Tommy Olivencia - Si Estas Herido
When Tommy Olivencia decided to record the legendary salsa album "Plante Bandera" he knew what he was doing.  There is a reason it is a classic and part of that is the cast he used.  With most songs on this cd being classics in their own right, there is something special about the tune 'Si Estas Herido'.  The arrangement was put together by mastermind Jose Febles while Chamaco Ramirez put the vocals down giving listeners a down to earth and genuine feel with his street savvy lyrics.  Bottom line, it is a feel good / dance good song... swinging all the way till the end.

Hector Rivera - Amalia Los Invita
This cooker comes from Hector Rivera's "The Return".  I have found that when this album comes up in discussion, the favorites are 'Guaguanco pa' los Pollitos' followed by 'La Lenguetera'.  After playing the cd straight through, my personal favorite ended up being Amalia Los Invita.  If you are not familiar with Rivera's work, just check out his arrangements for Joe Cuba or his solo albums which are quite popular among dancers.  If you like blaring trumpets, this is your cup of tea.

Spanish Harlem Orchestra - Danzon For My Father
You probably cant dance to this one although it does progress to a cha cha but there is something emotional about this piece.  It is off Spanish Harlem's third CD and is my favorite tune on the album.  Grammy winning pianist Oscar Hernandez does an outstanding job with his extended piano solo.  I chose this one for listeners to appreciate the musicianship.

La Sonora Ponceña - La Pobreza y Yo
A lot of people ask "what is a son montuno?"  This is your answer.  Who better than to illustrate the art than legendary pianist of La Sonora Ponceña's Papo Lucca.  This comes from the classic album 'Algo De Locura' with Luigi Texidor on vocals.  Just check it out and your questions will be answered.

Hector Lavoe - Alejate
I figured I would add a Lavoe classic to my first playlist... why not?  Well my choice is Alejate and if you know the tune, you definitely know why.  If not, I am here to convince you ;)  Lavoe's passionate voice, Willy Colon's genius production, Jose Febles' arrangement (remember the genius from Olivencia's 'Si Estas Herido'), and Gilberto "Pulpo" Colon's killer piano solo... all the ingredients of a great recipe.  I think the treat on this jam is the violin that comes in over the end of Pulpo's solo, an addition that Colon made against Febles' wishes.  DJs, you better follow this one up with a Cha Cha cause I am always drenched after dancing this one!

Chris' links;

www.themamboproject.com
www.lavozmagazine.com
www.hachaymachete.com

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