Customer Reviews

Concepts in Unity

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Originally released in 1975, this timeless album is a Salsa masterpiece in every way--I'd personally go as far as saying that it's THE most important Salsa recording ever. Why? These legendary musicians took Salsa's Afro-Cuban and Afro-Puerto Rican roots to the forefront in a way no other artist had ever done previously. Guaguancos, rumbas, descargas and other Afro-Cuban-derived rhythms are all included here. "Cuba Linda", "Choco's Guajira", "Anabacoa" and "Iya Modupue" are glorious masterpieces yet to be equalled. Manny Oquendo, Jerry Gonzalez and Andy Gonzalez (and some other musicians featured here)would go on to form the equally-superb Conjunto Libre several years after recording this masterpiece. INDISPENSABLE!!!

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HEARD ANABACOA AND IT BLEW MY MIND!!! EVERY CUT IS MADE WITH FLAVOR, SEASONING, AND DISCIPLINE.

This CD is just as good as its great 1975 vynil 2-Lps set predecessor. I'm sure fans were glad to see this re-issue. The best latin american musicians in the 1970's NYC scene gathered for this historical recording. Seasoned veterans like Manny Oquendo, Alfredo "Chocolate"Armenteros, Virgilio Marti, Gonzalo Fernandez, etc. along with a cast of then rookie latin musicians made this one of the best selling albums of the 70's. A must have for all afro-cuban and latin music fans!

This album stands alone in the Salsa field because of the excellent mixture of Jazz, Puerto Rican, and Cuban rhythms, with Africa being the "abuelo" (grandfather), of them all. The opening cut, (Cuba Linda), will force you to fasten your salsa seatbelt and go along for one of the best musical rides of your life. It opens with the rumberos jammin' into the main melody, with the lead singer setting you up for what comes next. Chocolate's trumpet takes over, while, at the same time, Manny Oquendo's timbale cowbells go into overdrive, launching the musicians into high gear. The jam goes on until it reaches it's glorious conclusion. Let me tell you, this whole album is a masterpiece and belongs in the catalogue of every Salsa lover. But don't take my word for it, listen to it for yourself, you won't be disappointed. Highly recommended.