Out of Curacao (Salsa really is everywhere…) comes this gem of salsa bliss. Salsa Superdinamica is the name of the group and this album ‘Superdynamic’ on the Discolor/Kubaney label has some of my all time favorite songs. These are absolutely ‘killer’ tunes, but not because they are fast or really ‘duro’, but maybe because they are exactly not…! They are groovy and flavorful and peppered with spicy musical details all over. I really like mid to slow tempo groovers like these that just make you feel the music more and more as the song progresses.
This group Salsa Superdinamica is directed by Romeo Heye, with amazing piano by Eddy Mar, timbales and excellent vocals by Mr. Babaloe, Hubert Martina on bongo, cuerdas and campana, Mr. Icho on vocals and guiro, Pruddy Ferdinand on trumpet, Pablo Cadena on sax and flute and Juan Miraya on trombone.
- Mi Corazon Te Olvidara is one of my all time favorites and a perfect song to bring it all down and groovy and feel the music with your gut… Right in the pocket piano solo by Mr. Eddy Mar and sung with flavor and passion by Mr. Babaloe (or is it Mr. Icho?).
- Sin Sonar is a nice dancefloor mid tempo salsa track. Love the breaks.
- Un Amigo Como Tuis a song that is loved for its lyrics, starting off as a yambu and getting into a nice swing later on.
Several other songs on this album are nice and swinging Salsas too, very enjoyable album from start to finish.
My heart will never forget this one,
- Guachi
February 8th, 2010
Panama is a great country located just in the middle of Latin America, which is the perfect melting pot for all kinds of musical influences be it from north america, south america or the caribbean and africa. Very few artists from Panama became famous outside of Panama, the only ones were those that relocated to the US, especially to New York. Menique, Azuquita and especially Ruben Blades who is a true legend of salsa.
This is about a small group or combo as they are often called in Panama. The national combos were many and many did not even get to record an album. Often were they poor and expensive pianos were replaced by cheaper guitars for the main montunos and that is for many the signature sound of panamanian salsa!
This is also the case for this group called “The Happy Sound” (gotta love that name!) on the Loyola records label, though in addition they’ve got a monstrous organ to their sound which they use to great effect! The album is full of great songs, of which three are salsa songs, the rest being a full spectrum of songs and rhythms. There is something here for everyone who loves creative and playful music!
Highlights for salseros:
- Con El Pecho I’m a big fan of legendary El Gran Combo from Puerto Rico and this is a cover of their song “Por El Pecho No”, but they totally make it their own with a unique sound and approach. The organ is lovely and the break in the middle is what keeps us salseros smiling! The voice and flavor of the singer is also lovely and really takes you on that trip.
- Is Colo is another sweet and crazy number. Is Colo or Sicolo or whatever, this is a sweet guaguanco beautifully sung and ready for any occasion. Works great on any dance floor filled with couples dancing Salsa!
- Laope is also a twister. This time it is a cover of the song Pelao. This was also made popular by Ralfi Pagan for Fania records and a number of other versions exist too, but none with this flavor and “organic” sound. Smooth!
For anyone who wants to get a glimpse into the vast musical material from Panama, I can’t recommend enough the compilations Panama! Vol 1, Vol 2 and Vol 3. They are all excellently compiled and remastered by Soundway.
Happy New Salsa Year!
- Guachi 
January 15th, 2010
