1. Juan Formell y Los Van Van - 'Arrasando'
It's always a treat to see a new album from Cuba's house band, Los Van Van. The Arrasando vocal line-up includes Mario Rivera, Yenisel Valdes, Roberto Hernandez, Abdel Rasalps and guest Vanessa Formell, daughter to Los Van Van leader Juan Formell.
2. Orestes Vilato - 'It's About Time'
Orestes Vilato is a legendary, self-taught percussionist from Camaguey Province, Cuba who, after moving to New York, spent the next decades playing with some of the best musicians in town including the Fania All-Stars, Cachao and Ray Barretto. This one is for salsa fans.
3. Amaia Montero - 'Amaia Montero'
Amaia Montero left Spanish pop/rock group La Oreja de Van Gogh in 2007 for a solo career. La Oreja de Van Gogh has gone on with a new vocalist; this is Montera's self-titled debut album with songs composed by the singer.
4. Alex Bueno - 'Bachatas En Ternuras'
There haven't been a lot of bachata albums to hit the streets lately so fans should get a lift from Dominican Alex Bueno's new album.
5. Chango Spasiuk - 'Pynandi'
'Pynandi' means 'barefoot' in the dialect of Argentina's Guarani people; the word is also used to refer to Argentine's country folk. Chango Spasiuk is an accordionist who excels at the folkloric traditions of the Northeast. If you've never had a chance to hear the sunny music called 'chamame' then Pynandi is a great introduction.
6. Olinda Cordova - 'The Triumph'
Olinda Cordova is a Latin R&B artist who sings in both English and Spanish. Although she's been performing as an opening act for Victor Manuelle, Vicente Fernandez, Aventura and others, this is her debut album.
7. Luis Borda - 'Chicas De Otras Barrios'
Argentine tango master Luis Borda's Chicas de Otros Barrios features Borda's working band and guest star Lidia Borda, a singer of whom Rolling Stone Magazine described as 'the best tango singer of the present.'
8. Gilberto Santa Rosa - 'El Caballero de la Salsa'
A 'best of' album by popular Puerto Rican salsero Gilberto Santa Rosa, this release is packaged as either a single CD or CD/DVD combo. Contains such hits as 'Conciencia', 'Conteo Regresivo', "Dejate Querer' - in fact most of Santa Rosa's popular singles.
