Customer Reviews

Only They Could Have Made This Album

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If you are a follower of Willie Colón, you know what he is capable of and how tight his band has always been. Now, add Celia Cruz to the equation; Cuba's greatest "sonera", and the results should be amazing.

Well, it happened in three ocassions(1977, 1981 and 1987). By far, the first effort ("Only they could have made this album") is the best example of what these two legends could accomplish together. Hardcore "salsa" numbers like "Usted abusó", "Zambullete", "Dulce habanera" and "Rinkinkalla", along with excellent songs like "Todos somos iguales" (listen to Willie, Milton and José on coros), "A papá" and "Burundanga" make this album a "must have" for any serious "salsa" fan.

I bought this recording years ago and then lost it. I had never been able to find it again for some reason. But of course Amazon had it. So I ordered it. This rocks. Not one bad song in the bunch. Celia, we will miss you. Only you could have made this music.

Celia Cruz was the heart and soul of salsa. She stood above all. Trombonist Willie Colon was a foremost arranger and producer. Here he blends four horns, four percussions, guitar, piano, bass, and voices into textures of Afro-Latin rhythm and blues, pop, and jazz. She covers it with polish, charm and charisma. He creates mood and nuance. She personifies each with distinction.

The first three songs establish the session's framework. She opens in a medium tempo, then accelerates to warp speed, retaining sharp clarity, and eases into a slower pace to the warm accompaniment of guitar."Zambullete" starts casually, the queen taking command with her trademark shout, and driving hard to the finish over the relentless pulse of bass and rhythm ensemble. "Tu Y Las Nubes" follows, its mellow tone again lending effective contrast. Her exchanges with the chorus in "Pun Pun Cantalu" are playful. She is coy and provocative, fast and furious. Joy and fun abound. She imparts a serious message in "Todos Somos Iguales", where power lies in its restraint and simplicity. The romantic "Rinkinkalla" is sweet.

The lyrics are in Spanish; although I am not fluent, the message rang clearly. Two accomplished artists, at their best, gave us a gem.

Most of us who grew up around Salsa most of our lives knows how good it is when we hear it. Willie Colon, who had legendary recordings with the late Hector LaVoe, honed his craft with the late Guarachera De Cuba Celia Cruz to perfection. The album starts with the hard-hitting "Usted Abuso", and does not let up. Hell, I recommend the whole album because the salsa on it is fast and furious! One of the Greatest that Vaya / Fania had ever offered. My other favorites are "Dulce Habanera", "Pun Pun Catalu", and "Zambullete". This album does not quit! This is "El Malote" (from my hometown of The Bronx New York) at his best with La Reina De La Salsa (Queen Of Salsa). Once you hear it, you will know why! Celia Cruz would pass away from cancer in 2003. Her husband Pedro Knight would also pass away later from a long illness. Also recommended: Celia & Johnny, Celia and Willie "Winners, "Eternos" and "La Ceiba" with La Sonora Poncena.