Jesús, "El Niño" Alejandro
Soy Montuno
Sar Records
by Omar Walker

 

For many years Roberto Torres of the Sar Record Label has dished out some of the best Son Montunos coming out of the East Coast. From the late, great Papaíto to Miguel Quintana, the label has always maintained a simple and aggressive approach to it's sound. With the new release of Jesus, the label keeps its tradition alive. 

Cuban born El Niño is a very versatile individual, displaying his talents playing a variety of instruments like piano, flute, bass and tres. In addition, he's the composer of 7 out of the 8 songs on this swinging cd. 

With his old school sonero voice, he kicks off the CD with "La Guiñaíta." This track will make you want to go to a club and shake what your momma gave you. Every cut is tight and longer than your average radio song of 3 minutes. 

Label honcho Roberto Torres joins in for a duet on the song "Te extraño Cuba." The song starts slow and builds to an explosive Montuno with both soneros expressing their lament of a far away Cuba. Jesus displays his flute and tres skills on this jelly, while Eduardo Sánchez blows his trumpet alá Chocolate. 

The Sar label has not received recognition or airplay due to their unwillingness to change their sound. I'm glad they have not, because with releases like this they are in a class all by themselves. 
Esto no es salsa monga! 

Songs: 
1- La Guiñaíta 
2- Soy montuno 
3- Antigua Capitana 
4- Te Extraño Cuba 
5- Asómate a la ventana 
6- Coge la recta 
7- El africano 
8- A bailar 

 

Read other CD reviews on SalsaPower HERE

 

This page last updated on 22-Jan-2005