Customer Reviews

Aguzate

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have this CD and I just have to say that five of the eight songs it has, were hits at that time: "Aguzate", "amparo arrebato" (it paralized the traffic in Cali, Colombia, the first time he went to play it), "guaguanco raro", "traigo de todo" and "a mi manera" (the spanish version of "my way". In 1970 it was one of the most played songs in the latino radio stations).
My favorite is "Amparo Arrebato" (composed in honor to a beautiful colombian dancer). I recomend it.

This is an absolute must have! This 1970-released stone classic truly represents the essence of what 1970s New York Salsa was all about. Not only has this masterpiece stood the test of time incredibly well, it was the album that made Ricardo and Bobby bonafide Salsa superstars. Their subsequent releases on Vaya Records sold better but "Aguzate" is a CD you'll want to play REAL LOUD on your stereo system as it's an incredibly EXCITING, funky and rhythmic musical experience!!!

Recorded in 1970 before joining the alliance with Fania, but at the time still affiliated with Tico, I was a kid when I heard my father play this album. Of course, I was not understanding what great Salsa was at the time, and almost everybody (friends and relatives) had this one in their stacks. Someone in Jersey even had it on an 8-track! (Hard to believe, huh?) The title track starts things off and sets the mood the right way, with Miguelito Collazo belting out the last moments on timbales to the end. "Amparo Arrebato" tells it like it is, to the boys' version of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" (Richie and Bobby do a nice touch to it). "Guaguanco Raro" rips just like "Aguzate" does, but don't get me wrong, it doesn't end here. "Traigo De Todo" (don't confuse this with Ismael Rivera's version of the same title) tells the resume of Richie Ray's career. "Soul and Inspiration" is done right, like the Righteous Brothers, but with a Latin tinge to make it interesting. The final song "A Mi Manera (My Way)" written by Paul Anka, may bring the listener (or sufferer of a broken heart) to tears, so you have been warned. I forgot to say this was the final recording with Alegre before transferring to Vaya / Fania for "El Bestial Sonido De Ricardo Ray Y Bobby Cruz", which also yielded the title track (recommended).

This has got to be one of the best recordings ever made in the Salsa genre.Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz are in top form here. This was one of their last albums on the Alegre label and one of the last recordings they made with the New York based band. Doc Cheatham and Chapparo,the best trumpet players the band ever had are in full audio display here. Make no mistake this is a Monster salsa recording! The band is simply killer and no wonder it was such a favorite among dancers.If you're just into listening you're in for a treat. Mr. Ray has such swing in his playing that his solos are breathtaking if you can keep up. The title track is worth it just by itself,but then there is also Guanguanco raro,Amparao arrebato and more. This was one of the albums that defined Salsa in the 70's. Simply Amazing!