Customer Reviews

Salsa Talks: A Musical Heritage Uncovered

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

 

 

I saw this book for the first time on the living room table of a friend's house. I couldn't wait to get my own copy. If you've ever danced salsa, listened to it, or studied its origins, you'll want to own your own copy, too. The book delivers portraits of over 40 outstanding people who were instrumental in making salsa what it is today. Musicians, promoters, managers, writers and others are featured in interviews, very high quality photographs and essays. Some have passed away, others no longer perform. So it is this work that keeps the memory of them alive. The publication is very timely as salsa today is at a crossroads. The creation of this permanent record of salsa's history will enable those who follow the great artists of the 70's and 80's to maintain a connection to the culture. This book is also an excellent historical resource with articles from writers, music historians and musicologists. Very Highly Recommended

It is huge, it is intense, it is beautiful. The interviews capture all the richness of the world of 'salsa' from the artists themselves, and the photographs alone would have made a great book.

Don't bother with second-hand semi-accurate 'journalism' from self-appointed experts - get this book. It's the real thing.

An abridged book about one on one interesting, controversial, and at times hilarious interviews with Salsa artists, some who have truly contributed to the history of Salsa. With her book, Mary Kent helps you to grasp how Salsa was formed. Some sketchy interviews by some of the artists, but SALSA TALKS makes for a wonderful table book. A must-read. I'm Waiting for part two!

Salsa Talks!: A Musical Heritage Uncovered by Latin music expert and enthusiast Mary Kent is a veritable "who's who" focusing on the men and women associated with the Afro-Caribbean music called "Salsa" which is rooted in the Cuban culture and revamped in the barrios of New York City. Here are noted band leaders, musicians, arrangers, singers, producers, promoters, and Salsa experts ranging from songwriter, journalist and musicologist Tite Curet Alonzo; to pianist, composer, arranger, founder of the Cuban group Irakere Chucho Valdes; to band leader, Apollo Sound, percussionist, dancer, Fania All Star Roberto Roena. Profusely illustrated throughout, Salsa Talks! is a 416-page hardcover coffee table book that is enhanced with a three level index, an extensive biography, a glossary, and Mary Kent's own picks for a Salsa musicians "Hall of Fame". A strongly recommended addition for academic and community library American Music History collections, all Salsa music enthusiasts will want to simply browse through the pages of Salsa Talks!: A Musical Heritage.