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May Peters: Tributo de Tambor y Trombon en Clave de Mujer Boricua
ByThis is an instrumental compilation of songs composed and performed by female Puerto Rican cabaret singers during the golden days of radio on the island, which was saturated with boleros, danzas, and mambos. Dramatic liberties were taken with the arrangements by pianist/producer Eric Figueroa, who set up all the songs with a dominant percussion factor and has Peters leading the charge with a ferocious combination of energy and finesse. Having paid her dues with numerous salsa, bomba, and plena bands, she obviously thrives in this environment and the results are impressive.
The musicians on this record are some of the best in Puerto Rico. Anchored by veteran bassist Ramon Vazquez and conga master Paoli Mejias, they are all experts in the Afro-Caribbean tradition and know precisely how each complex rhythmic variation should be executed. Peters melodically improvises through the songs as if surfing on a pulsing wave.
Starting off with "Dí Corazon," by the revered Sylvia Rexach, and going right into "Caramelo y Chocolate," by the risqué vedette Iris Chacon, Peters and company firmly lay down the familiar lyric lines, then the heat is turned up. The standout number is Lucy Fabery's "La Oportunidad"; clocking in at over eight minutes, it has plenty of room for stretching out and developing a solid groove. The pace is slowed down for "Medly Myrta Silva," a steamy bolero dedicated to the legendary Myrta Silva, who was known for her showmanship and flamboyant personality.
Though perhaps not familiar outside of Latin music aficionados, these women were influential artists and composers, and admired by generations. This tribute by Peters is exceptional and indicates her profound knowledge---both of the music and where it can be creatively transported.
Track Listing
Di Corazón; Caramelo y Chocolate; Estoy Enamorado; La Oportunidad; Si Tu No Hubieras Ido; Medley Myrta Silva; Nací & Así Hoy; Tu Equivocación; Medley Myrta Silva Radio Version; Nací & Así Hoy Extended.
Personnel
May Peters
tromboneMay Peters: trombone, producer; Eric Figueroa: piano, arranger, producer; Ramón Vázquez: bass; Paoli Mejías: tumbadoras, congas, buleador, panderos; Tony Escapa: drums; Manolito Rodríguez: timbales; Daniel Díaz: bongos, buleador, panderos, quinto, seguidor, tumbador; Pablo "El Indio" Rosario: maracas, guïro, clave; Greg Schmitt: electric guitar; Pedro Guzmán: Puerto Rican cuatro; Mickey Alvarado: surdo, tamborine, shekere, caxixi, cuica, whistles, percussion effects; Raul Berrios: cuica, shekere; Cándido Reyes: guicharo.
Album information
Title: Tributo de Tambor y Trombon en Clave de Mujer Boricua | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Self Produced