Search - Cortijo Y Su Combo :: Canta Ismael Rivera / Justos Otra Vez

A great introduction to one of Puerto Rico's most prolific c

Enrique Fernandez Roberts | Washington, DC | 08/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Cortijo, the combo leader of this Puerto Rican band, reunites with singer Ismael Rivera to sing some of their classics. This album sizzles with tremendous sounds, thundering horns and classic old school purely improvised Soneos by none other than Ismael Rivera, the best sonero in history.



Ismael Rivera is one of those singers who had more influence in Latin music than he is given credit for. Often overlooked, Maelo was called "El Sonero Mayor" by many people, including Celia Cruz.



The album features the best of the styles of music that would be merged in the late 1970's into Salsa. This is salsa's roots at it's best, played with passion and flavor. Music styles present here include Bomba, Plena, and Son.



This album features the original version of "el Negro bembon", a song that discusses the racism that has continued to plague what is an otherwise egalitarian island.



El Bombon de Elena is a tasty morsel of classic old style sexual innuendo, a plena filled with several rhyming soneos.





Those seeking a connection between Puerto Rican music and it's afrocentric roots will love the plays on call and response on this album. This is a true classic album performed by the best of the best."