Siguiendo la tradicion

Album Review

With a combination of Puente style big band latin jazz and 1970's New York Salsa, Orquesta Nueva Era steps boldly onto the West Coast scene. Headed by percussionist/bandleader Steve Guasch, the gutsy salsa orquesta is armed to the teeth with arrangements by some of latin jazz's finest including the preeminent Oscar Hernandez, Nachito Herrera and young lion, latin jazz newcomer Paoli Mejias. Though there are a number of seriously scorching instrumental and vocal performances, the sophistication of the arrangements is the shining star in Guasch's sky. The horn work is consistently top drawer, and the flow of each composition is continuously engaging, incorporating flowing piano work, Yoruban inspired bata melody and everything in between. The rhythm section is dangerously tight, including rising Puerto Rican star Mejias and the increasingly notable West Coast pianist Julio Juaregui. At times as smooth and relaxed as the sway of the ocean, the rhythm players are equally capable of a hurricane's fury when the time comes. Vocally, the record is pleasingly reminiscent of salsa recordings of a bygone era. Siguiendo La Tradicion follows tradition well, and may even start a few traditions of it's own. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide