Toro Emsamble, featuring drummer and percussionist Marco Toro Bernal as bandleader, have released a new album: "Recordando". Their third cd is a tribute to Sexteto Juventud, the salsa group that was very popular in Venezuela during the 1970s with their characteristic blend of salsa and pop. Being one of the first groups to use drums and electric guitar and led by Carlos 'Tabaco' Quintana (Tabaco y sus Metales), Sexteto Juventud grew out to a kind of training institute for Latin musicians.
Javier Plaza, who was percussionist with the group in 1979, participates on "Recordando" incarnating the living connection between Toro Ensable and the legendary band to which their hommage is dedicated. Other musicians playing on "Recordando" include percussionist Juan Carlos 'Bulu' Viloria, and Osdorp Posse frontman Def P. The album features no brass instruments, but they're not missed.
After the ten songs dedicated to Sexteto Juventud three bonus tracks follow. In these songs Marco Toro uses traditional percussion instruments to explore his Afrevenezuelan roots, as he did on the previous album "Barrio Latino". The traditional songs come from the region of Barlovento (Aponte, Miranda and Barlovento) up in the north of Venzuela - the land of Cacao. Is that the reason this release is such a sweet treat? For sure it's a great start to discover typical Venezuela's traditional music and percussion like mina drums, culo’e puya, furruco, fulia and quitiplas.
"Recordando" is a well-chosen title: with this recording Marco Toro and his ensamble are recalling Sexteto Juventud's timeless salsa songs including their hits Caramelo y Chocolate, Boogaloo and baila Mi Ritmo. "Recordando" is more than a memory or a tribute to Sexteto Juventud; it's a distinct interpretation creating a musical journey into the past that may be a first encounter with Venezuela's rich musical heritage for many people and is more addictictive than Caramelo y Chocolate!
- drummerszone.com
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