading exponents of the charanga style.
ES DIFERENTE is the band’s fifth release, the first on the Shanachie label. It is the bands best effort to date. That is no easy task since the previous releases have been very good. Somehow though, Johnny and the band have managed to outdo themselves once again.
The band now fronts two female vocalists (Jillian & Maggie Ramos) and one male vocalist (Marco Bermudez). Marco brings to the mix a clarity that the listener will appreciate, while Maggie contributes a deeper, richer sensuous approach. Jillian is Jillian, simply stated she is one of the best female vocalists on the scene today. She can get funky, bluesy, jazzy or whatever without any warning.
On ES DIFERENTE the band puts out an array of the many different approaches to the charanga style they have in their book. They do it all with a little twist of funk and jazz mixed in with some contemporary Cuban rhythms. The band gets traditional as well on a couple of outstanding tunes, one being a tribute to the legendary Orquesta Aragon.
ES DIFERENTE is truly something different. Something created by musicians here in NYC and Cuba. It is a glimpse of what’s to come. Only you don’t have to wait to see what it’s all about. Just mosey on down to your local record shop and ask for it, now. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed…
Song titles include:
Artemisa To New York 4:05
Quisiera Ver (Que Rico Que Bueno) 5:33
Cosas Del Amor 5:44
Nuestro Tiempo De Amor 4:32
El Querendon 4:20
Blue You 5:46
Es Diferente 5:59
Quasi Danzon 4:10
Lo Que Te Gusta 5:07
Aragon Medley 9:38
El Finalito 5:44
Musicians include:
Johnny Almendra Percussion and musical direction
Kimson Plaut Piano
Victor Venegas Bass
John Berdeguer Conga
Karen Joseph Flute
William Campuzano Jr. Guiro
Ali Bello Strings
Sam Bardfeld Strings
Sarah Bernstein Strings
Rob Thomas Strings
Eddie Venegas Strings
Gregor Huebnor Strings
Marco Bermudez, Maggie Ramos & Jillian Vocals
Invited Guests: Marc Quinoñes Percussion (on cut 4,5,6,7,9)
Bobby Allende Percussion (on cut 4,7,9)
Lisandro Arias Piano (on cut 5,7,11)
Bernie Miñoso Bass (on cut 4,5,6,11)
Rob Mounsey Piano and organ (on cut 6)