Sabor cover
Released

Vocalist Angel Canales debuted on pianist Mark “Markolino” Dimond’s fierce 1971 album Brujería, instantly setting himself apart from other salsa vocalists with his odd, somewhat nasal voice, incantatory approach to lyrics and unexpected emphases. Four years later, on his solo debut Sabor, he was arguably even weirder. But his voice fits perfectly with the loose, jazzy arrangements, which feature a broader range of horns than usual — flute, trumpet, trombone, and baritone sax. Canales’ instinctive approach to his performances, and the band’s energetic playing, make this a uniquely vivid and exciting album; “Sol de Mi Vida” (“Sun of My Life”) and “Hace Tiempo” (“Long Time”) are particular highlights, as is the ballad “La Hiedra” (“The Ivy”).

Phil Freeman

Suggestions
Esto Sí es lo Mío cover

Esto Sí es lo Mío

Ismael Rivera y sus Cachimbos
Irrepetible cover

Irrepetible

Gilberto Santa Rosa
There Goes the Neighborhood cover

There Goes the Neighborhood

Willie Colón, Mon Rivera
Apollo Sound 6 cover

Apollo Sound 6

Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound
Siembra cover

Siembra

Willie Colón, Rubén Blades
Re cover

Re

Café Tacuba
Cosa Nuestra cover

Cosa Nuestra

Héctor Lavoe, Willie Colón
El Progreso cover

El Progreso

Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound