SON CAFE' WITH RALPH IRIZARRY - TRIBUTO (2006)
Ralph Irizarry Leader, timbal
Jorge Maldonado Lead vocals
Elsa Ozuna Lead vocals
Ray Martinez
Bass
Edwin Sanchez Piano
Richie Viruet
Trumpet
Adalberto Santiago
Guest vocalists
Pedro Brull Guest vocalists
Manuel Ruiz Trumpet
Bobby Allende Congas, bongo
Luisito Orbegoso Coro
Rolando De Los Reyes Coro
Guests
Eddie Zervigon
Flute
Willie Torres minor percussion
Tributo
Sonora Matancera Medley
Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez Medley
Cha Cha Cha Medley
Tommy Olivencia Medley
La Lupe Medley
Charlie Palmieri Medley
Ray Barretto Medley
Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez (Radio Mix)
La Lupe (Radio Mix)
Ray Barretto (Radio Mix)
more tracks can be heard on Vinilemania's Radio Channels
review by Bruce Polin - courtesy www.descarga.com
Here's an interesting CD, complete with vision and the talent to bring it to fruition. The opening track, "Tributo" (co-written by Irizarry and Lino Iglesias) explains it clearly: What follows is a loving and highly jammin' tribute to legendary salsa singers and orchestras that have passed. The next seven tracks are extended medleys of the best known material by La Sonora Matancera, Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez, Tommy Olivencia, La Lupe, Charlie Palmieri and Ray Barretto. Irizarry has no trouble keeping the flame stoked. Remember, this timbalero joined Barretto's band in '77 and hasn't slowed down since. Barretto veterans Adalberto Santiago and Luis Cruz both participate on the Barretto parts here. Adalberto is in top form here, and he begins with a rocket: "Quitate La Mascara." The medleys rock: they're performed with enough drive to move a locomotive, and leave you wanting more. The Pete "El Conde" piece opens with a new composition written and performed by Pedro Brull, one of the best soneros in Puerto Rico. Lead vocals on the other tracks are performed with verve by Jorge Maldonado (who sang with Louie Ramirez, Charanga America, Manny Oquendo etc.) and Elsa Ozuna, who does a striking Celia Cruz on the Sonora Matancera set. With Ray Martinez, Edwin Sanchez, Richie Viruet, Manuel Ruiz, Bobby Allende, Rolando De Los Reyes, Luisito Obregoso. Special guests Eddie Zervigón and Willy Torres. Highly Recommended. (BP, 2006-09-17)
