Tropical Music Lover's Dream
Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 05/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you've never heard of Julio Ernesto Estrada Rincon, aka "Fruko," you have missed out on one of Colombia's masters. A musician, bandleader, composer and arranger he has helped shape the careers of many Latino international stars including "Sonora Dinamita". This guy is a legend and rightfully so. His music is about Colombia and the wonderful dance music that is played there, including Mambo, Pachanga and Salsa. This is happy music that takes twists and turns weaving tales of lovers' deceits and the hardships that life can throw your way. Like most Greatest Hits packages this has most of his best music. The problem is his career has spanned nearly three decades so another volume has been added! The massive hit "El Preso"(The Prisoner) was a hit all over Latin America and tells the feelings someone locked up has with death awaiting him. Depressing subject but a great dance tune or just listening to for that matter. "El Pantillero" (Watermellon Seller) is about a vendor's hardships encountered on a bad day. Here the subject matter is treated humorously, but it doesn't matter what these guys sing about as the catch is the beat and smokey vocals. If you like poly-rhythmic percussion, horns and fabulous vocals set to a sizzling Latin beat. This is a must have CD. Great high energy music that does not allow one to sit still. A great introduction to one of the best musicians (plays piano, guitar and bass) to come out of Medillin and arrange some of the most soulful music for the world to enjoy. If you like this, you may want to find some of the original CD's, although they are hard to find in some markets. A superb collection for fans and novices alike."
Great Sample of Colombian Salsa
Enrique Torres | 07/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fruco y sus Tesos were on the best Colombian salsa recording groups back in the 70's. Their music filled every household and was loudly played at every party. (If you like this CD, you should check out any of Joe Arroyo's recordings - the group's main vocalist). This CD is full of vibrant music. It includes the group's best recordings: El Prisionero (a sad but well done song), El Patillero (a funny story about a street vendor), and El Cocinero Mayor (it will make you hungry!). Actually, every song in this CD sounds fantastic! If you grew up in Colombia, this CD will bring back your younger years. If you did not grow up in Colombia, this CD will make you dance even if you didn't think you couldn't dance!. Fruco y sus Tesos is a MUST have in any CD library."
If you like salsa this is a must have CD
Enrique Torres | 08/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In my opinion Fruko y sus tesos is the best salsa group ever.In the past they were on colombia's top charts. They have salsa'a greatest classics such as El preso wich is a nice song telling you about the feeling to be locked in a cell with no contact with other people,and a great song to dance to.And El patillero a great song about a watermelon seller. If you like Fruko y sus tesos I suggest you checkout Joe arroyo and groupo niche they also are big one's in colombia."