This is my first CD review for the Descarga Newsletter and I can’t think of a better person to bestow such an honor upon than pianist Ray Santiago, who has been tinkling the ivories now for more than twenty years. If the name somehow sounds familiar to you, it should. You may think you recognize him when you hear his frenzied montunos race alongside Ray Martinez’ tumbaos. And if the music on this CD conjures up some memories of the old Saoco group, it would not surprise me. You see, Ray was a founding member of that group. His style, hard-driving yet tasty, is sure to satisfy any fan of straight-ahead Cuban dance music.
However, unless you’ve lived (and danced) in the city of Brooklyn, it’s unlikely that you have ever been exposed to this energetic and creative musician. With this CD, all that will dramatically change. And, if you are one of those folks who are really thirsting to hear good Cuban salsa—a là New York City—then this one’s for you. It contains eight no nonsense tunes, full of positive messages, and some great singing by both Abe Rodriguez and Julian Llanos, as well as great arrangements by former Saoco founder William Millan and keyboard giant Oscar Hernandez, among others. The often used verb exciting is the only way I can describe the rhythms laid down by former Saoco member Ray Alcantara, popular New York deejay Jose Clausell and pianist David Forrestier (heard here on bongos). Trombonists Leo Pineda and Reynaldo Jorge shine throughout this recording, as do all the members of the group.
This is Ray’s second recording as a leader, and if he doesn’t screw with the formula, chances are there will be many more like this one. I dig all the selections, but particularly pleasing to me are “Huerfanito” (which features Ray on piano solo), “Montaña,” “Genial Compositor,” and the title track, which is a smoker. So, here it is. Check it out for yourselves. Ray Santiago may not be getting any airplay on the megabucks station, but he’s still a winner.

TOMADO DE DESCARGA.COM

Gracias

Gracias

gracias maestro de verdad gracias por el aporte que hace en pos de fortalecer nuestro genero

Gracias, si tienes el disco de ray santiago, con sandunga te agradezco

GRACIAS BAJANDO

otro gran aporte!

Enorabuena, y sigue así pablo!

hola sebastan, no conozco ningun disco de ray santiago con ese nombre, quizas alguien lo conozca y tenga.

salsaludos

Ray santiago, estupendo.
Muchas gracias.

Que no muera la salsa!!!!!!!1

Ray santiago, estupendo.
Muchas gracias.

Que no muera la salsa!!!!!!!

Primero que todo Mil Gracias.

Estaba buscando este trabajo, mas aun cuando me entere que Julian Llanos habia Fallecido el abril pasado.
Por otra parte aprovecho para saber si tiene algo del mismo julian que no sea con la Orquesta de Hector Rivera pues ya los tengo, agradeceria de antemano el favor.
Por ultimo quiero manifestarle mis respetos y mi admiracion por el gran aporte que mediante estos medios usted hace a la madre de los ritmos del caribe. La Salsa.

Un Abrazo.

Aristo Rodriguez

Gracias es por el aporte

Que viva la salsa

thank you

Muchisimas gracias

pablito muchisimas gracias