Here's a list of this week's notable new releases in Latin music.
1. Ivan Ovalle - Simplemente Vallenato
Ivan Ovalle is a Colombian singer/songwriter; he added performance to his repetoire in the early '90s, after writing hit songs for many other musicians.. In 2006, vallenato and cumbia were added to the Latin Grammy Award categories and Ovalle's Veinte Anos Despues was honored with a nomination for Best Cumbia/Vallenato album. If you're not familiar with the infectious music from Colombia, this might be a worthwhile album to check out.
2. Los Morros del Norte - Que Vida Tan Vivida
From Culiacan Sinaloa, Mexico, norteno band Los Morros del Norte have taken awhile to catch on with their public, but they seem to have really attained a new level of popularity in the last couple of years. They've changed labels quite often; this is their first album for Machete Records.3. Los Horoscopos De Durango - La Historia
The music of Mexico's Durango provice (called Duranguense) has become more and more popular; Los Horoscopos De Durango has arguably been the most famous proponent of Duranguense banda. A number of bandmembers left last summer; this album appears to be a "Best of" compilation.4. Joe Bataan - Gypsy Woman (Remastered)
Joe Bataan has led quite a life. This musician from New York's Spanish Harlem combined doo-wop with boogaloo and was signed with the Fania record label in 1966; Gypsy Woman was his first release and was named after the title track, a Latin cover of the Impression's "Gypsy Woman".5. Compay Segundo - Cien Anos - 100th Birthday Celebration
Cuba's Compay Segundo began playing music as a child but it wasn't until he was in his late 70s that he gained international recognition by being a member of the Buena Vista Social Club. The opening track of Ry Cooder's smash album, "Chan Chan" was written by Segundo who then went on to perform all over the world with other Buena Vista Social Club members.He was born in 1907 and would have been 100 years old in 2007. Unfortunately, he didn't quite make it, dying in Havana of kydney failure in 2003. In honor of what would have been his 100th birthday, this album was released, celebrating the lifetime work of a great Cuban musician.
6. Sonora Poncena - Desde Puerto Rico A Nueva York (Remastered)
Puerto Rico's Sonora Poncena is a landmark salsa band that was part of the great Fania label. This Tuesday you'll be able to get a remastered copy of the classic sound of salsa from the big band from Ponce (thus, the name).