The
Spanish Harlem Orchestra is back and they're even tighter and more swinging than before. They've added vocalists
Willie Torres and
Marcos Bermudez to replace
Hermán Olivera and
Frankie Vázquez, while keeping the fine vocalist
Ray de la Paz in the band.
Torres sings lead on cover versions of "Dime Si Llegue a Tiempo" and "Maestro de Rumberos," while
Bermudez sings lead on "Tu Tun Sueña el Tambo," which features outstanding trombone playing by
Jimmy Bosch, and "La Hija de Lola," a
Raúl Marrero song previously recorded by
Charlie Palmieri. Another change is the addition of
Rubén Blades as guest vocalist on four tracks: "Un Gran Dia en el Barrio" (a band original written by
Ray de la Paz),"Bailadores" (a "Héctor Rivera" song previously recorded by the
Joe Cuba Sextet),"Cuando Te Vea" (a
Tito Puente song arranged by Gil Lopes, who also arranged the group's rendition of the bolero "Esperame en el Cielo"), and "Tu Te lo Pierdes" (written by
Blades himself). The last song is one of the best here, but it doesn't quite fit with the overall feel of the album, which is probably why it's a bonus track. The entire band deserves praise for its musicianship, including pianist
Oscar Hernandez and the remarkable horn section.
Across 110th Street doesn't break any new ground musically, as reflected in the high percentage of cover versions, but it's recommended if you want to hear some energetic, danceable music. ~ Todd Kristel