For so many Rubén Blades fans, primarily familiar with his later and more exploratory work, this album offers up the opportunity to experience in depth the "straight down the middle" salsa that made him a household name. With selections spanning from 1970 to 1987, this disc captures New York salsa in full bloom, and shows Blades to be one of her crown princes. Unfortunately, the disc lacks consistency. The decision to include both mega-hits like "Plastico" and "Buscando Guyaba" with relatively unknown gems like "Vale Mas un ...
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For so many Rubén Blades fans, primarily familiar with his later and more exploratory work, this album offers up the opportunity to experience in depth the "straight down the middle" salsa that made him a household name. With selections spanning from 1970 to 1987, this disc captures New York salsa in full bloom, and shows Blades to be one of her crown princes. Unfortunately, the disc lacks consistency. The decision to include both mega-hits like "Plastico" and "Buscando Guyaba" with relatively unknown gems like "Vale Mas un Guaguanco" or "No Hay Chance" makes this collection a less-than-perfect fit for both the unfamiliar, looking for an introduction to this salsa great, and to the dedicated fan, in search of the lesser-known works. The beauty of this collection is the opportunity to hear Rubén not only as a bandleader, but also the alchemy in his collaborations with Pete "Boogaloo" Rodriguez, Ray Barretto, Willie Colón, Larry Harlow, and other great bandleaders of the day. In his climb to a strong and consistent career as leader, Blades lent his soaring, crystal-clear voice to many of the scene's heavy hitters. The sheer "dance-ability" of the material served up on Salsa Caliente de Nu York redeems this disc. Any hour and a half spent with this incendiary salsero is well spent. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, Rovi
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