Angelina y Sus Latinos
You know, it is funny how often I’ve come across great salsa from Mexico, especially considering that when I first got into salsa I heard so many places “Mexican music is NOT salsa!”. However, as they say “Mejico tiene su Salsa tambien, caramba!”.
This is a very special record for me and one that I bought long time ago but only recently have been feeling it more and more.
Angelina Meza Hernandez is the leader of this group. From 1977 on the mexican Son-Art label this is Angelina’s first recording and possibly only recording of Salsa.
I first heard about this group from dj Little Danny of Office Naps fame and this is also who sold me this great record. Check out office naps too!
The sound here has a typical mexican flavor of afro-cuban music, similar to other mexican groups such as Los Yimbola Combo, Sonora Vera Cruz etc. This is a two trumpet, two saxes combo with piano, bass, timbales and percussion.
There’s some really culo-kicking songs that has me dancing wildly around in my ‘casa’ here!
- Sun Sun Babae is the bomb of a version of this classic classic tune penned originally by Rogelio Martinez from Cuba. What hits me, in addition to the high energy of this song is the amazingly addictive harmony of the coro. Not only have they cool harmony but style and sabor too! Singer Julio Pena also does an excellent job. Sweet piano work from Manuel “Manzanita” Diaz, kickin’ timbales from Julio Pena.
I love the execution of the breaks in this tune. This is one of the best best versions of Sun Sun Babae I have heard and always takes the party to another level… “Rica Papi!”
The song in its original version is very very fast, but it works really well slowed down for a full social dance floor as well!
- Ocana Sordi is another old classic cuban(?) tune that seems popular with mexican latin musicians. Julio Pena handles the soneos really well and this is where the song takes off. Love the piano solo from Manuel Diaz here too.
- Oye Lo Que Te Conviene is labeled as “Bolero Ritmico” but I think this is definitely more “Ritmico” than “Bolero”! As you guessed it this is another take on Eddie Palmieri’s famous tune. This one is very different though and is not as fast nor as long as Eddie’s version. Therefore also much easier to make work any time for a full dance floor. What really makes this version shine is the voice and sabor of singer Santa Luna. She really takes me away. Also, sweet breaks and a mid tempo is perfect for a full Salsa dance floor anytime.
- La Hija de Lola I think this song deserves honorable mentions too, it is quite a different take on Charlie Palmieri’s famous La Hija de Lola (a long time favorite of mine). Though it is not really possible to come close to Charlie’s version, that is simply untouchable! Still a nice listen this version.
Musicians:
Jesus Morales - Trumpet
Esteban Casas - Trumpet
Alberto Ramirez - Also-Sax
Genaro Jimenez - Tenor-Sax
Manuel Diaz “Manzanita” - Piano
Manuel Campos - Bass
Julio Pena - Timbales and singer
Angelina Meza - Conga and singer and director
Bertha Gamez - Percussion and singer
Santa Luna - Percussion and singer
Rica Papi,
- Guachi
4 comments October 17th, 2009