Fania All Stars – Live At Yankee Stadium Vol. 1

Adalberto Santiago, Alfredo De La Fé, Alphonse Mouzon, Barry Rogers, Billy Cobham, Bobby Cruz, Bobby Quesada, Bobby Valentin, Boncana Maïga, Cali Aleman, Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, Eddie Palmieri, Hector Lavoe, Hector Zarzuela, Ismael Miranda, Izzy Sanabria, Jimmy Delgado, Joe Bataan, Johnny Pacheco.  Look at that list.  These are the kings of salsa. bolero, and so many other genres, with a few legendary jazz folks helping out. The Fania All Continue Reading

Orchestra Baobab (Baobab-Gouye-Gui de Dakar) – Mouhamadou Bamba

Orchestra Baobab are perhaps my favorite band from Africa ever.  That’s saying something, as they rank higher to me than the ever-brilliant Fela Kuti or Tony Allen.  This particular album blends traditional West African pop and local traditions with an Afro-Cuban vibe, jazz, and even a hint of psychedelic music.