Fania Records Retrospective Comp

Fania Records 1964-1980 The Original Sound of Latin New York, the new collection of Latin music gems out March 29, 2011 on Strut Records, is a monumental collection of some of the best Latin music ever recorded. Featuring legends like Ray Beretto, Celia Cruz, Willie Colon, and Mongo Santamaria, this comp is everything any fan of Latin music could ever ask for.

Founded in 1964 by Dominican salsero Johnny Pacheco and Italian-American lawyer Jerry Masucci, Fania Records was instrumental in defining the New York salsa sound. As the Spanish-speaking immigrant population continued to grow over the 1940's and 50's, mambo-kings like Tito Puente and Charli Palmieri rose to prolific stature. As the 60's rolled around and popularity of mambo started to wane, Pacheco cultivated a new movement of inventive sounds that would overtake the dance floors of Spanish Harlem and eventually the rest of the Latin communities across the city and the world. By signing budding stars like Celia Cruz and Ruben Blades as their careers were first starting, Fania quickly defined what became the New York Salsa sound.

This comp is like an encyclopedia of Latin music. If you're a huge fan, or if you have a passing interest, this is a must-have. Everything from salsa to boogaloo from Ray Beretto to The Fania All-Stars, all of the legends are featured. Definitely check it out.

Willie Colon - Che Che Cole by afrobeatblog