Here are this week's notable new releases.
1. Flex - - Te Quiero
Courtesy EMI
Although most of our contemporary reggaeton artists come from Puerto Rico, reggaeton was really born in Panama. Flex is a Panamanian artist that acknowledges reggaeton pioneer El General as one of his greatest influences and his music is a fusion of reggae and other Spanish rhythms. But while you do get a lot of that ole dembow rhythm, this really is a different type of fusion. I think we're going to be hearing more about Flex.
2. Bobby Valentin - Evolution
Veteran bassist Bobby Valentin's Evolution would be my pick of this week's releases. The ex-Fania All Star has been part of the scene since salsa's inception, so I'm betting this is going to be a dynamite album. If you think it looks a little pricey, note that you get both a CD and DVD for the price.3. Barrio Boyz - Los Romanticos (Re-release)
The Barrio Boyz were pretty popular at the height of the 'boy band' craze; you might remember their famous duet of "Donde Quiera Que Estes" with the late Selena. Their music is crooner-style Latin rhythms melded with r&b. Los Romanticos is a re-release of their 2006 album, but it should be perfect for a seductive Valentine evening.4. Paloma San Basilio - Los Romanticos
Spain's Paloma San Basillo has a wonderful voice which she's used on the stage, starring as Evita, Dulcinea in Man of La Mancha and Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. She's also sung with Placido Domingo and is a diva in her own right.Los Romanticos is a compilation album of songs, mostly from movies or the stage musical repetoire. She reminds me a little of Sarah Brightman, so if that's the kind of music that you like to listen to in front of the fireplace, this is the album for you.
5. Ricardo Montaner - Los Romanticos
This looks like a compilation cd made just for Valentine's day, containing Montaner hits like "Solo Pienso En Ti", "Hoy Tengo Ganas De Ti", and "Nada". Personally, I'm not so fond of Montaner singing, but I love his songwriting ability, and these are some of his best romantic tunes.6. Ednita Nazario - Los Romanticos
After a career spanning 5 decades, Puerto Rico's Ednita Nazario shows little sign of slowing down. Of course, she's not really that old since her carrer started when she was still in her single-digits. For the many fans of Nazario, this appears to be a compilation of her best-loved ballads.7. Willie Colon - A Man And His Music: The Essential Willie Colon
Another Fania release that looks like a compilation of some of Colon's hits.8. Celia Cruz / Willie Colon - The Winners (Remastered)
Remastered release of Celia Cruz & Willie Colon's 1987 album.