Salsa with Damiron and Lydia
The unexpected find is a major thrill for us record diggers. Maybe it is even the main thrill we live for…
This album from Damiron y Su Orquesta with Lydia Sosa singing is exactly such a find. I knew it had to have something interesting, but was very surprised to find myself blown away by this recording! It is exactly something a little different but also superbly sabroso that I am looking for. Released on the Nota record label in what I would guess is the late 60s or early 70s it is a most interesting recording, because Damiron of Damiron y Chapuseaux fame is more known for his earlier work in mambo, pachangas and merengues from the 50s-60s.
The sounds on this piece of vinyl wonder is definitely a raw old school salsa with great swing and groove. The voice of Lydia Sosa is simply outstanding and her delivery goosebumps me all the time. It reminds me of the style of recordings such as the early recordings of Roberto Roena with Piro Montilla on vocals and the first recording of Danny Gonzalez y Su Orquesta Sensacional on the Astro label and early Tommy Olivencia. Though the distinct voice of Lydia and the always present piano of Damiron makes this recording have a special place in my heart.
Filled with great cuts I’d like to highlight my favorites:
- Anabacoa What a storming version of this classic cuban tune. Delivered with fantastic flavor and swing. Immediately another top five version of this tune. Lydia Sosa is presenting herself as being of salsa diva potential here and I wonder why she didn’t make it further as a sonera/salsera. This version reminds me also of the much older version recorded by Damiron y Chapuseaux. One detail that I love is how the coro perfectly matches and amplifies Lydias main voice (”Arroz con Piccadillo…”). The whole thing is topped with a swinging piano solo by Damiron.
- Oye Mi Piano Definitely a very fast paced song for the average salsero, but a really sweet tune and one that is a dream for latin jazz dancers!
- Moderno Guaguanco What a sweet and swinging guaguanco with a groove that is right in the pocket for dancing. Kick ass breaks and buildup into another sweet piano moment from Damiron!
- Que Dios Me Ayude is yet another sweet dream of a guaguanco… The delivery of this one by Lydia Sosa just sweeps me off my feet and onto the dance floor to kick up a storm (on2!).
- Ay Cosita Linda is an uptempo swinging salsa tune also this one with a sabroso piano solo from Damiron.
- Hasta Pa Morirse Hay Tiempo is yet another swinging salsa…
- Tres Lindas Cubanas Is a sweet version of this cuban standard, nothing fancy, but still a nicely done montuno that should work well on any salsa floor
There is also a nice instrumental version of the danzon Almendra.
I just could not resist showing both the front and back cover, because I think the back cover is miles better and more interesting than the front cover! Consequently I also think this album could have had greater impact if it was released with the covers reversed!
Para disfrutar y gozar,
- Guachi
1 comment May 29th, 2009