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Retro Music Scene
Going Latin in Manhattan
Latin Music 1960's - 1970's

 

From really good food at Latin bistros like "Ideya" on West Broadway in Soho, to Weds night salsa at "Joe's Pub" in the Public Theater Building on Lafayette St., Latin culture has been making a big impact on the scene today, and an integral part of that culture is its music.

Now remember the following albums are all organic, (real musicians) recorded on analog equipment & pressed onto vinyl. The music puts emphasis on the musicians as a whole unlike in todays music scene where everybody seems to have contracted "L.V." (Lead vocalist) syndrome, not much is put into the solo's and the groove.
So if you can find these gems, you will not be disappointed!

 

 

Artist: Celia Cruz
Album: Canciones Premiadas
Label: Palladium Records, Barcelona Spain 1960's

If you dig Latin Jazz and the roots of salsa this is a record that should be in your music library, provided you can score a copy.

 

 

Artist: Ray Barretto
Album: Latino
Label: Riverside records 1960's
Album: Charanga Moderna
Label: Tico Records 1960's

The madman on congas Ray Barretto and his Charanga Orchestra. Before "SALSA" there was "PACHANGA" and the bands were called "CHARANGA BANDS".
What's the difference you say? Well in Charanga they substitute violins for the saxophones,trumpets,and trombones of salsa. They also make important use of vocals (solo or group) and of a flute soloist. Remember there's loads of drums, timbales, congas, bongoes thrown in as well.

 

 

Artist: Lebron Brothers Orchestra
Album: Psychedelic Goes Latin
Label: Cotique 1971

Never a dull moment from this tight little band from start to finish.
One of my very favored albums. if you can't dance you better get your toes ready, because they'll be tapping until they're sore!

 

 

Artist: Various
Album: Jerry Masucci presents Salsa Greats Vol. 1 and 2
Label: Fania 1977-78

The Godfather of Salsa Jerry Masucci founder of Fania records put together these two albums. Salsa at it's best. Musicians from the late fifties and thru the sixties have reached thier prime and the music say's it all!!!! Artist like Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Willie Colon, Johnny Pacheco to name a few.....
Special mention to you guys out there into jazz and funk, give this compilation series a good listen.

 

DJ Alex Camu - alexcamu@models.com
Resident DJ - Belmont Lounge (Thurs. nights)
Resident DJ - Avenue A Sushi (Tues. nights)
P.S. A lot of thanx to Jonathan @ Giant Step Records for all the vinyl for my gigs.

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