DJ Steevo's Top Ten Romantica tracks (25th March 08)
Written by JoJo
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
10. Ella se Hizo Deseo- Tito Rojas The first person I heard play this was Julian ‘The Duke’ @ Clockwork (formerly known as the Finca). The sublime piano intro, which reminded me of a Jazz standard could not go unnoticed; not to mention Tito’s distinctive vocals. 9. Sin Voluntad (live version)- Gilberto Santa Rosa If anyone is ever in any doubt about this artist’s popularity, then you only need to listen to this version and the crowd’s response, which truly overwhelmed me when I heard this for the first time. Taken from the Live @ The Carnegie Hall album - not many salsa artists can boast a sell out concert at this prestigious venue in New York City. I have so many favourites from Gilberto, but this for me stands out amongst the rest. 8. Iglesia- Tony Vega
Ok so I’m gonna stick my neck out here and go against the grain so to speak. When you mention this artists’s name most people would instantly choose ‘Esa Mujer’ as their favourite. However the more I played this one, the more I got into it. From the string/brass intro it gradually intensifies without changing the pace of rhythm; making it perfect for someone like myself who loves to interpret the music when dancing. 7. Amor Bandido- Grupo Niche This band was one of my favs until the two lead singers Javier and Willie left. However there still seems to be life within after their departure, as the founder member of the group Jairo Varela has re-stamped his own steelo so to speak. My favourite track off the album ‘Imaginacion’ (Julian’s too). 6. Lleno de Ti – Colombia All Stars
For a romantica salsa tune this really kicks, but you never get that impression when you hear the intro. From the vocals and the awesome percussion, to the intermittent brass riffs; all intertwining to make a kick-ass sound. 5. Luna Negra – Rey Ruiz
From the man they call ‘El Bon Bon De La Salsa’, Senor Ruiz has a plethora of romantica tunes under his belt. This one stands out for me and whenever I hear it, it takes me back to my humble beginnings @ The Mambo Inn (Loughborough Hotel) in Brixton. Aaaaah the memories……………….
4. Cuando la Olvide Que? – Maelo Ruiz My favourite track by Maelo was ‘Te Necesito Mi Amor’ (taking me back to Brixton once more). However upon hearing this one I was totally blown away. Just check out the lyrical arrangement in the first half of this song. Wicked!!! 3. Vida Consentida (salsa version) – Son De Cali Javier Vasquez and Willie Garcia left Grupo Niche to form their own outfit ‘Son De Cali’ and never looked back. They have managed to create a sound of their own which in this current climate is an outstanding achievement. From their second album ‘Creciendo’, it becomes apparent how wide their vocal range is when you hear this track - I thought Cheo Feliciano was a guest vocalist ………… Wicked!!! 2. Se Que Sufrire – Son Charanga
This outfit is one of Diego Gale’s (Grupo Gale) many projects. From the album ‘Descarga y Tumbao’ this is the killer track for me. Whenever I play this, be it @ home or out and about on my mp3 player, it has to get a rewind or two. 1. Un Amante Como Yo – La Suprema Corte My numero uno romantica track of all time. This track goes right through me every time it caresses my ear lobes. So deep, and so sensual. Makes me wanna hold a corner and just lock down. Know what I mean!? Mmmmmmmmm………
Steevo DJs on Vertex FM's new Latin show called 'The Salsasabro Show' which is broadcast on Wednesday nights from 6 til 8pm every week.
