Cosa Nuestra

Cosa Nuestra, the fourth album by trombonist Willie Colón and vocalist Héctor Lavoe, is a remarkably polished release from a leader whose early work — albums like El Malo and The Hustler — had an almost street-gang energy, like they’d crashed into the studio unbidden. Lavoe’s vocals are smooth and romantic, whether on the opening “Che Che Colé” (which Colón adapted from a Ghanaian children’s song, demonstrating the breadth of his listening) or the swaying ballads “Ausencia” and “Tu No Puedes Conmigo.” Colón’s trombone playing has a rough, almost hard bop quality, and he’s capable of highly expressive effects; on “Sangrigorda,” his horn seems to sneer sarcastically. The rhythm section (piano, bass, and multiple percussionists) are tight, but the music always breathes.