5.0 out of 5 stars
Smokin' hot. Almost perfect., July 6, 2011
This review is from: Coming Out (Audio CD)
I initially bought this album because the title has Ray Barretto's name on it. After reading the credits, I found out Ray did not play in a single beat of this album. Good for us though, he was not needed. The album is as close to perfect as can be. "Tirabuzon" although starts off a bit slow, picks up nicely with a rare drum "conversation" of timbales, congas and bongo. "Como Borinquen Ninguna" is a great tribute to Cruz' native land of Puerto Rico, which is described beautifully and perfectly (this coming from a Puerto Rican also.) "Si los Rumberos Me Llaman" is an explosion of flavor and Luisito Rodriguez does a fantastic job on vocals. With the exception of the bolero "Vanidad", every song here is just smokin' and top notch. The best way I can describe this album's sound is a crazy mix of early Roena, Willie Rosario, and Barretto's music. I can think of few albums that deserve a 5 star more than this one. This album is an absolute MUST for any salsa fan.
Included in the CD's liner notes is a review by the late great Tite Curet Alonso when he was a writer for VEA Magazine.
So fantastic I feel the need to credit the musicians (which are sadly ignored way too much):
Louie Cruz/ Piano, Luisito Rodriguez/ Lead vocals & Chorus, Edwin Montalvo/ Congas, Victor Cruz/ Bongos, Johnny Castro/ Timbales, Eddie "guagua" Rivera/ Bass, Lewis Kahn/ Trombone, Hector "Bomberito" Zarzuela/ Trumpet, Mario Rivera/ Baritone Sax, Pete "el Conde" Rodriguez & Ray Castro/ Chorus
Arrangements: Louie Cruz
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