| At
SalsaPower we are no longer surprised to find
salseros in the most remote corners of this planet, so it should
come as no surprise that in Italy, one of the countries where
salsa is really, really hot, that we
would find a really, really hot salsa
band in Venice!
The
driving force behind La Banda del Puerto is the
Director, Diego Fabbian, an Italian, together
with Rodolfo Crespo and Leonardo Angel
Rodríguez, both Cubans living in Venice.
They
have been around since 1991, starting as a local cover band, but
in 1999 they had a hit single, "Levantando las manos",
followed by "Havanacola" in 2000 and "Buenas
noches Puerto Rico" 2001. But in 2003 they finally came
out with a complete album of original material entitled, "Salsero".
Unfortunately, the hits are not on this album, as it is all new
material.
This
album has decidedly timba-like overtones to most of the songs,
yet the last track is a romantic ballad, with a more melodic sound.
This is the slow track you dance with your partner at the end
of the evening when the seduction of the salsa numbers has already
done the trick! The vocals are smooth and the percussion is from
the heart - a combination guaranteeing danceability.
This
band shows great promise at an international level - but without
major promotional backing, the word won't get out about them.
They won the Italian Grammy award for Best Italian
Salsa Group in 2004, but outside of Europe they
have not had much exposure.
So,
SalsaPower readers, here's a challenge for you:
help spread the word! Tell your friends about new, up-and-coming
salsa bands around the world... promote salsa by purchasing
the albums, not burning copies, and let's keep salsa growing!
Buy
this record! Send an e-mail to: labandadelpuerto@libero.it |
