Review By El Caobo
Originally Released: 1975
Remastered: 2007
Original Label: Alegre Records/Fania
Label: Fania/Emusica Records
It was a Friday when I first acquired the then newly remastered CD, Sabor, by Ángel Canales. I had also acquired several other CDs that day, but did not have time to listen to any of them. That particular weekend, I had planned finally to paint the outside trim around the windows of the house. So, early Saturday morning, when I took the painting supplies outside, I also took a "boom box" and the new CDs in order to listen to the newly obtained music while I painted.
About an hour into the job, my painting was interrupted by a telephone call from Mr. Walter Goodman of Emusica Records; who simply wanted to confirm that I had received the shipment of CDs. I told him that I had and that I was listening to them while I was painting. He told me which CDs he particularly liked and was adamant that I should listen to the track, Hace tiempo, on Ángel Canales' CD. He said that it was a "really hot song." As soon as the phone call ended, I grabbed that CD and placed it inside the "boom box."
Wow! From the very first song, I absolutely loved the entire CD! I agreed whole-heartedly with Walter's opinion of Hace tiempo and played it several times; at least 10 times, probably more! "Damn," I thought, "that song is one bad mother... shut yo' mouth!" The song made such an impression that even as I write this review, I can hear the chorus of the song in the back of my mind: "Ay, ay, ay, no me hagas padecer así" (don't make me suffer like this). What a tremendous track for the salsa dancer! I could hardly wait to play it to a salsa crowd and when I did so, the dance floor was steaming! The dancers absolutely loved it!
The fact is that the entire CD está que arde! The first track, yet another track for the salsa dancer, Sabor los rumberos nuevos, penned by Ángel Canales and initiated with the rákata of Aldemaro Luis Rivera's bongós, is essentially a descarga; in which Ángel introduces the group. From the beginning of this first track, you realize that Ángel Canales is very much a sonero like no other! Although this seems quite cliche, it is absolutely true. His, is a voice that many inveterate salsa lovers, such as user id PeachExploration of SalsaForums.com, would fall in love with and yearn to hear again and again! With his nasal, yet captivatingly appealing voice, he manages masterfully to extend certain notes of the brass. This is really a fantastic feat that you have to hear to appreciate. There are many, many great singers, but only a select few warrant the moniker of being truly "unique." Ángel Canales, however, certainly deserves such a moniker!
Perhaps, the most memorable track on this album, especially among los boricuas (Puerto Ricans), is Lejos de ti, also penned by Ángel Canales; in which he croons nostalgic verses and improvisations about Boriquen (term for the island of Puerto Rico; originally used by its indigenous Taíno Indians). In this guaguancó for the salsa dancer, Ángel conjures up the imagery of Loíza Aldea, El Viejo San Juan, Villa Palmeras, golden-brown cuchifritos on the grill, and a rich bomba and plena heritage. There is no wonder that this is a favorite of many who have experienced the very rich Puerto Rican culture!
At contemporary salsa dance venues, cha-cha-chá music and dance are preferred to change the pace and add some variety to the venue. So, dancers and DJs alike will love the fact that track two, Sol de mi vida, penned by Ángel Canales, is a great cha-cha-chá. It boasts a swinging piano solo by José Madrid, a remarkable saxophone solo by Emérito Benítez and also a very nice flute solo by Emérito. I could hardly wait to play this track for a dance crowd. When I did, they absolutely loved it!
There are two more exceptional tracks on this CD for the salsa dancer. However, since this review is already a bit long, I will only give the titles. Dancers and DJs cannot lose with Perico Macoñá, penned by Ángel Canales and about an out of control refer smoker, and El cantante y la orquesta. Both of these songs, undoubtedly, will fill the dance floor.
Sabor was Ángel's second recording. His first recording was with acclaimed pianist, Markolino Dimond, on the album Brujería, although Ángel did not share the credit on the album's cover.
Well, to sum it all up, Sabor contains five tracks that are sure to move the dance floor: Sabor los rumberos nuevos, Sol de mi vida, Perico Macoñá, Hace tiempo, and El cantante y la orquesta. So, a remarkable 5 out of 8 tracks are for the dancer! Dancers and DJs alike simply cannot go wrong with this CD!
It is with the utmost sincerity that I very highly recommend this CD.
Musicians:
Ángel Canales - band leader, lead singer
Juan Torres - trombone
Ricardo Montañez - trombone
Tom Malone - trompet
Emérito Benítez - baritone saxophone, flute
José Madrid - piano
Eddie Testo - bass
Gadier Quiñones - timbales
Aldemaro Luis Rivera - bongos
Tracklisting:
01. Sabor Los Rumberos Nuevos
02. Sol De Mi Vida
03. La Hiedra
04. Perico Macona
05. Hace Tiempo
06. Lejos De Ti
07. No Te Acostumbre
08. El Cantante Y La Orquesta
