Mis Panas de Panama - The Happy Sound
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 
Add comment January 15th, 2010